1/12/07 Weekly Report: A Great New Year’s Resolution -- Recycle

If you are already recycling, you can often do a bit more, while those who are not doing anything can see how easy it is. Good recycling is achieved by having the right system in the home and having the right attitude.

It applies to all rubbish you produce; from the office, garage and bedroom as well as from the kitchen.

Use your local transfer station collection bins

Recycling bins are now located at many transfer stations. Newspapers, magazines, cardboard and brown paper bags, office paper and junk mail, #1 and #2 plastics, and rinsed glass jars can all be recycled in Hawai’i County. Call 961-5044 for more information.

Take other materials to your local reuse center or charity shop

‘Still Good Stuff’ can be taken to the Kea’au Recycle & Reuse Center, the Salvation Army Thrift Stores or Goodwill Industries. You can also donate good, saleable items to schools, churches or clubs for fund-raising. Or hold your own garage sale.

You can compost degradable items in your backyard bin

This is a great way to deal with organic waste. Vegetable and fruit peelings, tea bags, tissues, tissue boxes, paper dinner napkins and toilet rolls along with garden waste can all be recycled in a compost bin. Good quality compost can be produced within 6 months. Make a point to attend one of Recycle Hawai’i’s composting workshops. Contact www.recyclehawaii.org .

Reduce waste as you shop

Reducing the amount of waste you actually create is very important. Thinking about your shopping habits will reduce the amount of goods and packaging that you will ultimately have to throw away.

Start using reusable fabric shopping bags instead of opting for “paper or plastic” at your local stores. Take accumulated plastic shopping bags to Wal-Mart or Safeway for recycling.

Get rid of junk mail

You can reduce the amount of waste you produce by reducing much of the junk mail you receive. Most junk mail isn’t even read. The pile of junk mail you receive may shrink if you register with the Mail Preference Service, Direct Marketing Assoc., PO Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512 or register online at http://dmaconsumers.org/offmailinglist.html .

Participate in local recycling events

Recycle that old computer or TV set at the next Ewaste collection event.

· For West side residents, the next Ewaste collection is set for Saturday, February 3^rd, from 10am-2pm at the Old Kona Airport Parking Lot.

· The Hilo Ewaste event is scheduled for Saturday, May 26^th from 10am-2pm at the Aupuni Center (old Firestone Store) in Hilo.

Save old batteries and households hazardous wastes for the next HHW collection. HHW (household hazardous waste) collections take place the first Saturday of June and December in Hilo and the second Saturday of June and December in Kailua-Kona at each of their transfer stations.

How do you know that you are achieving a high level of recycling?

Look at what is in your rubbish bag or bin. If you are a high recycler, all that is left are items made of plastics that are not recyclable, such as thin food containers, any items made of mixed materials that cannot be separated and any non recyclable items, such as napkins.

Another way is to check how much waste you are putting out each week. For example a high recycling family would usually only fill one whole black bag with waste.

If you are not recycling now, the amount of waste you put out for collection should halve when you recycle fully. For more information, call the County’s Recycling Hotline at 961-5044.

Remember to set your recycling targets now to see how you can help reduce the stuff dropped into our landfills. Have a Happy Recycling New Year!

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COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

Kalopa Sand Gulch Rd Reopens Jan 12 Following Accelerated Post-Quake Repairs

Thanks to the cooperation of local contractor George Oye Inc., the County of Hawaii fast-tracked repairs to the Kalopa Sand Gulch roadway and reopened the access road at noon on Friday, January 12, 2007.

Sand Gulch Road was damaged in the October 15, 2006 earthquakes and has been closed since then. The closure forced upwards of 100 area residents to make lengthy, daily detours to get to and from their homes. The County and FEMA assessed the damage and bids for repair work went out in November.

The contractor, George Oye Inc., began work on December 18, 2006, including the removal of trees and boulders which posed a hazard.

“What is unusual in this situation is the willingness of the contractor to move ahead with the work prior to the final execution of the contract,” said Bruce McClure, Director of the County Department of Public Works. “We truly appreciate Alton Oye, and his understanding of the County’s need to get the work done and get relief to the residents in the area.”

McClure said additional work is slated for Kalopa Sand Gulch Roadway. In the near future, crews will thin stands of trees on the hillsides. Slope repair to the makai side of the roadway is also being planned.

Since the damage occurred as a result of the earthquake, FEMA will cover 75% of the $270,000 project; the remaining 25% will be paid by the County of Hawaii.

For information about road work or other services provided by Public Works, please call the 24-hour hotline at 334-9559 or go online to www.co.hawaii.hi.us Click on Media Releases.

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Mayor’s Office, Other Departments Move; New Map on Website Shows All Locations

The Mayor’s Office and employees from various other County departments 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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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 were 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 is anticipated to end during the first quarter of 2007.

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:

Miscellaneous work along the project corridor.

**Bypass Road in Kailua-Kona to close to through traffic

Effective January 15, 2007, Kalawa Road in Kailua-Kona will close to through traffic.

About two years ago Kalawa Road was extended to Hualalai Road, allowing motorists to bypass some of the ongoing construction work on Kuakini Highway. The extension, about 160 feet of roadway, was part of the costs associated with the $17.5 million improvements to Kuakini Highway.

