10/13/06 Weekly Report: Police Department Explains What Happens When You Call 911

The following article was contributed to the County newsletter by Chris Loos, Public Relations Specialist with the Hawai`i County Police Department.

Many Big Island residents go most of their lives without any contact with the police until they have an emergency requiring a call to 911. When that happens, they often are excited and sometimes have trouble focusing on the best way to provide the information that can most quickly get them help. The Hawaii Police Department, therefore, is providing and explanation about what citizens may encounter when calling for emergency help.

What happens when you call 911?

All 911 calls on the island are answered at the Police Department. A 911 operator, referred to as a “call taker” will answer and immediately ask, “Police, fire or medical?” If the call is a fire or medical emergency, the call taker forwards it to Fire Department dispatchers located in the Central Fire Station. If it is a police emergency, the call taker must obtain more information so a dispatcher sitting nearby can send an officer to the emergency. The call taker first asks, “What’s your emergency?” and then asks for the caller’s location, call-back number and name.

Why do they ask for that information? Isn’t it already on the 911 computer?

In many cases it is. However, the call taker has no way of knowing if the information on the computer screen is current. Even phones service that has been disconnected works when the phone is used to dial 911. So it’s possible that a phone registered to a previous occupant of a building might have been disconnected and that the new resident is using it to phone in the emergency. Another possibility is that a resident could have moved to a new address and kept the old phone number. Furthermore, some phones can be “call-forwarded” to another location. Finally, cell phones currently don’t provide any information about the caller or the location of the call. For all those reasons, 911 call takers are trained not to assume that the information on the screen is up to date. They must verify the location of the emergency, a call-back number in the event that a call gets “cut off” or they need more information later, and the identity of the person making the call. They often also have to ask for directions to the location of the emergency.

But what if police have been to your house before? Why would they need directions?

Just because one officer has been to your house doesn’t mean every officer in the Police Department knows how to get there. The department has more than 400 officers and 33 different dispatchers.

Don’t all these questions make it take longer for an officer to reach the scene?

No. While the call taker is talking to the caller, the information is being sent electronically to a dispatcher, who is positioned at the district designated radio console and has contact with the district police officers. So, even as you are providing more details, a police car can be en route to your location.

Why do call takers sometimes interrupt you?

It isn’t because they are rude or insensitive. They are trained to interrupt callers who are rambling on before providing the information the officers need to respond to the scene. If the call taker interrupts you and says, “Sir, where are you?” please don’t be offended. The officer who responds to the scene can get the background that led to the emergency but the call taker first has to get that officer to your location.

What happens if you call 911 and the call taker refers you to a non-emergency number?

Once it is determined that your call does not require immediate police assistance, the call taker will ask you to call back on the Police Department’s non-emergency number, 935-3311. That way you will still have an opportunity to request an officer but your call won’t tie up the 911 lines for emergencies that need immediate attention.

Your Hawai`i County Police Department is grateful for our community’s ongoing support of our efforts to keep Hawai`i Island a safe place to live. Mahalo nui loa.

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COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

Come Learn About GREEN BUILDING and What It Can Mean for Hawai`i Island

Green building can save money on utility bills, decrease maintenance costs, and help protect the value of your real estate investment. Attend one of the free public presentations and information sessions listed above. No reservations required.

Lucia Athens, Green Building Program Coordinator, Seattle Dept. of Planning & Development, will be sharing her experience in establishing green building programs and policies in Seattle, Washington. The City of Seattle adopted the first LEED based policy in 2000 (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a national green building standard), and has since expanded its programs to include LEED incentives, technical assistance, education, and building permitting assistance. Lucia will also share some of the City of Seattle's innovative strategies for their own Capital Improvement Projects.

Sustainable infrastructure strategies included in Seattle's projects are: natural drainage, rainwater collection, passive heating and cooling, green roofs, and innovative street designs. Check out the website www.seattle.gov/dpd/sustainability .

