1/26/07 Weekly Report: A Friendly Place – A One-Stop Service Center for the Homeless Opens in Kona

The following article is a brief introduction to the newly-opened one-stop service center for the homeless in Kailua-Kona, called A Friendly Place. The information came courtesy of the Office for Social Ministry, which administers the center.

Tucked into an unobtrusive corner of the Old Industrial Area is a brand-new center dedicated to providing much-needed services to Kailua-Kona’s homeless population. Its name, A Friendly Place, indicates the tone and atmosphere that its staff projects to the 40-50 homeless people who come to seek their help every weekday.

How did this center come into being?

Since the early 1990s, the need for a West Hawai`i homeless shelter has been compounded by an increase in transients and a scarcity of affordable housing.

The scourge of homelessness is a growing concern on our island, and the drive to help alleviate it was shared by vast sectors of our community, both private and public. The community joined hands with government agencies to help make A Friendly Place happen, to give the homeless a drop-in center offering comprehensive homeless services in a single location.

Who are the partners to help make A Friendly Place a reality?

The County of Hawai`i has worked with homeless service providers, business owners and developers to address the problems of homelessness on our island. This group, the Community Alliance Partners meets quarterly to discuss issues which have an impact on the island’s homeless population. This group together seeks to find solutions and funding opportunities.

In Kona, the County of Hawai`i donated the approximately one acre of land on Pawai Place in what was a Department of Water Supply baseyard to supply the site for A Friendly Place. Stanford Carr Development, Inc. generously donated a three-bedroom model home to serve as the drop-in center, along with labor and supplies.

The Office for Social Ministry staffs A Friendly Place with eight workers from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

What services does the center offer?

Showers, laundry, lockers, mail pickup, counseling and referrals are among the services that A Friendly Place offers. A telephone is available for brief calls, and Internet access is also available to aid individuals in seeking jobs or educational opportunities. There is also a kitchen for people to use – and clean up afterwards.

The homeless people who visit the center for help are referred to respectfully as consumers.

The Office for Social Ministry’s West Hawai`i coordinator, Josephine Ibarra, said that first-time consumers meet with a staff member to “talk story” so the staff can get an idea of the individual’s needs. Many of the consumers at the center have medical, mental or emotional problems, and the staff works to counsel or refer the individuals to specialists for help.

“We work to build trust and rapport with our consumers,” Ibarra said. “ When you can build that relationship with the consumer, you can better address their needs.”

“One thing they all have in common: under the stars is their home.”

Where does the funding come from?

The Hawaii Island United Way and state grants provide the lion’s share of the funding, along with private donations.

Accessibility was a key factor in its location

“It’s not very high-profile in terms of location, but it’s a good accessible location for our consumers,” Ibarra said.

Ibarra said that it was really helpful that the center is located on County property tucked away from the main thoroughfare of traffic.

The “Not in My Backyard” syndrome, where neighbors object to such facilities, has been largely assuaged thanks to the staff’s continued efforts to communicate with the neighbors, most of whom are businesses.

Ibarra said that she was grateful to the community for their compassion and support, as evidenced by many local churches and community groups that pitch in to help with meal service and other chores.

On a recent Monday, parishioners from nearby Mokuaikaua Church were on hand to serve a hot lunch to the center’s consumers, who ate at picnic benches and under the trees on the property.

Meal service is a key element in showing compassion

Feeding the hungry is a way of showing compassion to one’s fellow man. Every morning, Monday through Friday, A Friendly Place offers breakfast to consumers from 7 to 8 a.m., except on Thursdays, from 8 to 9 a.m. when Family Support Services partners with the center’s Office for Social Ministry staff.

On Mondays, as mentioned above, Mokuaikaua Church congregants sponsor lunch, and on Tuesday, St. Michael’s Church sponsors lunch.

Medical needs of the homeless taken care of

Once a week, a nurse visits the center to provide care, and to educate consumers on how to prevent health problems.

Staph infections, which are highly contagious, are a common problem. Ibarra said that when a consumer is found to have a staph infection, immediate medical attention is offered. If the infection is worsening, staff may drive the consumer to the West Hawaii Community Health Clinic for a speedy checkup.

“The West Hawaii Community Health Clinic has been a godsend,” Ibarra said. “They are always ready to help and they’re really compassionate.” The clinic has helped the center avoid sending less-urgent patients to the Kona Community Hospital’s busy Emergency Room, which is about 12 miles away and whose services are costly.

What other referrals does the center offer?

Besides the medical referrals, the center offers referrals for medical insurance, food stamp programs, substance abuse programs, and adult mental health programs.

Adult mental health clinics are held once a month with Dr. Michael McGrath and Barbara Saiki, APRN.

