1/5/07 Weekly Report: Hawai`I Police Department to Start Police Cadet Program

The following is a brief introduction to the Hawai`i Police Department’s new police cadet program. The information for this article is courtesy of Police Captain Jay Enanoria of the Hawai`i Police Department and Gabriella Cabanas, Recruitment & Examination Division Chief, of the Department of Human Resources.

When will the Hawaii Police Department initiate the cadet program?

The Hawai`i Police Department will start the police cadet program in July 2007.

The Department of Human Resources will be recruiting for the police cadet program in January 2007 so that names can be referred to the Hawai`i Police Department for employment consideration. Time is needed for testing of qualified applicants by the Department of Human Resources and the various phases of background screening by the Hawai`i Police Department.

The program will serve to employ and train persons interested in a police career in the cadet program until they are eligible for the Police Officer I (police recruit) level.

What prompted the County to introduce a police cadet program?

Police Chief Lawrence Mahuna wanted to revive the police cadet program for the County of Hawai`i, which had a cadet program through Hawai`i Community College many years ago. It eventually was dissolved. At that time, cadets were Hawai`i Community College students earning college credit. They were not paid employees.

Reviving the concept of the police cadet program is the County’s long-term solution to its recruitment of police officer recruits. The County has expanded the concept to transition the police cadets into the police officer recruit positions.

The police cadet program will target persons who graduated from high school and are interested in pursuing a law enforcement career, but who do not yet meet the minimum age requirement of becoming a police officer recruit.

What are the advantages in having a police cadet program?

A police cadet program will allow those interested in a law enforcement career an opportunity to learn and observe the functions of the police department while receiving academic and field training as part-time paid employees of the Hawai`i Police Department.

What are the requirements for applying for the police cadet program?

Persons must have graduated from high school or have a high school diploma equivalent and possess a valid driver’s license. We are seeking persons who are of good moral character and who are physically fit, who want to enter a law enforcement career, who may be in school or working full-time and want to transition slowly into law enforcement.

How will the cadet program be set up? What process will cadets undergo as they prepare to be full-fledged police officers?

Phase I will involve one year of academic training in police work. It will entail three hours of classwork a week, scheduled for the late afternoon one day a week. The ideal class hours will run 3:30- 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays, which are usually college lab days. This means that college students can attend regular classes during the day and attend the cadet classes in the late afternoon.

Phase II will involve 16 hours a week, at different designated sites/sections within the Hawai`i Police Department.

Where will the training take place?

The first year of training will be based in the Hawai`i Police Department’s recruit classroom. After that, the cadets will be transitioned to designated worksites within the Hawai`i Police Department.

What will the police cadets’ duties consist of?

First, they will attend classes and receive basic job training and perform non-hazardous tasks in various functional areas related to police work, such as juvenile aid, traffic, patrol, dispatch, etc.

Cadets will participate in a supervised program of instruction and will learn the basic principles, practices and techniques of police work. They will rotate among the various designated sections of the Police Department.

What are the benefits you’re offering to police cadets?

Police Cadets will be paid on an hourly basis, at $16.20 hour and will be part-time employees of the Hawai`i Police Department. Police Cadets will earn vacation and sick leave benefits, and be credited with service to the County of Hawai`i.

Police Cadets will transition to the Police Officer I level (Police Recruit) upon reaching their 21st birthday and satisfactory completion of their training. Since they would already have received classroom instruction, assisted and observed practical police work in various sections of the department, they will have an added advantage of what to expect as a Police Recruit and the duration of training will be highly shortened as they will already have received such training as police cadets.

Are you interested in applying or you do know someone who may be interested?

Call the Hawai`i County Department of Human Resources at (808) 961-8618 to be placed on the mailing list for the police cadet program. An application packet will be mailed to you once the police cadet recruitment opens later this month.

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COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

Tis Christmas TreeCycling Time Again

This holiday season the County of Hawai`i’s Solid Waste Division and Highway Maintenance Division will again be holding the annual island-wide Christmas Treecycling community project.

The day after Christmas until mid-January, the County of Hawai`i will be collecting and chipping Christmas trees at the following 10 transfer stations:

Hilo
Honoka`a
Ka`auhuhu (Hawi)
Kea`au
Kealakehe
Keauhou
Pahoa
Puako
Waimea
Wai`ohinu

Chipping of the Christmas trees will be done at each site. Before dropping off your Christmas tree, please make sure to remove all decorations, nails and stands. No plastic bags, flocked trees or other rubbish will be accepted for TreeCycling, as they will damage the chippers.

Christmas tree chips make lovely mulch

Free tree chips will be available on site on a first come, first serve basis after mid-January. The timing will depend on available equipment.

Diversion of Christmas trees from the landfills is our aim

By chipping Christmas trees and making the material available for use in gardens, the County can divert thousands of trees from landfills, plus add valuable mulch to our island soils. Residents and businesses alike are encouraged to participate in this practical and beneficial recycling opportunity.

For more recycling information, please call the County of Hawai`i Recycling Hotline at 961-5044.