When and Where:

Kona: Saturday, October 14, Kealakehe High School Library, from 9 am-11 am

Waimea: Monday, October 16, 2006, Kahilu Town Hall, 6:30 pm–8:00 pm

Hilo: Tuesday, October 17, 2006, County Council Room, 6:30 pm–8 pm

Hilo: Wednesday, October 18, 2006, Aupuni Center, 9:30 am–11:00 am

Puna: Wednesday, October 18, 2006, HPP Community Association,6:30 pm–8 pm

This presentation is sponsored by Hawaii County's Department of Planning, Department of Research and Development, and U.H. Sea Grant College Program. Jacoby Development, Inc. contributed to the costs of the presentation.

For more information, please go to the website www.hawaiiislandplan.com .

Any person with disabilities requiring special assistance or person requiring auxiliary aid and/or services to participate in the meeting should contact the Planning Department at 961-8288 three (3) working days prior to the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

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County Council, County Clerk’s Offices Move to Ben Franklin Bldg, 2^nd Floor

To make way for renovation of the Hawai‘i County Building, the Offices of the County Council and County Clerk have relocated to 333 Kilauea Avenue in Hilo (Ben Franklin Building, Second Floor).

Telephone numbers will remain the same: 961-8225 for Council Members, and 961-8255 for the County Clerk. The mailing address for both Council Members and the County Clerk will also remain the same: 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawai‘i.

The first County Council meeting at 333 Kilauea Avenue will be held on October 16th, 2006. The first Council Committee meetings at 333 Kilauea Avenue will be held on October 17th and October 18th, 2006. Videoconferencing will be available between the Waimea and Kona Council Offices. Meeting agenda can be found on-line at http://co.hawaii.hi.us/council/council.htm .

We invite you to attend and participate in the formulation of legislation and public policy for Hawai‘i County. Thank you for your kokua.

For further information, please contact the County Clerk’s Office at 961-8255.

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Illegal Dwelling Amnesty Ordinances Approved; Grace Period Starts Oct 1

Three ordinances granting amnesty for illegal dwellings will become law on October 1, 2006. Ordinance 311 relates to the Building Code, Ordinance 312 relates to the Plumbing Code and Ordinance 313 relating to the Electrical Code.

How does amnesty work in this case?

For those unfamiliar with amnesty, this is how it works. Owners of homes or farm buildings completed prior to January 1, 2006 that did not receive proper authorization to build these structures, and who wish to legalize their structures, have a year starting October 1, 2006 to file the proper forms with the County.

If in doubt…

If you are unsure of whether you should participate in the amnesty process, please keep in mind the following:

· Building, Plumbing and Electrical Permits are required for all building construction work, including renovations, additions, sheds, garages, patios, animal kennels and antennas more than six (6) feet high.

· Building construction requires a review and stamp of approval by a licensed professional structural engineer or architect.

· All plumbing and electrical work requires a permit by a licensed plumber or electrician, respectively.

What does the permit process entail?

The permit process includes working with not just the Building division of Public Works, where plans and applications are reviewed and electrical and plumbing permits are issued. The permit process also involves working with the Engineering division of Public Works, the Planning Department, the State Department of Health for a septic system or the County Department of Environmental Management for a sewer hookup.

How long does it normally take to go through the permit process?

The average timeframe for processing applications and receiving approvals from all departments is between four to six weeks.

Taking advantage of this opportunity to avoid penalties

Building owners must secure the proper permits, and comply with all building, electrical and plumbing codes, and would be exempt from any penalties and pay only the existing $20 per 100 square feet of floor space, plus any other pertinent fees for private garages, carports, sheds and agricultural buildings, fences more than six (6) feet high, tanks and towers.

What penalties could result if a person fails to take advantage of the amnesty during the one-year grace period?

Penalties would be the doubling of the calculated fee for the respective permit. For example, a building permit fee of $600 would be doubled, for a total of $1,200 including penalty fee. Plumbing and electrical fee penalties would be additional.

Another incentive to take advantage of the amnesty: when you wish to sell your house

Realtors ask the seller if the structure has all necessary permits, and will disclose their findings to the prospective buyer. It obviously pays to have all your permits in order in the event you wish to sell your house.

