12/15/06 Weekly Report: Lako Street Connector in Kona to Open Wednesday, December 20; Ways to Trim Your Holiday Wasteline

This North Kona connector will link Kuakini Highway to Hualalai Road, taking some of the north-south traffic congestion on Kuakini Highway and is part of a County action plan to organize and prioritize solutions to traffic congestion in Kona. The plan is based on the Keahole to Honaunau Circulation Plan, a study that the County commissioned in 2000.

The opening of the extension of Lako Street, funded by Kona Vistas LLC, had been pending a grant of easement. The grant of easement was received and accepted by the administration.

In November 2006, the County opened Ili‘Ili and Ki‘eki‘e Streets connecting Kona Coast View with Kona Palisades. In 2005 Nana and Holoholo streets were opened between these two subdivisions.

The administration has identified more than nine other connector roads in North Kona, including the Lako Street extension from Kuakini Highway to Ali‘i Drive which is pending a Kona Circuit Court decision.

For information about these connector roads and the Keahole to Honaunau Circulation Plan go online to the County of Hawaii website, www.co.hawaii.hi.us , and look under project updates.

For 24-hour information on road work, call (808) 334-9559. For specifics about this project, contact Bruce C. McClure, Director of the Department of Public Works at (808) 961-8321.

(go to Contents)

Ways to Trim Your Holiday Wasteline—Use Less Stuff, Enjoy the Holidays More

The following article is courtesy of the Use Less Stuff online newsletter, via your Department of Environmental Management, which encourages all residents to try to keep as much stuff out of our landfills on the Island of Hawai`i, especially during the holidays when there's more trash than ever.

Are you a waste-wise warrior or merely a waste-wise wannabe? Americans throw away 25% more trash during the Thanksgiving to New Year's holiday period than any other time of year.

The extra waste amounts to 25 million tons of garbage, or about 1 million extra tons per week. So, to help trim the trash while trimming the tree, here's a checklist of simple things you can do to reduce waste while you eat, drink, and make merry this holiday season.

The Use Less Stuff Yuletide Party Guide

‘Tis the season of parties and festivities, food and fun. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s we like nothing more than to eat, drink and be merry, so we need successful strategies to cut down on the waste we create from our amplified entertaining.

· For formal affairs, consider renting seldom-worn party clothes or buying them from consignment shops.

· You can also rent dishes and glassware, making your party more elegant and eliminating the need to buy special holiday china.

· Whenever possible, consider walking to neighborhood parties, or carpool (with a designated driver) with friends if it’s too far to walk.

· After the party, don’t throw away the leftovers! Put them in plastic containers or bags and send them home with guests, or donate to food banks.

· Plan meals wisely and practice portion control to minimize waste in the first place:

Did you know...at least 28 billion pounds of edible food are wasted each year – or over 100 pounds per person. Putting one less cookie on Santa’s plate will reduce his snacking by about 2 million pounds.

Home Sweet Home for the Holidays

There’s no place like home, especially during the holidays, so why spend so much time, energy, and money traveling when everything you need is right at home?

Pretend you’re a tourist visiting your own town. Call the AAA, visit your Chamber of Commerce and check the local newspaper for special holiday events right near you. You’ll probably be amazed at the attractions you’ve taken for granted and never participated in or visited.

By staying home you can:

· Reduce the amount of gas used during a heavy travel time.

· Help keep your local economy strong, making for a vital and thriving Downtown - a key to reducing suburban sprawl and related problems of habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity.

Did you know...if each family reduced holiday gasoline consumption by one gallon (about twenty miles), we’d reduce greenhouse gas emissions by one million tons?

Lights, Camera, Action

· Get outdoor light strands that are wired in parallel. These have separate circuitry so that if one bulb blows out the rest will keep shining; all you have to do is replace the bulb. Those strands sold with series wiring stand or fall together, making it almost impossible to find and replace a single blown-out bulb.

· Remember, the smaller the bulbs, the lower the wattage. Low wattage has two advantages: it consumes less energy and gives off less heat, making your lights safer.

· Bring your own camera instead of using disposable cameras to capture holiday memories.

· Faster film speeds, such as 400 or 800, reduce the use of flash and extend battery life.

Did you know...by purchasing rolls of 36 instead of 12 exposures, you’ll reduce waste by 67%, saving about $4, or 40% in cost?

Let Your Fingers Do The Walking

· E-commerce is the wave of the future. But remember, e-commerce is not necessarily waste-free. Choose items that won’t be excessively packed for shipping.