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New Map on Website Shows New County Office Locations

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 Data Systems Department has put a pdf file on the web with a map showing the location of all of the County offices. The link to the pdf file is http://co.hawaii.hi.us/maps/County_buildings.pdf

The link can be found on http://co.hawaii.hi.us/maps/maps.html . .

To recap the relocated offices:

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.

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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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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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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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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 State tax credit of $25 per year applies to the purchase of a child safety seat or booster seat.

Using a booster seat can save your child’s life.

For further information, please contact the Keiki Injury Prevention Coalition at 1-(808) 537-9200 or visit their website at www.KIPChawaii.org .

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Recycling Drop-offs

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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Redemption Centers – Hours of Operation

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

Qualifying Beverage Containers:

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

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

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

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

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

CURRENTLY OPEN	DAYS/HOURS OF OPERATION	OPERATOR

Hawi Transfer Station**	Saturday only: 8 am-4:30 pm.	ARC of Hilo
(Open Saturday only)	(closed for lunch 1:00-1:30)
Hilo, 1260 Kilauea Ave. (Closed 12 noon-1:00 pm) **NEW ADDITION	Tues-Sat 9am-5pm	Reynolds Aluminum
Hilo, 30 Maka’ala Street	Mon thru Fri: 8:00am-5:00pm	Atlas Recycling
(Old industrial area)	Sat & Sun: 8:00am-3:00pm

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

Kea’au Transfer Station**	M, W, F: 8:00am-4:30pm	ARC of Hilo
(Closed Tues & Thurs)	Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30pm

Kealakehe Transfer Station**	M, W, F: 8:00am-4:30pm	ARC of Hilo
(Closed Tues & Thurs)	Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30pm

Keauhou Transfer Station**	Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30pm	ARC of Hilo
(Weekends only)

Pahoa Transfer Station**	Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30pm	ARC of Hilo
(Weekends only)

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

Waimea Transfer Station**	M, W, F: 8:00am-4:30pm	ARC of Hilo
(Closed Tues & Thurs)	Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30pm

Waiohinu Transfer Station**	Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30pm	ARC of Hilo
(Weekends only)

Please contact Atlas Recycling LLC at 935-9328 (Hilo) or 329-6868 (Kona) for further information about additional scrap value paid on aluminum cans and their mobile redemption sites in rural communities.

Certified redemption centers are now accepting flattened aluminum and plastic HI5¢ beverage containers.

Flattened containers are weighed at redemption sites to determine deposit payment. The public is reminded that reverse vending machines will not accept flattened or crushed containers.

DID YOU KNOW….that the Department of Environmental Management has an information line? Call 961-5044 for HI5¢ redemption, recycling, and other solid waste information. Or visit:

www.hi5deposit.com / http://co.hawaii.hi.us/directory/dir_envmng.htm

****Check out this new Recycle Hawaii website page for "special event" disposal bins for recyclable beverage containers:

http://recyclehawaii.org/HI5PurchaseRentBin.htm

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Kawamoto Pool Repairs

Plans for repairs to the Kawamoto Pool, a County Parks & Recreation facility, have been reviewed and approved by the County.

*NOTE: This project will involve two different bid processes:

1. Bidding for construction, (bids reviewed by Department of Public Works)

2. Bidding for equipment, (Purchasing as put out to bid the filtration equipment and pumps. The bids are to be opened January 9, 2007.

Following the County’s review of the draft plans and specs, which was completed on December 21st, the prime consultant is finalizing them and should return those plans to us in the first week in January so that they can be put out to bid by the Department of Public Works.

To expedite the lengthy process of ordering the equipment needed for this major overhaul, Parks & Recreation is working with the Finance Department’s Purchasing Division to put the specs out to bid for the various long lead items, such as the sand filters, pump, motor, etc. (Note: Equipment purchases of this magnitude legally require bids.)

The equipment will be ordered while the County is seeking a contractor to install the equipment and make other planned improvements. It will take 4 weeks to receive the equipment bids. Since lead time for ordering the pool equipment is 8-12 weeks, that amount of time will be saved by the County ordering the equipment for the contractor.

The construction bid process takes 3 to 4 months to complete, including execution of the contract and notice to proceed to the selected contractor.

Actual construction is anticipated to take 2 to 3 months, with the total project estimated for completion around early fall 2007. However, every effort will be made to expedite completion of the project so that the pool will reopen at the earliest possible date.

For further information, please contact James M. Komata, Park Planner at 961-8531.

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Kuakini Highway Construction Update

Construction work to widen Kuakini Highway, from Palani Road to Hualalai Road, commenced on November 8, 2004.

Kuakini Highway will be widened to four lanes for automobiles, including two through-lanes in each direction, and a pocket lane for left turns where appropriate. In addition, there will bicycle lanes on both sides throughout most of the project. The construction will last 18-24 months.

One lane will be open at all times from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. while construction is in progress. Outside of these hours, one lane in each direction will be open.

The contractor, Hawaiian Dredging, will work with the adjacent businesses and residences to assure that a reasonable access to the businesses and residences will be maintained throughout the construction period. However, motorists traveling in the area should drive with caution.

We are most grateful for the public’s patience and apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Here is the update for this week:

The Contractor is currently doing the following:

Loop detector installation and remedial work.