Get a building permit worksheet to guide you through the process

A building permit worksheet is available on-line at the County of Hawaii’s website,

co.hawaii.hi.us . Click on the Departments page; go to Public Works and click on Building. Owners may complete this form and bring it, along with their building plans, to either the Kona or Hilo office.

You can also obtain an informational booklet online

The County Department of Public Works has an informational booklet, “How to Obtain a Building Permit,” which is also on-line. It explains the process and a varying fee structure for residential buildings.

Where should I start the permit process?

Forms can be taken to either the County Building division of Public Works in Hilo at Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street or in Kona to the County’s Hanama Place office.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Both offices are closed weekends and holidays.

For additional information, please contact Bruce C. McClure, P.E., Director of the Department of Public Works, at (808) 961-8321, or Noelani Whittington, Community Outreach, (808) 557-6437.

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Amnesty Bill for Illegal Residential, Ag Structures - Requirements

The County Council has recently passed an Amnesty Bill which will allow the homeowner to apply for permits for illegal structures (residential dwellings R-3 occupancies and agricultural buildings M -1 occupancies) that were constructed and finished before January 1, 2006.

Should you choose to take advantage of the Amnesty Bill, please be aware of the following minimum requirements:

BUILDING

Submit complete architectural drawings which will include but not limited to a site plan, existing floor plan, demolition floor plan, revised floor plan, foundation plan, floor framing plan, section, exterior elevations, details, etc.
All drawings submitted for building permit must be stamped with a seal of a registered architect/structural engineer licensed in the State of Hawaii along with statements “This work was prepared by me our under my supervision” and “Construction of this project will be under my observation.” The architect/structural engineer must also submit a letter certifying that he/she had conducted all inspections during construction and that the construction was done in accordance to the code that the construction was done.

Additions, Alterations and Repairs:

Alterations or repairs, not exceeding 25% of the value of an existing building or structure, which are nonstructural and do not affect any member or part of the building or structure having required fire resistance, may be made with the same material of which the building or structure is constructed.
Additions, alterations and repairs not exceeding 50% of replacement value of an existing building or structure, the new construction shall conform to the requirements of present code enforced.
Additions, alterations and repairs exceeding 50% of replacement value of an existing building or structure, the entire structure shall be made to conform to requirements of present code enforced.
Architect/Structural Engineer is responsible for inspections up to final inspection. The County Building Inspector is responsible to do the final inspection.

Electrical & Plumbing

· A licensed Electrical and Plumbing contractor licensed in the State of Hawaii must perform all work.

· Both permits must be applied for along with the Building Permit application.

· All Electrical and Plumbing Work must conform to the code that is presently being enforced by the County of Hawaii.

· County Electrical and Plumbing Inspectors shall perform all inspections.

Altogether, Three Permits – Building, electrical and plumbing

Two sets of complete drawings stamped by architect/structural engineer along with letter and electrical and plumbing permit applications shall be submitted for permit processing.
All plans must be routed to the other agencies for their approval prior plan review by Building Division.
Building Division shall do plan reviews of all three applications: building, electrical and plumbing.
All three permits will be issued after review is approved and completed.

For further information, please contact Brian Kajikawa, Building Division of the Department of Public Works at 961-8331. The division’s Kona office number is 327-3520.

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Housing Dept Seeks Project Proposals for 2007 CDBG/HOME Programs

The County of Hawai`i’s Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) is seeking eligible project proposals to include in its 2007 Annual Action Plan to HUD.

The County’s five-year 2005-2009 CP describes the County’s housing and community development needs, funding plans, priorities and objectives, and includes the County’s Annual Action plan for the use of CDBG and HOME Program funds.

The County expects to receive approximately $2,500,000 for its CDBG Program and $1,000,000 for the HOME Program.

Project proposals submitted to the OHCD must comply with the program criteria, meet eligibility requirements, program objectives, and be consistent with the County’s priorities and objectives as contained in the County’s 2005-2009 CP.

All original project proposals and two (2) copies must be received by 4:30 p.m. on January 11, 2007, by the OHCD, 50 Wailuku Drive, Hilo, Hawai`i 96720-2456.

The proposal forms and federal guidelines covering the eligible activities will be available at the following locations beginning October 19, 2006, Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on holidays. Proposal forms will also be mailed, upon request, after October 19, 2006.