· If you’re shopping by mail order catalogue, remember to cancel the ones you don’t need.

Did you know...in 1981 the average household received 59 mail order catalogues, and by 1991 the number had increased 140%, to 142?

Did you know...if each household canceled 10 mail-order catalogues it would reduce trash by 3.5 pounds per year? (If everybody did this, the stack of canceled catalogues would be 2,000 miles high!)

BYOB (Bring your own bag

· During the nation’s busiest shopping season, bring your own shopping bags. Paper, plastic and cloth are all good; the latter two can be folded easily into purses and pockets until used.

· Consolidate your purchases into one bag rather than getting a new bag at each store on your shopping rounds.

Fuss-Free Gift Giving

Plan your shopping in advance. Consolidating your shopping trips saves fuel (and aggravation), and you’ll avoid those last minute frenzies when you won’t have time to make careful gift choices.

Rather than piling up "stuff" under the tree, think about what friends and family really want or need. Try giving gift certificates if you don’t know what someone wants, or simply make a donation in his or her name to a favorite charity.

Give gifts that encourage others to use less stuff, like a book about making crafts from reusable items, cookbook for leftovers, reusable tote bags.

Or simply set a good example by giving homemade food or something you’ve made yourself from reused items.

Shop for gifts at antique stores, estate sales or flea markets, since one person’s trash is another’s treasure.

Donate unwanted gifts, along with last year’s gifts that the kids have outgrown, to charity.

Card Sense

Our mailboxes burst this season with membership offerings and fundraising appeals, presents, gift catalogues and cards. What to do?

· Send e-greetings to family, friends and business associates who are on-line.

· Save yourself time, money, and hard feelings between friends – and reduce mail volume – by updating and paring down your holiday mailing list.

· Be creative. Instead of buying placemats or table decorations, make your own. Cut old cards into shapes and press between two pieces of clear contact paper.

Did you know...the 2.65 billion Christmas cards sold each year in the U.S. could fill a football field 10 stories high? If we each sent one card less, we’d save 50,000 cubic yards of paper.

Wrap it Up

Or better yet, think of gifts that don’t have to be wrapped at all: tickets to concerts, museums, or sporting events, gift certificates, house plants, or even gifts of your own time.

When giving oversized gifts like bicycles or CD racks, instead of wrapping them in paper, just tie a bow around them.

· Wrap gifts in old maps, newspapers, Sunday comics or fancy holiday gift bags. Kids’ art work is a perfect wrapping for presents to proud grandparents.

· Use brown paper grocery bags to wrap small-to-medium size boxes that have to be mailed.

· Make the wrap a part of the gift: Putting cookies in a flower pot or hiding jewelry in a new pair of gloves will keep your gift under wraps and the "wrapping" out of the trash.

Did you know...if every family reused just two feet of holiday ribbon, the 38,000 miles of ribbon saved could tie a bow around the entire planet?

Choose to Reuse

· Get a tree that can be planted or mulched afterward, or buy an artificial one.

· Compost your food waste. Fruits and vegetables and their peels, pits and seeds are all perfect for composting – a great natural fertilizer.

For further information on Using Less Stuff (not only during the Holidays), call your County Recycling Coordinators at 961-8942 or 961-8527. Happy Holidays to one and all!

(go to Contents)

COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

Deadlines for Filing Claims for Personal Real Property Exemptions

The following notice has been provided by the Finance Department’s Real Property Tax Division.

Homeowner’s Exemption

If you own or lease a home or condominium in this County and use it as your principal residence, you may qualify for a home exemption, which could reduce your property tax bill.

The filing deadlines for homeowner’s exemption are as follows:

Deadlines to File	Effective Dates
June 30, 2006	January 1, 2007
January 2, 2007	July 1, 2007

Homes of Totally Disabled Veterans

If you are totally disabled due to injuries received while on duty with the Armed Forces of the United States, your principal residence may be exempted from all property taxes, except for the minimum tax.

Properties of Persons Affected by Hansen’s Disease

If you have been declared by authority of law to be a person affected with Hansen’s Disease, you may be exempted, except for the minimum tax, from property taxes on all real property owned up to, but not exceeding a total taxable value of $50,000.

Properties of Persons Who Are Blind, Deaf and/or Totally Disabled

If you are blind, deaf, and/or totally disabled, you may be exempted, except for the minimum tax, from property taxes on all real property owned up to, but not exceeding a total taxable value of $50,000.