On the wall at the center’s main room is a bank of brochures offering information on job placement, education and other means of breaking the cycle of homelessness.

“Homelessness can come from many things – we see people who were in construction who got hurt and who suddenly couldn’t work and then were unable to pay the rent,” Ibarra said, giving an example. “These people may find themselves in the street or whole families living out of their cars.”

“There are many causes of homelessness,” Ibarra said. Lack of affordable housing is a key reason, she noted.

Many people are only a few paychecks away from becoming homeless. Loss of employment, high rent, minimum wage jobs, domestic violence, substance abuse, emotional or mental health problems and physical health problems all can lead to homelessness.

The homeless person has many faces: seniors, youth and children, families and individuals may find themselves without a home.

Dignity is key

Each of the consumers at A Friendly Place is viewed as an individual, each of whom is treated with respect and dignity. Staffers are trained to deal with a vast array of situations and conditions that may present themselves in the course of the day. Ibarra herself has worked for the Office for Social Ministry for six years, and considers herself an advocate for her consumers.

A Friendly Place is a place for all

“We really welcome members of the community to come and see what they can do to help,” Ibarra said. “It’s really good for our more fortunate folks to become even more a part of the community by giving back.”

The future – an overnight shelter for Kona’s homeless

One of the next major hurdles for the Community Alliance Partners and the County of Hawai`i is to add an overnight shelter to the homeless relief program in West Hawai`i. Currently there is no emergency shelter for homeless persons in the Kona area.

Why is building a shelter difficult?

According to the Office for Social Ministry, lack of understanding and awareness is the biggest obstacle. The surrounding community needs to be communicated with and informed of the homeless relief program and its benefit to the community at large.

Success will lie in partnering with all community stakeholders: residents, businesses, homeless service and treatment providers, public safety and government agencies. Compassion and communication are the keys to success in this effort.

For more information about A Friendly Place and how you can help volunteer with current services, please call OSM at 935-3050, ext. 141.

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COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

Payment of Second Half of Real Property Bills Due February 20

The Real Property Division has mailed out the second half of real property bills to property owners on January 19, and payments are due on February 20, 2007.

If taxpayers have not yet received their bills yet, please call the collection department at 961-8282.

If a mortgage company pays a person's taxes, the information has been sent to the mortgage company. (Obviously, if a taxpayer paid all of the year’s taxes in July or August 2006, they will not receive anything in the mail at this time.)

If you, the taxpayer, are unsure whether you have paid the entire amount, please call 961-8282. You can also visit our website at www.hawaiipropertytax.com .

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Traffic Flow Test in Progress at Honalo Junction through Feb 2

The County is testing a new traffic flow measure at the Honalo Junction and in Kainaliu Town during a 12 day test period from January 22, 2007 through February 2, 2007. The test is aimed at addressing traffic issues in mauka Kona, by reducing traffic along Mamalahoa Highway and congestion in North Kona during peak afternoon travel hours.

Starting Monday, January 22, 2007 motorists traveling south on the old Mamalahoa Highway will ONLY be able to turn right (down toward Kailua) just prior to the Honalo Junction. Traffic will NOT be able to enter the south flow of traffic on Highway 11. This closure to the southbound lane at the junction applies only during the hours of 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Motorists turning right before approaching the Junction will also encounter traffic measures that will deter them from making a left turn onto Highway 11. Off-duty Police officers will be posted. Signs will be posted at the intersection of Kalelei Street and Mamalahoa Highway that state: “Do not enter local traffic only.”

Message boards will be posted along Mamalahoa Highway, saying Turn Right Here, Honalo Junction is closed from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

This test is aimed at allowing traffic to flow and reduce current delays of 30 minutes or longer at the Honalo Junction. Delays are caused by the stop-and-go pattern at Honalo Junction, to allow vehicles to merge. Each merge adds time, multiplied by the number of stops equaling long lines of traffic.

During the first week from January 22 to January 26, Public Works will monitor traffic behavior in Kainaliu specifically the stretch between Aloha Theatre and the former Ben Franklin Store.

Starting January 29 to February 2, there will be no diagonal parking in the front of Oshima’s Drug Store in Kainaliu. Public Works will again monitor traffic behavior to see if parking closure in addition to the closure of Honalo Junction allows for a smoother traffic flow.

Bruce McClure, Public Works director said the test may be extended for an additional 12 days, and a permit provides the option of continuing the test for 90 days.

McClure asked that the community reserve judgment on the traffic flow measure until the test is complete, and expressed gratitude at the tremendous cooperation from motorists since the test began.