OFFICE OF HOUSING AND HAWAI`I COUNTY SERVICES

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Hanama Place

Hilo Armory 75-5706 Kuakini Highway

50 Wailuku Drive Suite 103

Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i 96740

Phone: 961-8379 Phone: 329-5226

In addition, copies of the County’s current CP; Citizen Participation Plan and past performance of CDBG and HOME funds are also available at the Office of Housing and Community Development, 50 Wailuku Drive, Hilo, Hawai`i.

A brief description of the CDBG and HOME Programs area as follows:

Community Development Block Grant Program

Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-383) created the CDBG Program, which became effective January 1, 1974. Under the CDBG Program, a community is able to develop a flexible, locally designed comprehensive community development strategy in order to address the program’s primary objective: “…development of viable urban communities, by providing decent housing and suitable living environments and expanding economic opportunities principally for persons of low and moderate income.”

Under the CDBG program, grants or loan assistance may be used by eligible public agencies, private non-profit organizations, and Community Based Development Organizations (CBDO), (non-profit organization) for the following activities provided that these activities either 1) principally benefit low and moderate income families, 2) aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blight, or 3) meet other community development needs having a particular urgency.

Range of Eligible Activities for the use of CDBG Program Funds:

Acquisition, disposition of real property, relocation payments, clearance
Public facilities
Public service
Payment of non-federal share
Homeownership (i.e. subsidized interest, mortgage guarantee, down payments, closing costs)
Rehabilitation and preservation
Economic development, micro enterprises
Planning and administration

HOME Program

The HOME Program was created under Title II (the HOME Investment Partnerships Act) of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990. The purpose of the HOME Program is to expand the supply of decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing for very low and low-income persons.

Under the HOME Program, equity investments, interest-bearing and non-interest bearing loans or advances, deferred payment loans, grants, may be used by eligible public agencies, private non-profit organizations or other private organizations are eligible to utilize HOME funds for the following activities.

Range of Eligible Activities for the use of HOME Program Funds:

Development hard costs defined as the actual cost of constructing or rehabilitating housing
Acquisition costs
Related soft costs defined as other reasonable and necessary costs incurred and associated with the financing or development (or both) of new construction, rehabilitation or acquisition of housing assisted with HOME funds
Relocation costs
Cost related to tenant-based rental assistance

Applicants applying for HOME funding are required to match for every $1.00 of federal HOME funds expended for the project with at least $0.25 of eligible matching funds.

For more information, please contact the Office of Housing and Community Development at 961-8379.

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County Seeks Information on Potentially Contaminated Sites for Cleanup

Do you know of property on the Big Island that may be contaminated by hazardous substances or pollutants, but may have strong redevelopment potential? The County of Hawai’i wants to hear from you.

The Department of Environmental Management is working with the Environmental Protection Agency and property owners to identify and evaluate these potentially contaminated sites. This is not an environmental enforcement effort, but an opportunity to begin the process of cleaning up.

The intent of this project is first to identify all of the sites in the County. The next step is to select about five sites that have the best potential for redevelopment and evaluate their level of potential contamination.

There will be a preliminary evaluation (a phase one site assessment) of these five sites. The sites will then be reduced to three for a complete evaluation (phase two site assessment) that will include soil sampling.

These two assessments are necessary in order to begin the process of cleaning and redeveloping these sites.

It will provide potential users/developers with the information necessary to determine if redevelopment is appropriate now.

Additionally, completion of the site assessments is necessary to be eligible for federal cleanup grants and loans. The intent of the program is to encourage redevelopment of existing sites as a viable alternative to developing raw land.

One longer-range goal of this project is to develop a large inventory of properties, with substantial redevelopment potential, that we can work from for years to come.

While we will work towards a completed re-development of the most promising sites in the near-term, there will also be sites that are discovered through this process that have great potential in the future.

If you have any information about such sites, please contact Terin Gloor of the Department of Environmental Management, Solid Waste Division at 961-8058. Thank you for your kokua in making the Island of Hawai`i an even nicer place to live.

