11/10/06 Weekly Report: Impaired Driving Task Force Aims to Save Lives; Construction Begins on Emergency Evacuation Road for Waikoloa Village

The following article was contributed by Chris Loos, Public Relations Specialist with the Hawai`i County Police Department, in cooperation with Jackie Murai of the Impaired Driving Task Force.

In 2005 a whopping 60 percent of the traffic fatalities on Hawaii Island involved alcohol, drugs or both. The national average was 39 percent.

The Impaired Driving Task Force -- a coalition of government agencies, community organizations and victim support groups -- hopes to reverse those statistics.

What is the purpose of the Impaired Driving Task Force?

“The mission of the task force is to save lives and prevent injuries from impaired driving,” said task force coordinator Jackie Murai, who works in the Hawaii Police Department’s traffic services section. “Our focus is on prevention, on education and on enforcement programs.”

Murai’s job is funded by a federal grant obtained in 2004 through the state Department of Transportation. The Police Department administers the grant.

One of Murai’s biggest challenges is to persuade average citizens that they aren’t exempt just because they don’t use illegal drugs or get drunk. A prescription drug or a small amount of alcohol can be all it takes to make a driver dangerous.

How much does one have to drink to be legally drunk?

“A lot of people believe that to be arrested for a DUI you have to be falling-down drunk,” Murai said. “But the legal limit for alcohol is .08 percent, which is a very small amount. It only takes about two to three drinks for the average person to reach the .08 percent blood-alcohol level.”

One drink means a 12-ounce beer, a 4-ounce glass of wine or a shot of hard liquor. Many bars serve drinks that contain more alcohol than that.

Who is most likely to drive impaired?

The task force did a survey of the people convicted of driving under the influence and found that 80 percent were single male laborers.

“That’s our target group,” Murai said. “We want to reach out to the employers and work with them to see if we can increase awareness about the consequences -- how it can jeopardize their jobs and how it’s going to affect their lives in general if they get a DUI.”

How will a DUI affect a person’s life?

For one thing, anyone arrested for DUI immediately loses his driver’s license for at least 90 days through an administrative revocation process. A driver who refuses to take a blood-alcohol test will lose the license for at least a year and can’t get a conditional permit for driving to work.

The license is not renewed automatically after the revocation. First the driver must undergo a substance abuse assessment and complete any recommended treatment, which may include Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, classes and counseling. Then the driver must apply for a new license and pass both the written test and the road test to qualify.

Legal consequences make it even worse. First-time DUI offenders face up to $1,000 in fines, two-to-five days in jail, 72 hours community service and mandatory attendance in 14 hours of driver education classes. The court will also impose a substance abuse assessment and recommended treatment if the offender hasn’t taken care of those already. The DUI conviction will stay on the driver’s traffic abstract for 10 years.

Finally, increased insurance premiums can take thousands of dollars away from the driver’s family.

Of course, the consequences could be far more serious. The impaired driver could crash and kill or maim someone.

How many DUIs are there in Hawaii County?

Police on the Big Island have arrested 26 percent more impaired drivers this year than in 2005. As of October 30, police had made 1,018 DUI arrests compared with 810 by that date last year.

“Hopefully, with increased arrests we’ll have fewer impaired drivers on the roadways,” Murai said.

What else is the task force doing about all the impaired drivers?

It has begun focusing on partnerships with the Department of Education. In May they presented an anti-drunk-driving program at Keaau High School called “Shattered Dreams.” In a staged fake fatal DUI crash, they graphically educated the students about the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The program involved students playing the roles of the driver and victims of the crash. Also participating were parents, teachers and emergency personnel who typically respond to traffic crashes.

The task force also conducted a pilot program over Memorial Day weekend with Hilo High School athletes, who helped police at DUI checkpoints. Murai is working with the county Department of Liquor Control to expand that into a monthly program and include athletes from all public high schools on the island. “We feel this helps educate the students as well as bring more awareness to the public,” she said.

Over Labor Day weekend, the task force worked on a project with police and Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. At DUI checkpoints, survivors of drunk-driving victims displayed pictures of their loved ones and handed out flyers about the consequences of driving impaired.

The task force does radio and television interviews and public service announcement to educate the public. It also is analyzing court data with prosecutors to improve conviction rates in DUI cases, as well as working with blood-testing labs about hastening the results of blood-alcohol tests.