Construction along Kuakini Highway is anticipated to end during the first quarter of 2007 and, as such, it is no longer necessary to have Kalawa Road open to through traffic.

“We’d like to thank the Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union and the State Department of Land and Natural Resources for allowing us to temporarily extend Kalawa through their property in order to give motorists some relief during the widening of and improvements to Kuakini Highway,” said Bruce McClure, Director of the Department of Public Works.

Message boards will announce the closure of Kalawa Road to through traffic.

The Kuakini Highway improvement project has included widening the road from two to four lanes from Palani Road to Hualalai Road, building pocket lanes for left turns, adding bicycle lanes, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, retaining walls, and utility relocation.

The project is part of an action plan the County of Hawaii is using to organize and prioritize solutions to mitigate traffic congestion in Kona. The action plan is based on a study the County commissioned in 2000, entitled Keahole to Honaunau Circulation Plan.

Information about this study and the Keahole to Honaunau circulation plan is available online at the County website at www.co.hawaii.hi.us under project updates. For 24-hour information on road work, call 334-9559. For specifics about this project, contact Bruce McClure, Director, County Department of Public Works, 961-8321.

Information on project status will be also provided via this newsletter and the Mayor's West Hawaii Office at 329-5226.

Mahalo nui loa for your support of these\s community improvement projects.

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Job Announcements

Hawai`i County … a nice place to live. County of Hawai`i … a great place to work.

Consider employment with the County of Hawai`i because it offers: numerous positions, great benefits, provides valuable services, diverse culture, a beautiful island – not to mention warm and friendly residents.

Call the County of Hawai`i’s job hotline (808) 961-8618 or visit www.co.hawaii.hi.us to download an application packet.

For job postings, visit our website: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/civil_serv/civ_serv.htm

Click on employment opportunities to download all of the forms.

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COMMUNITIES IN ACTION

Coqui Control Class in Hilo on Tuesday, January 16

Coqui frogs are a noisy pest in our community and an environmental and economic menace. The Coqui Frog Working Group in partnership with the County of Hawaii, State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture, UH Manoa - College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, UH Hilo Biology Dept, USDA Wildlife Services, and Hawaii Island Economic Development Board will provide a Coqui Control Class on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the Aupuni Center Conference Room located at 101 Pauahi Street (former Firestone Tire Service Center).

In areas where there are no major infestations it is imperative to keep the coqui frog out. This class will discuss strategies for preventing infestations from occurring, how to eradicate existing populations and organize your community to keep the frogs out. The agenda also includes information on the coqui frog life cycle, non-chemical control options, chemical safety and spraying techniques, large capacity sprayer training, and availability of community resources.

The class is free but RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED due to limited space. For reservations please call Karen Shiroma at the County of Hawaii Coqui Eradication & Control Office at 961-8065.

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West Hawaii Fisheries Council Meets in Kona on January 18

The West Hawai`i Fisheries Council, a community-based advisory organization, will hold their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, January 18, 2007, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Hawai`i Big Game Fishing Club at Honokohau Marina in Kailua- Kona.

The speaker this month will be Jan Dierking, UH Manoa PhD student, who will be making a presentation on roi. Roi is one of the ‘Species of Special Concern’ that a Fishery Council subcommittee will be studying this year.

The mission of the West Hawai`i Fisheries Council is to manage fishery activities to ensure sustainability, enhance nearshore resources, minimize resource depletion and manage conflicts of use. The Council was set up to serve as the community source for formulating and recommending West Hawai`i fisheries management actions and changes to Department of Land and Natural Resource’s Division of Aquatic Resources and the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

The Council has eight very active committees who are always seeking new members to sustain their broad scope. All interested members of the community are cordially invited to attend the Council meetings on the third Thursday of every month, or to join one of the committees of the Council.

For more information, please contact Marni Herkes at 987 2171 or marnih@hawaiiantel.net .

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2007 MasterCard Golf Championship at Hualalai January 19-21

The 2007 MasterCard Championship golf tournament will take place at Hualalai Golf Course from January 19-21, 2007.

Players will vie for the $1.7 million purse, with defending champion Loren Roberts. The Pro-Am event will take place all day

For ticket purchases call 1-800-417-2770 or visit www.mastercardchampionship.com . Available for purchase are: Good "Any DAY ticket" at $10.00 and Good "Any WEEK ticket" at $25.00.

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Volunteer Caseworkers Needed to Help Quake Victims

There are many people still reeling from the devastation wrought on the Big Island of Hawaii by the earthquake of October 15, 2006.

The newly-formed West Hawaii Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (WHVOAD) is working hard to put people back on their feet.

We are currently in dire need of volunteer caseworkers—people with a heart for helping others and possess good administrative skills—who will work in concert with professional case managers in interviewing victims, most of whom reside in the North Kohala area of the Big Island.

These volunteers will be given training and direction. If you—or someone you know—would be interested in helping with this important task, please call Linda Petrucelli at 889-6869.

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Free Tax Preparation Help in West Hawaii Sponsored by AARP and IRS

AARP and the IRS are again sponsoring a group of volunteer IRS trained FREE tax preparation assistors in the Kona and Capt. Cook areas. This assistance is offered in four different locations that also includes a new site, the Mayor's Kona Office.

Sites are open on four different days (see the schedule below). Also new this year is a counselor who is trained to prepare military returns.

The free tax