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Planning Dept to hold Kapoho Subsidence Study Meeting Oct 19

Is Kapoho subsiding? The County of Hawai`i’s Planning Department invites the community to a meeting on findings and preliminary recommendations from its study of subsidence in Kapoho.

WHEN: Thursday, October 19, 2006, 4:30 pm-6:30 pm

WHERE; Pahoa High School Cafeteria, 15-3038 Puna Road

Dr. Benjamin Brooks will present the findings from his analysis of more than three years of satellite GPS data.

Consultant Dennis Hwang will share his preliminary recommendations for shoreline determination and development in the Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland-Hawaii subdivisions.

This is your opportunity to provide input and comment on the findings and initial recommendations prior to completion of the draft report, which is due in November.

NOTE: If you require an accommodation or auxiliary aid and/or services to participate in this meeting, (i.e., sign language interpreter, large print, etc.) please call Larry Brown at 961-8288, ext. 258.

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County Elections Division Seeking Election Day Officials

The Elections Division is currently seeking individuals who are interested in serving as Election Day Officials for the Primary and General Election.

However, we are experiencing difficulty in staffing precincts islandwide, especially in the districts of:

North / South Kona
North / South Kohala
Ka`u
Puna
Hamakua

***The County of Hawaii Elections Division is short of Delivery/Collection Team members for the Kona districts. Delivery/Collection Team officials deliver ballots to and from the polling places while ensuring their security. Collection Delivery Times: Approximately two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening. You can earn between $60 - $90 each Election Day worked.

For information contact the Elections Division at 961-8277.

We are seeking individuals to serve as Precinct Chairpersons, Voter Assistance Officials and Precinct Officials. Please see the attached Fact Sheet on Precinct Officials for information on the qualifications, duties and stipend.

The Elections Division will provide the necessary training.

We are appealing to the citizens in the community to volunteer as Election Day Officials, so that the voters in Hawaii can have a pleasant experience at the polls.

Interested individuals may contact the Elections Division at 959-5126.

Serve as an Election Official – It’s fun and rewarding

Assisting your neighbors and fellow citizens to vote is a fun, challenging and rewarding experience. This is your opportunity to volunteer your services to the community, and at the same time gain first-hand knowledge and experience in the electoral process.

Need a fundraiser?

This is an excellent opportunity for your nonprofit organization. Not only does your organization earn money, you are getting involved and participating in the electoral process. Requirements to participate are:

Each participant must meet the minimum qualifications.
Each organization shall not be a political action committee or organized for a political purpose.
A completed Tax Clearance Application for each organization.
A signed Memorandum of Agreement for each organization.
A completed recruitment worksheet for each organization.

When are the elections?

General Election: Tuesday, November 7, 2006

How long will I be working?

The polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., however precinct officials start at 5:30 a.m. and end at 7:00 p.m.

What are the Minimum Qualifications?

Each precinct official must meet all of the following requirements:

Be 16 years old on or before June 30, 2006.
Be a registered voter in the State of Hawaii.
Able to read (i.e., 11 point font) and write English.
Able to lift 25-35 pounds.
Attend a training session and pass a certification exam.

Restrictions

No parent, spouse, reciprocal beneficiary as defined in HRS Chapter 572C, child, or sibling of a candidate may serve as a precinct official in any precinct where votes may be cast for the candidate.

No candidate for elective office may serve as a precinct official in the same election in which the person is a candidate.

No candidate who failed to be nominated in the primary or special primary election may serve as a precinct official in the following general election.

What will I be doing?

Each polling place consists of a Chairperson, Voter Assistance Official(s) (VAOs), and Precinct Officials (POs).

Precinct Chairperson’s Responsibilities and Duties:

Manages the polling place and is responsible for the security and integrity of ballots issued and votes cast.
Assists voters and administers special procedures such as spoiled ballots, mail-absentee ballots, voter registration update, curbside voting, language assistance.
Organizes and supervises precinct officials and voter activity.
Ensures that all election procedures are correctly followed.
Receives the Supply Box before each election.
Maintains inventory and control of all election materials.
Completes all Election Day documents correctly.

What are the general qualifications for a Chairperson?