“The task force believes reducing impaired driving is a shared responsibility,” Murai said. “It effects everyone regardless of whether you drink alcohol or not.”

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Construction Begins on Emergency Evacuation Road for Waikoloa Village

Construction started October 23, 2006 on the emergency evacuation road for Waikoloa Village, according to the County Department of Public Works. The Department filed a “Finding of No Significant Impact” (FONSI) with the Office of Environmental Quality earlier following the completion of the Environmental Assessment on the roadway easement.

Construction on the 2.13-mile gravel road which starts at the end of Hulu Street in Waikoloa Village and ends makai to Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway, connecting close to the 72-mile marker north of the entrance to Mauna Lani Resort. Construction is expected to take between 30 to 60 days.

The emergency exit will be gated and opened only during emergencies, as authorized by the County’s Civil Defense Agency.

The roadway will provide Waikoloa’s more than 5,000 residents with alternative exits to expedite evacuation from the community should either Waikoloa Road and Paniolo Drive be cut off by a brushfire, flooding or other natural disasters.

For additional information please contact Bruce McClure, Director for the Department of Public Works at 961-8321.

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COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

When FEMA Inspectors Visit Homeowners Affected by the Oct 15 Quake

Inspectors from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are conducting damage assessments for homeowners and renters on the Big Island. This inspection is an important step in the recovery process and will help speed disaster assistance to those whose property was damaged by the October 15 Earthquake.

"State Civil Defense and FEMA personnel are working closely together to meet the needs of everyone who has suffered loses,” said State Coordinating Officer Ed Teixeira. “When an inspector calls, an applicant can help speed their assistance by setting up a meeting quickly.”

FEMA is trying to cover as many homes as possible quickly

FEMA inspectors visit homes by appointment (or, if they are in the vicinity, they may knock on the door).

When the inspector calls, applicants should provide clear, accurate directions to the damaged property and a current phone number where they can be reached. A street address is needed. Do not use a post office box address.

All inspectors carry proper identification and applicants should ask to see it. If you have already begun cleanup or repairs to your home, show the inspector what you have done, and, if you have it, provide documentation of the work such as photos, contractor estimates and receipts.

“The FEMA inspector will ask you questions that are important in determining your eligibility for FEMA grant programs,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Karl. This information is protected by the Privacy Act. “FEMA does not share this information – and we do not condemn property. FEMA inspects damaged property for disaster recovery program purposes only.”

How does the inspection work?

The inspection is free. It generally takes 30-40 minutes, and consists of inspecting all areas of the home and personal property. The inspector enters damage-related information into a hand-held computer and sends that data to a FEMA processing center. The inspector does not determine whether an applicant is eligible for assistance.

If an applicant submits a disaster loan application to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in most cases the SBA will inspect the damaged property to determine the cost for repair to repair or replace the damaged property.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also has inspectors working in areas affected by the October 15 earthquake. When an individual submits a disaster loan application to the SBA, in most cases the SBA will inspect the damaged property to determine the cost of repair or replacement.

Non-discrimination in disaster recovery assistance

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, economic status or retaliation. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, you should call FEMA toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or contact your State Office of Equal Rights. If suspicious of any abuse of FEMA programs, please contact the fraud hotline at 1-800-323-8603.

SBA is the federal government's primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

State Civil Defense coordinates state-wide emergency preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation programs for a wide range of natural and human-caused threats and disasters including terrorism. As part of its responsibilities, State Civil Defense manages state and federal grants provided to local communities for disaster recovery and mitigation.

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with state and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

For further information, please contact James Shebl of FEMA: at (808) 851-7980, Dave Curtis of State Civil Defense at (808) 733-4300 or Mark Randle of SBA at (916) 847-2815.

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Professionals Available to Help Those with Earthquake Damage

The Hawai`i County Department of Public Works offers a list of 30 Hawai`i-based architects and structural engineers available to help homeowners and businesses seeking to restore property damaged during the October 15th earthquake. These professionals from the AIA Hawai`i Island Section and the Structural Engineers Association of Hawai`i can be hired for a fee for restoration design to homes and businesses to their original condition.

The list is available on the Hawai`i County website at www.co.hawaii.hi.us . Click on earthquake emergency information, or by calling Public Works at (808) 961-8321 weekdays between the hours of 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Homeowners and businesses with buildings that have a red (unsafe) declaration require the use of these professionals. Those with a yellow (restricted use) may or may not require the use of these professionals. Buildings with minor repairs do not. For clarification call Brian Kajikawa Building Division Chief at (808) 961-8331.