The filing deadlines for exemptions specifically available to totally disabled veterans, persons affected by Hansen’s Disease, and persons who are blind, deaf, and/or totally disabled are as follows:

Deadlines to File	Effective Dates

June 30, 2006	July 1, 2006
January 2, 2007	January 1, 2007

General Instructions

Owners or lessees who are claiming an exemption must have the document transferring ownership or interest in the property recorded at the Bureau of Conveyances on or before the respective exemption filing deadline.

Exemption forms are available at the Hilo Real Property Tax Office, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 4, Hilo, HI 96720 or the West Hawaii Real Property Tax Office, 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 112, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740.

Should you have further questions, please call the Real Property Tax Office in Hilo at (808) 961-8201 or in Kona at (808) 327-3540. Forms are also available on the division’s website, www.hawaiipropertytax.com .

(go to Contents)

Additional Damage from Quake Aftershocks? Contact FEMA

Residents of The Big Island who have registered for earthquake assistance and have sustained additional damage from aftershocks are encouraged to contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). They may be eligible for additional funds to repair the damage, federal and state officials said.

Homeowners, renters and business owners can call the helpline toll free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), and press option 2, or 1 800 462 7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired, until 7 p.m. (local time) Monday through Saturday. Be sure to have your registration number available.

Those who have not yet registered for assistance are encouraged to do so right away by calling 1-800-621-3362, and press 1. The deadline for registering for aid under President Bush’s disaster declaration is Friday, December 22, 2006.

Also, if you have already registered and have questions about your application, call the helpline at 1-800-621-3362, with your registration number.

(go to Contents)

Mayor’s Office, Other Departments Move, Some Contact Phone Numbers Changed

The Mayor’s Office and employees from various other County departments have moved their offices the week of December 4, 2006. They vacated their offices at the old County Building at 25 Aupuni Street in Hilo, and moved to temporary quarters while the building is being renovated. The renovation work is expected to take at least two years to complete.

The move affects more than 90 employees in six departments including:

· Data Systems

· Environmental Management

· Fire Administration

· Research and Development

· Finance

· Mayor’s Office

The following departments moved to 2100 Kanoelehua Avenue, Bay C-5, in Puainako Town Center, (next to Checkers) on Monday December 4 and Tuesday, December 5, 2006: Please note: Some of the phone numbers have changed and are as follows:

· Data Systems – 981-8399

· Environmental Management – 961-8083 (admin phone number unchanged)

· Fire Administration – 981-8394

· Research & Development – 981-8395

The following departments moved on Friday, December 8, 2006 to 891 Ululani Street (Maluhia Place building): Phone numbers, fax and e-mails will remain the same.

· Mayor’s Office – 961-8211

· Finance -- 961-8231

· Data Systems staffers – 961-8208

The County estimates that repairs and renovation of the Aupuni Street location to take two or more years to complete. The bid process to renovate Aupuni Street begins March 2007.

For more information about the move, please contact the Department of Public Works at 961-8321.

(go to Contents)

Kona Driver’s License Office Changes Hours due to Staff Shortages

Because of staffing shortages, the Police Department’s driver license office at the Kona Center will change its hours of operation beginning Monday, December 18, 2006.

Effective on that date, members of the public wishing to renew a driver license or obtain a duplicate license may do so on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and again from noon to 3:30 p.m.

Citizens who need to take a written examination, obtain an instruction permit or obtain an out-of-the state transfer may do so on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday from 8 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and from noon to 3 p.m.

Oral examinations for all classes of driver licenses will be available by appointment only. Road tests for Class 1, 2, and 3 licenses will be available by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Road tests for commercial driver licenses will be available by appointment only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The number to call to schedule an appointment is 327-3580.

The Police Department apologizes for any inconvenience and thanks the public for its understanding while the department tries to fill vacancies in the driver license office.

(go to Contents)

Hawai`i County Council Meeting Dates for December 2006

The Hawai‘i County Council and its Committees will hold meetings on the following dates at the following locations:

Dec 19, 2006 Committees TBA Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort, Kona

Dec 20, 2006 Council 9:00 a.m. Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort, Kona

Videoconferencing is available at the Waimea and Kona Council Offices. Meeting agenda can be found on-line at http://co.hawaii.hi.us/council/council.htm . For further information, please contact the Office of the County Clerk at 961-8255.

