10/20/06 Weekly Report: County Departments Taking Calls Regarding Post-Earthquake Structural Damage Assessments; County Council to Hold Special Meeting on Earthquake Recovery Legislation Tuesday October 24

The public should be aware that the Public Works Department’s Building has suspended issuing building permits, the processing of building permit applications processing and all inspections for electrical, plumbing and buildings through Monday, October 23, 2006.

Hotlines to call for post-earthquake information and assistance

Hawaii County Civil Defense has set up a hotline phone number to handle calls reporting structural damage resulting from Sunday’s earthquakes and to record requests for inspections.

Residents and business owners can call 935-0031 between the hours of 7:45 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

In addition, residents may call 961-8223 (County Office of Information and Complaints) or 961-8321 (County Department of Public Works). Both of these numbers are available weekdays between the hours of 7:45 and 4:30 p.m. Callers will be asked for the following information:

· The physical address of the damaged property. No post office boxes.

· A contact phone number and best time to call.

· Clear directions to the home or business

Please note that amid a large number of calls and requests for assistance, response time to inspect damages may be between five and seven days. Life-threatening and major structural damage will be given first priority.

The Incident Report - Civil Defense Agency - County of Hawaii is ALSO on the web. Links to the page are found on the following pages:

Examples of major damage include:

Post and pier structures that have shifted off their foundations or posts have crumbled.
Structures that have fallen off their foundations and are in danger of sliding into a gulch or down a slope.
Structures with gas leaks.
Structures where chimneys have fallen in or wood burning stoves have moved in the quake.

Other reasons for inspection, that may be given a lower priority, are buildings with broken water lines or other plumbing damage, fallen rock walls that are not blocking roadways or post and pier structures that have shifted, but not fallen.

Residents may visit the County of Hawai`i website, www.co.hawaii.hi.us to file a damage report. Just click on “Civil Defense” on the home page and then click on “incident report.”

Currently there are up to 20 County employees, working in pairs, out in the communities inspecting homes for major structural damage. Their role is to assess the dwelling to determine whether it is safe for occupancy.

Upon a visual inspection of any home with major structural damage the County will issue a declaration in one of two categories: unsafe or restricted use if the residence is declared unsafe, then the home owner cannot reenter. If the home is found to have restricted use, the inspector will list the damaged areas with restrictions.

Home owners should contact a licensed architect, structural engineer or licensed contractor of their choice for the repairs.

In some cases the American Red Cross will follow up with residents who have homes that are declared unsafe and cannot reenter.

Callers should please be aware that at this time, the County is ONLY inspecting homes that pose a safety risk due to the amount of structural damage. This does not include structures with minor damage to walls, fallen rocks, retaining walls or plumbing damage. The County asks that home owners of buildings with cosmetic damages consult with an electrician, plumber, contractor or structural engineer.

A 24-hour informational number is available at 334-9559 that offers up-to-date information and reminders of the numbers to call to report damages or the status of roads.

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County Council Holds Special Meeting on Quake Recovery Legislation Oct 24

The Hawai`i County Council will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, October 24 at 9:00 a.m. at the new Council Room located at 333 Kilauea Avenue in Hilo (on the second floor of the Ben Franklin Building) on Earthquake Recovery Legislation, in the wake of the October 15, 2006 earthquake.

By letter dated October 18, 2006 to Council Chairman Stacy Higa, Mayor Harry Kim has requested that the Hawai‘i County Council convene a Special Meeting as soon as possible for a Civil Defense briefing on earthquake emergency and response efforts.

By follow up letter dated October 19, 2006 to Chairman Higa, Mayor Kim also requested the Council’s assistance in approval of an Emergency Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to waive certain requirements of the Hawai‘i County Code to expedite earthquake related repairs and reconstruction of buildings and infrastructure.

In response to the Mayor’s request, the County Council will convene the Special Meeting on Tuesday, October 24, 2006, at 9:00 a.m., at its new Council Room located at 333 Kilauea Avenue in Hilo (on the second floor of the Ben Franklin Building).

Following the Special Meeting, the County Council will hold its Public Hearing on proposed interim General Plan amendments (Bill No. 309, Draft 4) on October 24, 2006, at 2:00 p.m., at its Council Room in Hilo.

Chairman Higa apologizes for any inconvenience caused by rescheduling of the public hearing originally set for October 25, 2006 in Kona. However, resetting it to follow Tuesday’s Special Meeting being convened at the request of the Mayor would assure that a quorum would be met.

For further information, please call the Office of the County Clerk at 961-8255.