As of October 26, the County has red-tagged 61 buildings and yellow-tagged 161 buildings; only a Public Works inspector can remove a tag.

Those directly affected by the October 15th earthquake can start emergency repair work now. Under an emergency ordinance, homeowners and businesses have 60 days to apply for permits to restore structures to their original condition. Other incentives include real property tax relief, no building permit fees and waiver of tipping fees for removal and hauling of debris. To apply, visit www.hawaiipropertytax.com for a real property tax reassessment.

County Calls for All Licensed Contractors to Register

As a service to the community, the County is also compiling a list of licensed Hawai`I General, Plumbing and Electrical Contractors. These contractors are asked to submit their names and contact information to Jiro Sumada, Deputy Director of the Department of Public Works at (808) 961-8321 at their earliest convenience.

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Real Property Tax Division Taking Applications for Post-Quake Tax Relief

The Hawai`i County Real Property Division encourages property owners with earthquake damages to apply for real property tax relief.

To start the process, please download the application form at www.hawaiipropertytax.com . Real Property Tax assessors will visit the affected properties whose owners apply for such tax relief. Besides damage to buildings, land lost in the earthquake, such as landslides into the ocean, will also be eligible for reassessment.

Substantiating documents of damage such as photographs, contractor’s quotations or appraisals may be submitted at the time of application. The deadline to file applications is June 30, 2007.

Steps to complete the application:

Fill in the Tax Map Key Number of the parcel. This can be obtained from your last tax bill or assessment notice.
Fill in the name and address of the Claimant along with their telephone numbers. Telephone numbers are very important so that the tax office or appraiser can contact you if information is missing, or if an inspection is necessary.
Fill in the type of disaster (Earthquake) and date the quake occurred, October 15, 2006.
Describe exactly what was damaged. Then in the section listing the major building components, fill in the approximate percentage of each category that was damaged. If a particular component was not damaged, leave it blank. (For example, if half of the windows in the house were broken you would put 50% in that box.)
Sign, date and mail in the application by June 30, 2007.

Note: This application is only for real property taxes paid, or due. In all cases, the amount of relief will not reduce the total annual taxes to less than the minimum tax for the parcel. If you are currently paying the minimum tax, please do not complete this form, as no relief will be calculated. The tax relief calculation will be based on the balance of the tax year, October 15, 2006 to June 30, 2007.

Please be advised that the Real Property Tax Office does not assess, or tax, improvements such as retaining walls, fences, landscaping, and driveways. Therefore, damage of this type would not result in any tax relief.

For further information, please call Real Property Tax Division at 961-8201.

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Hilo Added to Post-Quake One-Stop Shop Disaster Recovery Centers

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), along with state and County and other agencies such as the American Red Cross, will be opening a post-earthquake disaster recovery center in Hilo from Saturday, November 11 through Wednesday, November 15.

The new Hilo Disaster Recovery Center will open Saturday, November 11, at the Pu’ueo Community Center, at Clem Akina Park, 145 Wainaku Street, Hilo, to serve individuals and businesses impacted by the October 15 Earthquake.

The new Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Hilo brings the number of Disaster Recovery Centers on the Big Island to four.

All four DRCs will remain open through Wednesday, November 15, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

The Hilo DRC joins the three DRCs below:

South Kohala and Kona

WHERE: Waimea Parker Ranch Shopping Center, Suite 139 (across from YMCA) AND Sheraton Keauhou Resort ballroom

WHEN: From Friday, October 27 through Wednesday, November 15.

Individuals needing transportation assistance to the Disaster Recovery Centers in Waimea and Kona may call the Hawai`i County Mass Transit Agency at 961-8744 or 961-8343, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. These telephone numbers will also be available throughout this weekend.

North Kohala

WHERE: Kohala Senior Center, Kapa`au

WHEN: From Wednesday, November 1 through Wednesday, November 15.

These “One Stop Shop” centers will provide representatives from the various agencies who are ready to offer information and assistance to residents affected by the earthquake which occurred October 15, 2006. Residents are urged to visit the nearest Disaster Recovery Center to get whatever help they need. Staff will provide information regarding federal, state and County tax relief, financial assistance and other post-quake recovery help.