The Chairperson shall be the first named precinct official on the list prepared by the chief election officer.

May belong to any political party or be nonpartisan.
Experience in at least two (2) elections is desirable.
Experience as a Voter Assistance Official is desirable.
Meets all other minimum qualifications.

What are the responsibilities and duties of the voter assistance official (VAO)?

Assists the Chairperson in managing the polling place.
Operates the Voter Assistance Station.
Assists voters and administers special procedures such as spoiled ballots, mail-absentee ballots, voter registration update, curbside voting, language assistance.
Assists the Chairperson in completing all Election Day documents.
Assists the Chairperson with miscellaneous duties.

General qualifications for a voter assistance official

May belong to any political party or be nonpartisan.
Experience in at least one (1) election is desirable.
Meets all minimum qualifications.

What are the responsibilities and duties of the precinct official (PO)?

Operates the following stations at the polling place:

1. Information and Ballot Demonstration Station

2. Poll Book Station

3. Ballot Issuing Station

4. Ballot Box Station

Assists voters with Election Day questions.
Assists the Chairperson and/or Voter Assistance Official (VAO) with miscellaneous duties.

General qualifications for a precinct official

May belong to any political party or be nonpartisan.
Meets all minimum qualifications).

Standby Precinct Official

May belong to any political party or be nonpartisan.
Reports to Election Headquarters on election morning for dispatch to a polling place that requires additional staffing.
Personal transportation required.
Responsible for precinct official duties.
If polling places do not require additional staffing, the Standby Official will still be compensated the full rate.
Meets all minimum qualifications

Alternate

May belong to any political party or be nonpartisan.
Stands-by at home on election morning for dispatch to a polling place that requires additional staffing.
May be contacted prior to Election Day to replace a precinct official that is unable to work.
Responsible for precinct official duties.
If the Alternate is contacted and works in a polling place on Election Day, he/she will be compensated at the same rate as a Precinct Official.
If polling places do not require additional staffing, the Alternate will be compensated $5.
If the Alternate is contacted to work but declines, he/she will not be compensated.
Must meet all minimum qualifications.

Note: Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes §11-72, all qualified political parties shall submit names to the Chief Election Officer by a statutory deadline. The recruitment deadline for the 2006 Elections was May 26, 2006, 4:30 p.m.

Precinct officials recruited by their respective political party and submitted to the Office of Elections by the statutory deadline have first priority when being assigned to a specific polling place. You are encouraged to call the political party of your choice to volunteer your services as a precinct official.

In the event that all positions are not filled by the political party recruitment deadline, HRS §11-72 gives the Chief Election Officer the authority to fill the vacancies with any qualified person, without regard to political party affiliation.

Mail outs to the past elections’ precinct officials, public service announcements, and presentations by election staff ensure the required number of precinct officials to fully staff the polling places on Election Day.

How will I know what to do on Election Day?

Everyone is required to attend at least one training session and pass a certification exam. Precinct officials will be instructed in the standard operating procedures for each station within the polling place.

The chairperson of the polling place will assign precinct officials to their workstation. Precinct officials rotate through all the stations during the course of the day and perform additional duties that may be required.

When is training?

Training sessions are held between June and November. The Precinct Operations staff will schedule you to attend a convenient training session in your area.

Where will I work?

State Law requires precinct officials to work in the precinct in which they vote. However, if no vacancy exists within your precinct, you will be placed in a precinct within your district. If no vacancy exists within your district, you will be placed in a neighboring district. The earlier you volunteer to work, the better your chances for working close to home.

Will I be paid?

Yes, the compensation rates for each election worked for the 2006 Elections are:

Chairperson – Rates are based on the unit size of the polling place. The unit size is based on the registered voter count in each precinct.

• for one-unit precinct	$85
• for two-unit precinct	$100
• for three-unit precinct	$115
• for four-unit precinct	$130
• for five-unit precinct	$145
Voter Assistance Official	$80
Precinct Official	$75
Standby Precinct Official	$75
Alternate	$5

Every vote counts and so does your help!

Contact the Precinct Operations Section for more information at 1-800-442-VOTE (8683) or 1-800-345-5915, TTY: 808-453-6150.