(go to Contents)

Don’t Miss Out – FEMA Earthquake Assistance Hotline Open till December 22

FEMA officials urge homeowners, renters and business owners of Hawaii Island who sustained losses due to the October 15 Kiholo earthquake to register for assistance now, if they have not already done so. Anyone still waiting for an insurance settlement, contractor’s estimate or any other part of the process is encouraged to register regardless of whether this information is yet available.

The deadline for registering for aid under President Bush’s disaster declaration is Friday, December 22, 2006, according to the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and State Civil Defense.

Register by logging onto www.fema.gov , or by calling toll free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The registration helpline 1-800-621-3362 will remain open until December 22.

“If you are waiting for an insurance settlement, you should register now because after the settlement, you may still have unmet needs that may be eligible for federal or state programs,” said Ed Teixeira, state coordinating officer.

If you have already registered and have questions about your application, call the helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Make sure to have you registration number available.

Privacy is strictly protected

“FEMA is very protective of the privacy of registrants, said Marilyn Shigetani, deputy federal coordinating officer. “Because of the Privacy Act, we do not share personal information with anyone.”

Residents who fear being “red-tagged

Some residents have expressed fear that a FEMA inspector will “red tag” their home and I’ll have no place to live.

“FEMA does not red tag property,” Shigetani said. “Our inspectors send their findings directly to a processing center where they are used solely to determine the amount of damage and the amount of assistance you are eligible for.”

County officials determine whether or not a damaged building is safe to be occupied while it is being repaired, according to State Civil Defense’s Ed Teixeira. “If it is found to be unsafe, its residents may qualify for FEMA housing assistance while their home is being repaired. No one will be made homeless by the recovery process.”

(go to Contents)

FEMA Approves Grant for Post-Quake Crisis Counseling Services

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved a $283,090 grant to the State of Hawaii to provide immediate crisis counseling services for those affected by the October 15, 2006 Kiholo earthquake.

Persons in need of these services can contact the Hawaii Crisis-Counseling-Immediate Services Program by calling (808) 333-1455 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“Although losing a home, business, or personal property to disaster takes a financial toll, the emotional toll a disaster exacts can be devastating, too, and that toll also needs to be addressed," said Ed Teixeira, state coordinating officer.

Crisis counseling helps people deal with emotional reactions, such as sadness or anger, caused by stressful situations. Feelings of stress are not always easily traced to their source, but common reactions to a disaster can include feelings of despair or being overwhelmed, anxiety about the future, difficulty sleeping, recurring nightmares, irritability or feeling “edgy.”

“Stress can show up in many unexpected ways when a disaster strikes,” said Lee Rosenberg, federal coordinating officer. "One of the best ways to combat stress is to have professionals available to help those who may feel overwhelmed when situations are beyond their control."

The Crisis Counseling-Immediate Services Program helps state or local agencies respond to immediate mental health needs with screening, diagnostic, and counseling techniques. It also supports outreach services such as public information and community networking.

To register for other forms of federal and state assistance with recovery from the October earthquake, call FEMA's registration line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

Individuals with hearing or speech impairments can call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. The lines are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. You can also register online at www.fema.gov . The deadline for registration with FEMA is December 22, 2006.

(go to Contents)

Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance is Available, Apply by Dec 29

Big Island residents unemployed as a result of the October 15, 2006 Kiholo earthquake may be eligible to file for federal disaster unemployment assistance, state and federal disaster recovery officials said today.

"This program extends coverage only to people who would otherwise be ineligible for unemployment compensation under the regular state program," said Ed Teixeira, state coordinating officer.

The special assistance program was triggered by President Bush’s declaration of Hawaii County as a disaster area. Those eligible include people who are:

· Out of work as a result of the disaster.

· Self-employed or a migrant/seasonal worker with income affected by the disaster.

· Not covered by any other unemployment insurance.

The federally funded, disaster assistance program is administered by the state in the same way as the Hawaii unemployment program. Individuals who want to file for benefits can apply by telephone by calling Hawaii Tele-Claim at 643-5555 or by visiting the nearest Unemployment Claims Office:

· Hilo --1990 Kinoole St, Suite 101, Hilo . Phone: 974-4086.

· Kona -- Ashikawa Bldg, 81-990 Halekii St, Suite 2090, Kealakekua. Phone: 322-4822.

DUA applications must be filed no later than December 29, 2006.

Individuals who are not affected now but may become unemployed later (for example, due to the water shortage caused by the earthquake damage) should file and establish their DUA claims immediately, according to officials of the State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR).