FEMA encourages the public who have not registered for assistance to register with the agency by calling toll-free 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week or online at www.fema.gov .

Telephone registration hours have changed to 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Hawaii Standard Time, seven days a week, State and Federal disaster-recovery officials announced today. The change is effective November 6.

Residents of North Kohala who would like to report damages or request assistance sooner may travel to Waimea to submit their reports.

Please note: Other locations may be added as necessary. The public will be informed of any updated information regarding additional centers or extended hours.

For further information, please call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362. Together we’re working to help our community recover from the earthquake.

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Post-Quake Emergency Repairs May Begin Immediately to Help Recovery

Homeowners and businesses directly affected by the earthquakes on Sunday, October 15, can start emergency repair work now and apply for a permit later.

The emergency ordinance presented to the Hawai`i County Council by Mayor Harry Kim on Tuesday, October 24 will allow the Department of Public Works to grant relief to home owners and businesses by waiving permit fees and submitting construction drawings after the permit is issued.

Applicants have sixty (60) days from the approval of the ordinance to apply for a sign, building, plumbing, electrical or work within the County of right-of-way permit to take advantage of this ordinance.

Under this ordinance, structures must be restored to their original condition prior to the earthquakes of October 15, 2006. Renovations are not permitted.

The emergency ordinance also waives certain requirements for repairs that apply to structures, buildings, signs, driveway approaches, electrical, plumbing and sidewalks.

To qualify for the waiver, the applicant must complete the “Waiver of Certain Requirements Form.” This is available at Public Works, by fax, or online. The form must be completed and brought in at the time they apply for a permit to the Hilo or Kona Public Works offices within sixty (60) days of the approval of the ordinance. For additional information, go to www.co.hawaii.hi.us .

Homes that suffered major structural damage and were given a red tag and issued an unsafe declaration will be contacted directly by the County and advised of their options and the procedures to make repairs. Inspections are required.

Individuals who received a yellow tag, a restricted use declaration, should visit the Hilo or Kona Public Works offices and speak with a building inspector who will advise them if the repairs require a permit. In any case an inspection will be required.

Only an inspector with the Building Division of Public Works can remove an unsafe or restricted use declaration.

Buildings with green tags, requiring minor repairs, may make repairs without a permit. No inspections are required.

However, all electrical and plumbing work must be performed by a licensed electrician or plumber.

To verify if a contractor is licensed go to the website for the Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs at http://pvl.ehawaii.gov/pvlsearch/app . This is a professional and vocational licensing search engine for individuals or businesses with a license to do business in the State of Hawai`i.

Illegal dwellings that did not receive proper authorization to occupy their homes must first apply for a building permit. They do not qualify for emergency repair work or the waiver. Please apply for amnesty which allows the homeowner to apply for a permit and avoid penalties. For additional information, go to www.co.hawaii.hi.us . Scroll down to Departments and click on Public Works. Click on Building and scroll down to Amnesty. This prevents future challenges when the home is sold or if insurance claims are made.

For more information or to request a Waiver for Requirements visit or call the Kailua-Kona office of the County Department of Public Works at Hanama Place at 75-5706 Kuakini Highway; phone 327-3520 for Building Division or 327-3530 for Engineering Division.

In Hilo, the office is located at Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7; phone 961-8331 for Building Division and 961-8327 for Engineering Division. Both offices are open Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed on State holidays.

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Earthquake Repairs -- How to Apply for Building Permit Waiver

Here is some information who qualifies under the emergency ordinance for waiver of certain requirements and fees for emergency repair work.

A homeowner, partnership or corporation can participate under this ordinance if the structures or buildings were directly affected on October 15, 2006 by the earthquakes.
Emergency repairs and waivers apply to electrical, plumbing, signs, driveway approaches, sidewalks, businesses and homes.
Structures must be restored to their original condition prior to the earthquakes of October 15, 2006.
Electrical and plumbing work must be performed by a licensed electrician and a plumber.
Renovations are not permitted under this ordinance.
Please be aware that a building permit is required and applicants should apply sixty (60) days from the approval of the ordinance.

To qualify for the waiver of certain requirements, the applicant must complete the “Waiver of Certain Requirements Form.” It is available either at Public Works, by fax or online. The form must be completed and brought in at the time they apply for a permit to the Hilo or Kona Public Works offices within sixty (60) days from the approval of the ordinance.