Meanwhile, road work is accelerating in Captain Cook and Kealakekua to increase traffic capacity and includes the introduction of turn lanes to improve the flow of traffic. The traffic projects are part of an 11-step strategy included in the Keahole to Honaunau Circulation Plan to address congestion fueled by rapid growth and long commutes to south Kona and beyond and exacerbated by the lack of connector roads.

The Keahole to Honaunau Circulation Plan is a result of a study commissioned by the County in 2000 to analyze roads and traffic. Information about the Keahole to Honaunau Circulation Plan is available online at www.co.hawaii.hi.us under Project Updates. For 24-hour information about road updates call 334-9559 and for specifics about this project contact Bruce McClure at 961-8321.

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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)	Tues-Sat 9am-5pm	Reynolds Recycling
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**	Daily 8:00am-4:30pm	ARC of Hilo

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)

Atlas Recycling LLC operates Mobile Redemption Sites (monthly 9am- 1pm) at:

Ocean View (South Point U-Cart) every 2^nd Saturday and
Na`alehu Elem. & Inter. School every 3^rd Saturday.

For further information about Atlas Recycling’s operations on the island of Hawai`i, call 935-9328 (Hilo) or 329-6868 (Kona).

Reynolds Recycling at 1260 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo also participates in the HI5¢ program: Tues-Saturday 9am-5pm. For further information, call 754-8984.

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.)

Final plans and specifications were received by Parks and Recreation on January 12, 2007, and the department is in the process of preparing the documents to be publicly bid for construction. Once the bid documents have been completed and advertised for bid later this month, the plans will go out to bid for a minimum of 3-4 weeks.

Meanwhile, bids for the pool pump, filters and associated equipment were received and opened January 16, 2007 by Purchasing Division. The department is waiting for the bidders to provide additional technical data for some of the components. Assuming the data meets the requirements, the department will approve the bid results and request Purchasing Division to issue the award to the winning bidder which will have 8 to 9 weeks to deliver the equipment for use during construction.

The following dates have been set for the construction-end of the project:

January 29, 2007 – Bid Advertisement in the Hawai‘i Tribune Herald, DPW Website, Various Contractor Plan Holder organizations
February 2, 2007 – Pre-Bid Conference for Contractors, Suppliers, Unions, etc.
February 22, 2007 – Bid Opening at Department of Public Works

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 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

West Hawai`i CompuCycle Event in Kona on February 3

The West Hawaii CompuCycle event is returning to the Old Kona Airport Park Pavilion, Kailua-Kona on February 3, 2007 10:00am – 2:00pm.

Bring your old computers, monitors, keyboards, printers, scanners, mice, as well as entertainment electronics, such as TVs, VCRs, stereos, and cell phones. Drop off is free to residents, schools, non-profits and government agencies.

Tell your friends, relatives and neighbors about this great opportunity to dispose of your e-waste properly. Recycle It!

For further information, please call the County Recycling Coordiators at 961-8549.

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Coqui Control Class to be Held in Kea`au Tuesday, February 20

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, and USDA Wildlife Services will provide a Coqui Control Class co-sponsored by Kamehameha Schools Hawai’i Campus. The class is scheduled on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the Kamehameha High School Keawe cafeteria located at 16-716 Volcano Rd in Kea’au.

Coquis with their ear-splitting screeching are a major nuisance. 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. For reservations please call the County of Hawaii Coqui Eradication & Control Office at 961-8065.

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Kona Outdoor Circle Takes Applications for Tropical Gardening Scholarship

The Kona Outdoor Circle is taking applications for the Julie M. Ellison Fund scholarship for the Seasonal Tropical Gardening Program. The scholarship is in the amount of $125 and is offered four times annually, one scholarship for each series of classes. The award is retroactive, with the recipient being reimbursed for the tuition upon completion of the series of classes.

The Winter series of classes for the Seasonal Tropical Gardening Program begins on January 22, 2007. Applications for the scholarship are due by 4 p.m. on February 9, 2007. Applications are available on the website, www.konaoutdoorcircle.org or you may call Kona Outdoor Circle at 329-7286 for more information.

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Visitor Assistance Program Manager Position Opening in West Hawai`i

VASH West Hawai`i, which provides emergency assistance for visitors in distress, is seeking a Visitor Assistance Program Manager. This organization provides vital services to travelers who may not know where to turn in an emergency far from home. It’s an important way of showing Aloha and compassion to visitors in need of help.

The Visitor Assistance Program Manager receives referrals and provides emergency support to travelers in West Hawai`i. This is a part-time position with varied work hours estimated at a maximum of 19 hours per week.

(On-call 5 days a week for 24 hours a day.) The person must have his or her own vehicle and be insured.

Please call 756-0785 or email vashwh@yahoo.com for job description. Mail resume to VASH West Hawaii, P.O. Box 669, Kailua Kona, HI 96745 by February 2, 2007.

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