Applicants need to bring a picture identification card and/or any document showing their Social Security number, pay stubs or tax returns, financial statements or profit and loss statements showing net earnings for calendar year 2005.

Additional information regarding eligibility for DUA benefits is available from DLIR’s website, http://hawaii.gov/labor/ui/guidelines.html or the nearest Unemployment Claims Office.

Information about this and other disaster recovery programs also is available by calling the toll-free Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Information Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Persons with speech or hearing impairment can call TTY 1-800-462-7585. The Helpline operates daily from 3 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

(go to Contents)

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.

(go to Contents)

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.

(go to Contents)

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 .

(go to Contents)

Post Quake eWaste Recycling Continues through Saturday, December 30th

The County of Hawaii has been working with FEMA to handle the increase in eWaste materials that were damaged as a result of the October 15, 2006 earthquake.

The program of accepting the materials for recycling at our transfer stations and landfills will continue through Saturday, December 30, 2006.

WHERE: All transfer stations and landfills throughout the island.

WHEN: Now through Saturday, December 30, 2006

Please take all your earthquake damaged eWaste (electronic equipment like televisions, printers, computers and monitors) to the closest transfer station (residential only) or landfill (hotels and commercial) and place them in the designated areas.

Please do not put the eWaste down the trash chutes or in the landfill.

The County will collect and process the eWaste for shipping to the mainland for recycling and proper disposal.

Businesses may apply for a waiver on landfill tipping fees by submitting a completed “Request for Waiver of Tipping Fees for Natural Disaster” to the Department of Environmental Management obtained online http://co.hawaii.hi.us/directory/dir_envmng.htm#dir_solidwaste.

West Hawai‘i Residents may recycle their non-earthquake damaged e-Waste after December 30, 2006 at the next Kona CompuCycle/eWaste event on Saturday, February 3, 2007.

For more information, please call Mike Dworsky, Solid Waste Chief at 961-8515 or Linda Peters, County Recycling Coordinator at 961-8942. Mahalo for your cooperation.

(go to Contents)

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:

• 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.

(go to Contents

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.

(go to Contents)

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.

(go to Contents)

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.

(go to Contents)

Hawai`i’s Booster Seat Law Goes in Effect January 1, 2007

The following is an introduction to the new Child Passenger Restraint Law which goes into effect in Hawai`i on January 1, 2006, with information courtesy of the Keiki Injury Prevention Coalition.

Buckle up your child in a booster seat

Using a booster seat can save your child’s life. Every year, more than 700 children between the ages of four through seven are involved in major car accidents in Hawai`i.

Statistics show that children unrestrained by booster seats are at least 50 percent more at risk for injury than children in a child safety seat or booster seat.

Never hold your infant or child in your lap while riding in a motor vehicle

A crash or sudden stop can result in a serious injury or even a fatality.

The new booster seat law

The new law will require children between the ages of four through seven to ride in a child safety seat or booster seat whenever traveling in a motor vehicle.

The only exemptions are if the child is over 4’9” or if the vehicle has lap-only seat belts in the rear seat.

The driver is responsible for compliance with the booster seat law

Violators of Hawai`i’s Child Passenger Restraint Law are required to attend a four-hour class and may be fined between $100-500 depending upon the number of offenses.

However, the most compelling reason for using a booster seat is the safety of your child.

Why not just use a regular seat belt for a child?

Seat belts are designed for older children and adults – not for children under the age of eight, whose size and physical development make seat belts less effective, and in some cases, unsafe.

A child under 80 lbs. is generally too small for a regular seat belt. The lap belt rides up over the stomach and the shoulder belt cuts across the neck. In a crash this can cause critical or even fatal injuries.

When children outgrow child restraints with a harness – between 40 and 65 lbs. depending on seat weight limit – they should be restrained in a booster seat until they are big enough to fit in an adult seat belt (approximately 80 lbs. and 4’9” tall).

A child who cannot sit with his or her back against the vehicle seat back cushion with knees bent over the vehicle’s seat edge without slouching, must use a booster seat – no matter what age, weight or height.

What are the basic guidelines on the proper use of booster seats?

Use a booster seat for children between the ages of four through seven, unless at least 4’9” tall.
Used the booster seat until the vehicle lap and shoulder belt fit correctly. (The lap belt should fit low and snug on their hips, and the shoulder belt should not cross over a child’s face or neck.)
Never put the shoulder belt behind a child’s back or under their arm.
A high back or low back booster with no shield may be used.

State tax credit towards the purchase of your child’s booster seat

A Hawai`i St