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Don’t Forget to Vote in General Elections November 7

The General Election takes place on Tuesday, November 7, 2006. Please exercise your right to vote by casting your ballot.

You may cast your vote either by absentee mail ballot, absentee walk-in voting, or by voting on Primary day at your designated polling place. Registered voters in Hawai`i County will have received a yellow postcard from the Elections Division informing them of the location of their designated polling place.

If you need information about your designated polling place or have any questions, please contact the Hawai`i County Elections Office at 961-8277.

***The Elections Division wishes to remind voters that the Hilo Elections Office has moved to Prince Kuhio Plaza, across from the former Dottie’s restaurant. It had formerly been located on the ground floor of the old County building at 25 Aupuni Street.

The Hawai`i County Elections Division is accepting applications for absentee mail ballots for the 2006 General Elections. The deadline to request an absentee mail ballot for the General Election is 4:30 p.m. on October 31, 2006.

Applications for an absentee mail ballot can be obtained from the Elections Division at Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo or by downloading it at www.co.hawaii.hi.us/elections .

Absentee Walk-in Voting:

General Election Absentee Walk-In Voting begins on October 24 - November 4, 2006.

Hours of operation and venues are as follows:

Elections Division - Prince Kuhio Plaza 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday - Saturday

Kona Mayors Offc Conf Rm, Hanama Pl. 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday

Waimea Community Center 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Friday

North Kohala Courthouse 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Monday - Friday

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Pahala Community Center 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Monday - Friday

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Please exercise your right as a U.S. citizen. Register to vote and cast your ballot in the primary and general elections. Your vote counts!

For further information, please contact the Hawai`i County Elections Office at 961-8277.

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Corps of Engineers Awards Pa’auau Stream Flood Control Repair Contract

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Honolulu District has awarded a contract of $522,325 to Niking Corporation of Pearl City, Oahu on September 15, 2006 for the Pa’auau Stream Flood Control Repair at Pahala, on the Island of Hawaii. Pa’auau Stream is located in the Pahala area of Ka`u.

A January 2004 storm caused erosion damage at various places along the stream slope and within the lava-lined stream bed.

This project consists of repairing damaged stream slope and boulder slopes and the removal of boulders and sediment in selected areas of the Pa’auau Stream Flood Control Project, to mitigate additional damage to the structures from future flood events.

The Hawaii County Department of Public Works is the local agency which maintains and operates the project.

Pending the securing of necessary permits, the earliest anticipated construction start date is November 2006.

For further information, please contact the Department of Public Works at 961-xxxx.

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Recycling Drop-offs: Update

Due to a temporary transition in our recycler’s processing facility, the following Transfer Stations will be affected:

· Hawi

· Honokaa

· Keauhou

· Laupahoehoe

· Pahala

· Pahoa

· Puako

· Waimea

We WILL NOT be accepting the following recyclable materials in the mixed recycling bins ONLY.

NO Paperboard or boxboard (cereal or tea boxes, snack food boxes, etc.)

NO Plastics #1&2 (milk jugs, detergent and bleach bottles, etc.)

NO Metal cans (tuna and cat food cans, soup cans, etc.)

These materials can be taken to the Kealakehe, Hilo or the Kea‘au Transfer Stations. We will let you know if and when other sites become available.

Still accepted in the mixed recycling bins are:

YES for Newspapers and magazines

YES for Cardboard (flattened)

YES for Mixed office paper (No Brites) and

YES for Phonebooks

This is a temporary change until January 2007. Look for signage at your Transfer Station. Thank you for your kokua. For more information, please call 961-8554 or 961-8942.

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County Seeks Cost of Government Commission Member for District 8

Hawai`i County is currently recruiting a citizen volunteer to serve as commissioner to represent District 8 (Council member Angel Pilago's district) on the Cost of Government Commission.

The Commission serves for a period of 11 months only, and is empaneled one year after the Mayor is elected into office.

Their mission is to study and investigate present operations within the County of Hawai`i, and make recommendations to the Mayor and Hawai`i County Council on how improvements in County government may be made.