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COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

Post-Quake Debris, Damaged Electronic Goods Disposal in West Hawai`i

Following the October 15, 2006 earthquake, many West Hawaii hotels and residences are disposing of damaged electronic goods such as computers and all computer components, TV sets, VCRs and other large electronic items.

Please be advised that hotels and commercial businesses may drop off such “eWaste” items at the Puuanahulu landfill.

Residents may leave their eWaste at County Transfer Stations, but please do not put these items down the chutes.

Such electronic items will later be collected for proper disposal.

For more information, call the County Solid Waste Division at 961-8942 or 961-8515. Mahalo nui loa, as always, for your cooperation.

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2006 Ford Ironman World Championship Quick Facts -- Event is October 21

WHEN: October 21, 2006, beginning at 6:45 a.m. (pro start) and 7:00 a.m. (age group start)

WHERE: The Island of Hawai`i, Kona/Kohala coast

WHAT: A 2.4-mile ocean swim, 112-mile bike race and 26.2-mile run.

Competitors have 17 hours to finish the race; cutoff times are applied to each segment of the race.

A Little History of the Event

The Ironman Triathlon was first held on Oahu in 1978. During the awards ceremony for a Hawaii running race, a debate ensued among competitors about which type of athlete was the fittest — swimmers, runners or other athletes. One of the participants, Navy Commander John Collins and wife Judy, dreamed up a race to settle the argument. He proposed combining three existing races together, to be completed in succession: the Waikiki Roughwater Swim (2.4 miles), the Around-Oahu Bike Race (112 miles, originally a two-day event) and the Honolulu Marathon (26.2 miles). “Whoever finishes first we’ll call the ‘Ironman,’” said Collins. Fifteen men participated in the initial event held on February 18. Only 12 completed the race, led by the first Ironman, Gordon Haller. Haller’s winning time: 11 hours, 46 minutes and 58 seconds. The event was moved to the Big Island in 1981 to the town of Kailua-Kona.

WHERE: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The swim segment begins and ends at Kailua Pier. The bike race travels north on the Kona Coast through scorching lava fields and then along the Kohala Coast to the small village of Hawi, and then returns along the same route to transition. The marathon course travels through Kailua-Kona and onto the same highway, the Queen Ka’ahumanu used for the bike course. Contestants run back into Kailua-Kona, coming down Alii Drive to the cheers of more than 20,000 spectators at the finish line.

WHO: More than 1,800 competitors, from some 51 countries and 49 states. Most qualify through the Ironman/Ironman 70.3 Qualifying Series worldwide; nearly 50,000 athletes enter qualifying events annually. Over 5,000 athletes enter the Ironman race lottery, which awards 150 slots to U.S. citizens, 50 slots to international athletes and five slots to physically challenged athletes. In recognition of their athletic accomplishments, the 2005 age group champions automatically qualified for the 2006 race.

PURSE: A total prize purse of $580,000 is distributed among the 10 male and female finishers. The first-place male and female finishers each receive $110,000, while the second place finishers both receive $55,000. For the first time in 2005, a total of $20,000 worth of Timex Ironman Watch Bonuses was made available to athletes.

2005 CHAMPS: 2005 turned out to be a breakout year for Germany’s Faris Al-Sultan. After capturing his first career Ironman win at the inaugural Arizona race (8:25:42), the 28 year-old carried that momentum into Kailua-Kona as one of the race-day favorites. After seventh and third place finishes in Kailua-Kona in 2003, and 2004 respectively, Al-Sultan snapped the tape at the World Championship in a time of 8:14:17. His time was the fastest since Luc Van Lierde broke the course record back in 1996. Al-Sultan had to rally in the marathon after he was passed late in the bike stage by Denmark’s Torbjorn Sindballe. Al-Sultan defeated New Zealand’s Cameron Brown by five minutes and 19 seconds.

The dynasty of Switzerland’s Natascha Badmann continued as she captured her sixth World Championship in eight years with a time of 9:09:30. Just as Al-Sultan did in the Men’s race, Badmann had to rally in the marathon after Australian Michellie Jones dominated the majority of the afternoon. Badmann edged Jones by two minutes and 22 seconds. Kate Major (USA), Joanna Lawn (New Zealand) and Katherine Allen (Austria) rounded out the top five.

Of the 1,744 race starters, 1,688 finished in 2005 resulting in the highest finishing percentage (96.8%) in the race’s illustrious history. Competitors ranged in age from 19 to 80 years old. The youngest finisher was 19-year-old Ryan Hodges from Kailua, Hawaii, who finished in 10:13:18. 80-year-old Robert McKeague from Villa Park, Illinois became the oldest finisher in the history of the Ford Ironman World Championship, crossing the line in 16:21:55. McKeague broke a major barrier by becoming the first 80+ athlete to complete the Ford Ironman World Championship under the 17 hour time limit. The last official finisher, Vivian France, 71, from East Province, South Africa, came across in 16:57:44.