Proof of Earthquake Damage

To qualify for the emergency repair work and take advantage of the waiver, the applicant must show proof that damages were caused by the earthquakes. This can be done by filing an incident report with Civil Defense by calling 935-0031 or online at www.co.hawaii.hi.us . Click on EarthQuake Emergency Information.

Homes that received a green tag following the earthquake may make repairs without a permit. No inspections are required.

How do you get a “yellow tag” (restricted use) declaration removed?

This is a yellow tag that only an inspector with the Building Division of Public Works can remove.

Visit either the Hilo or Kona Building Division of Public Works or call Civil Defense at 961-8604 and give them your name and the district you reside in.

Electrical and plumbing work must be performed by a licensed electrician or plumber.

Structures must be restored to their original condition prior to the earthquakes of October 15, 2006. An inspection by the Building Division of Public Works may be required depending on the extent of damage.

The Building Division of Public Works in Kona or Hilo can answer your questions.

The Kailua-Kona office of the County Department of Public Works is located in Hanama Place at 75-5706 Kuakini Highway; phone 327-3520 for Building Division or 327-3530 for Engineering Division. In Hilo, the office is located at Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7; phone 961-8331 for Building Division and 961-8327 for Engineering Division.

Both offices are open from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, closed on State holidays.

Helpful tip to make sure you’re hiring a licensed contractor

To verify if a contractor is licensed, and has workers compensation insurance, go to the website for the State of Hawai`i, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs at http://plv.ehawaii.gov/pvlsearch/app .

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County Taking Calls Regarding Post-Quake Structural Damages Assessments

In the aftermath of the October 15, 2006 earthquake, all available County employees are responding to the event.

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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Sand Gulch Roadway Repair Informational Meeting in Pa`auilo November 21

Information detailing the upcoming repair of Sand Gulch Road will be presented at a community meeting Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at the Pa‘auilo School Cafeteria. The County of Hawai‘i’s Department of Public Works will conduct the meeting from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Public Works Director Bruce McClure and Special Project Engineer Robert Yanabu will give details on plans to reopen the roadway. County officials have proposed the reopening of Sand Gulch Road by the end of December as a one-lane, weight- restricted road.

Located in Kalopa, the Sand Gulch Road was damaged as a result of the October 15th earthquakes. The roadway’s closure forces an estimated 50 to 100 residents to detour several miles to get to their homes adding time and expense to their travel.

For additional information about this meeting please call Bruce McClure, Director of Public Works at 961-8321.

For information about road work throughout the island or other services provided by Public Works, please call the department’s 24-hour hotline at 334-9559.

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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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American Dream Down Payment Initiative Program – Info Meetings

The American Dream Down Payment Initiative (ADDI) Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), through its HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). The ADDI Program is part of HUD’s efforts to promote homeownership for low-income households. The ADDI program provides financial assistance to eligible first-time low-income homebuyers with down payment and closing costs assistance in the acquisition of single-family housing.

The County of Hawai`i’s Office of Housing & Community Development (OHCD) will hold a series of informational public meetings at the following locations and times:

WAIMEA KONA

WHEN: Nov 16, 2006, 10 am and 5 pm WHEN: Nov 15, 2006, 11:00 am and 5:00

WHERE: Waimea Community Center WHERE: Events Pavilion, Old Kona Airport

HILO

WHEN: Nov 13, 2006, 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: County of Hawai`i , Aupuni Center Conference Room, 101 Pauahi Street

WHEN: Nov 13, 2006, 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m

WHERE: Aunty Sally’s Lu`au House, 799 Piilani Street

WHEN: Nov 20, 2006, 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: Aunty Sally’s Lu`au House. 799 Piilani Street

For additional information, contact Dawnelle K. Forsythe of the OHCD at 959-4642.

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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 Council Room 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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Holiday Closures of County Transfer Stations, Landfills

The Department of Environmental Management wishes to inform the community that all County of Hawaii Solid Waste Transfer Stations and Landfills will be closed for the following Holidays:

• Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 23, 2006

• Christmas Day – Monday, December 25, 2006

• New Years Day – Monday, January 1, 2007

Personnel will be available to answer questions at each transfer station. All locations will reopen the day after the holiday.

We respectfully ask your kokua. The Solid Waste Division Employees appreciate the opportunity to spend the holidays with their families and thank everyone for their cooperation.

For more information, please call Michael Dworsky, Solid Waste Division Chief at 961-8515.

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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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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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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