For further information, please contact Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida at 961-8251. Completed applications can be dropped off or mailed to Lincoln Ashida at the Office of the Corporation Counsel at the Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720.

Application forms may be picked up in Hilo at the Office of Information and Complaints at Room 217, 25 Aupuni Street and in Kona at the Kona Mayor's Office at Hanama Place, Kailua-Kona. You may also find an application form on line at www.co.hawaii.hi.us .

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Environmental Management Commission Seeks Applicants for District 3

The Environmental Management Commission will have a vacancy for a commissioner to represent District 3 in Hilo (currently Council member James Arakaki’s district) from January 2007.

Community-minded residents are encouraged to apply for this vacancy.

Members of the Environmental Management Commission advise the Department of Environmental Management on waste reduction strategies, recycling, litter control, community involvement, and other issues related to the functions of the department.

Under the Hawaii County Charter, appointments to the commission are made by the Mayor with Council approval. Commissioners serve 5-year staggered terms.

The commission is made up of nine members, each representing one of the nine Council districts.

To obtain an application, please contact the Office of Information and Complaints, Mayor's Office, Room 217, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo. Phone: 961-8223 or at the Kona Mayor's Office, Hanama Place, 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona. Phone: 329-5226.

For further information about the Environmental Management Commission, please contact the Department of Environmental Management at 961-8083.

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Reynolds Recycling Opens New Site in Hilo October 17

Reynolds Recycling will begin HI5 redemption services at its new site in Hilo on Tuesday, October 17th. The public can redeem HI5 containers every Tuesday thru Saturday from 9am-5pm at 1260 Kilauea St. across from the Hilo Shopping Center.

Reynolds Recycling also accepts and pays scrap value for the following metals: aluminum scrap, rims, foils, copper and brass. For more information, call Reynolds Manager, Roger Harris, at 754-8984.

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Atlas Recycling Brings HI5 Mobile Sites Back to Ocean View & Na`alehu

Atlas Recycling LLC will resume its HI5 mobile redemption services in Ocean View and Naalehu beginning in mid-October.

Mobile redemption services will be offered every 2nd Saturday of the month in Ocean View beginning Saturday, October 14, 2006, from 9 am-2 pm at South Point U-Cart (located just below Ocean View Market).

The Naalehu community can redeem HI5 containers at Naalehu Elementary School every third Saturday of the month beginning October 21st, from 9 am-2 pm.

For more information on the HI5 program, call County Recycling Specialists at 961-8549 or 961-8527.

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Redemption Centers – Hours of Operation

The following is a primer on the State of Hawai`i's beverage container redemption program works, and the location of the County of Hawai’i’s beverage container redemption sites:

Qualifying Beverage Containers:

What’s IN: Eligible (redeemable) beverage containers include: soft drinks, soda, water, juice, tea and coffee drinks, and low alcohol content drinks (beer, malt beverages, wine coolers, mixed spirits) in metal, glass or #1&#2 plastic, 64 oz. or less.

What’s OUT: Ineligible (unredeemable) containers include: milk, wine and liquor containers.

Reminder: ONLY eligible HI5¢ labeled containers can be redeemed.

Qualified beverage containers may be redeemed for cash at the following locations:

**Transfer Station centers closed daily from 1:00-1:30pm for lunch.**

CURRENTLY OPEN	DAYS/HOURS OF OPERATION	OPERATOR

Hawi Transfer Station**	Saturday only: 8 am-4:30 pm.	ARC of Hilo
(Open Saturday only)	(closed for lunch 1:00-1:30)

Hilo, 30 Maka’ala Street	Mon thru Fri: 8:00am-5:00pm	Atlas Recycling
(Old industrial area)	Sat & Sun: 8:00am-3:00pm

Hilo Transfer Station**	M, W, F: 8:00am-4:30pm	ARC of Hilo
(Closed Tues & Thurs)	Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30pm
Honoka`a Transfer Station (Weekends only)	Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30	ARC of Hilo
Kailua-Kona, Pawai Place	Mon thru Fri: 7:00am-4:00pm	Atlas Recycling
(Old industrial area)	Sat 8:00am-3:00pm
	Sun Closed