Course Records:

Men - Luc Van Lierde (Belgium), 8:04:08 in 1996.

Women - Paula Newby-Fraser (Zimbabwe), 8:55:28 in 1992.

Training: The average Ironman triathlete spends 18 to 24 hours training each week for this event. A typical week includes seven miles of swimming, 225 miles of biking and 48 miles of running. Many competitors also cross-train with weight training, stretching and yoga, among other activities.

Weather Conditions: Temperatures on race day range from 82 to 95 degrees, with the humidity hovering around 90 percent. Crosswinds on portions of the bike course sometimes gust as high as 60 mph.

INTERNET Coverage: Triathlon fans can follow every stroke, spin and stride live on race day by visiting www.ironman.com . Real-time race results, live audio and video updates by well-known triathletes such as Greg Welch, as well as text updates and photos are available.

Miscellaneous Facts about the Ironman Event: During the course of the race, more than 250,000 cups; 30,000 bike bottles; 25,868 gallons of fluid replacement, cola, water and soup; 12,825 bananas; 4,000 visors and 600 bottles of sunscreen are used, provided by nearly 7,000 volunteers lining the 140.6-mile course. More than 100 million people worldwide watch the event on television.

To be televised: Saturday, December 9, 2006 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. EST.

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Special EWaste Disposal Day in Hilo at UH-Hilo on Saturday, October 28

There will be a special public eWaste disposal day in Hilo on Saturday, October 28th, 2006, from 9am-3pm at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Drop-off location is at the large parking lot behind the UHH Theatre.

This public eWaste disposal event is for individual residents to recycle their eWaste. Commercial businesses are ineligible for participation. Residents may safely dispose of the following items:

Accepted Not Accepted

Computers and laptops Adding machines

CD-ROM/DVD drives Camcorders and cameras

CPUs and cables Cracked or broken CRT monitors

Keyboards and mice Microwaves or radios

Monitors and printers Hair dryers and hot curlers

Routers and servers Photocopiers or typewriters

Speakers and switches Surge protectors

Cell phones, pagers, and PDAs Game systems

Stereos and tape players Electronics in wood cabinets

TV sets and VCRs Loose batteries

Fax machines and scanners Telephones

For more information, visit www.hawaii.edu/ewaste , or call 961-8527.

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

The Offices of the Hawai‘i County Council and County Clerk have temporarily relocated to 333 Kilauea Avenue in Hilo (on the second floor of the Ben Franklin Building). However, Council Members may still be reached at (808) 961-8225, and the County Clerk at (808) 961-8255.

The Councilroom is also located at 333 Kilauea Avenue, with videoconferencing available between the Waimea and Kona Council Offices. Meeting agenda can be found on-line at http://co.hawaii.hi.us/council/council.htm . Please attend and participate in the formulation of legislation and public policy for Hawai‘i County.

Thank you for your kokua during renovation of the Hawai‘i County Building.

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

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Hawai`i County Govt Needs You – to Serve on County Boards and Commissions

As the calendar year 2006 nears an end, there will be numerous openings on many County boards and commissions.

Boards and commissions are volunteer groups created by our laws that formulate policy and oversee many important areas of County government. Our commissions hire and fire the Police Chief and Fire Chief, set water rates for our citizens, set salaries for our County officials, oversee decisions made concerning our solid waste and our landfills, make recommendations concerning land use on our island, and oversee government ethics, to name just a few responsibilities.

Service on a board or commission is a very rewarding experience. It is an excellent opportunity to meet and work with fellow citizens from different walks of life, with the common purpose of making our community a better place for everyone.

Two very boards that will have vacancies are the Planning Commission and Board of Appeals.

The Planning Commission oversees land use matters in the County of Hawai`i, and is responsible for making recommendations to the Mayor and Council concerning the future use of land in Hawai`i that will affect many generations to come.

The Board of Appeals is responsible for hearing disputes concerning final decisions made by the Planning Director and Public Works Director concerning land use matters, and matters relating to the building code.

If you are interested in applying, stop by the Mayor’s Office in Hilo or Kona to pick up an application form. You may also contact Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida directly at 961-8304, extension 118 (or email at Lashida@co.hawaii.hi.us ) if you have any questions.

Hawai`i County is a wonderful place to live because of the involvement of our citizens in their government. Please consider applying to serve on a County board or commission.

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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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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 961-8321.

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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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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**