2/2/07 Weekly Report: County of Hawaii Issues Highlights for Fiscal 2005-2006 as Newspaper Insert Feb 4; West Hawai`i Roadway Update Brochure Available to Public

The eight-page insert will feature the main activities and developments of County government during Fiscal Year 2005-2006 ending June 30, 2006. The insert will appear in the February 4 editions of the Hawaii Tribune-Herald and the West Hawai`i Today, as well as the concurrent issue of the weekly Hawai`i Island Journal, which arrives at newsstands on February 5.

Extra copies are available at the RSVP counter at the County building at 101 Pauahi Street, Hilo and the Kona Mayor’s Office at Hanama Place in Kailua-Kona.

The report will also be posted along with previous years’ annual reports on the County website at co.hawaii.hi.us . Click on County of Hawaii A-Z Index, then click on Annual Report Fiscal Year 2005-2006.

The direct link that will access the 9 MB file is http://co.hawaii.hi.us/annual_reports/annual2006/ar0506.pdf .

The issue this year will feature a map showing the locations of all of the County departments and agencies, following the recent relocation of some departments from 25 Aupuni Street pending renovations.

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West Hawai‘i Roadway Update Brochure Available to Public

A guide to on-going roadwork in West Hawai‘i is now available to the general public. The brochure is available at County offices in east and west Hawai‘i and online at the County’s website at www.co.hawaii.hi.us .

This is the first time a brochure charting the progress of roadwork has been created and distributed, said Bruce McClure, Director of the County Department of Public Works.

“Our own employees used the brochure for a month and provided feedback to the department prior to the final printing,” McClure said, adding that the brochure will be updated regularly.

The current brochure, “West Hawaii Road Work Ahead,” provides maps and details of 42 projects being planned, under construction or completed in West Hawai‘i. These projects are those in progress between June 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007.

An update to the brochure is planned at the end of February. Also included in the brochure is information about the County’s action plan to improve the capacity of north/south roadways.

The maps and projects are numbered and a legend provides information on the project status:

· A - for future;

· B - construction started;

· C - completed and

· D - no date set for construction.

Dotted lines indicate proposed roads and solid lines indicate existing roads.

“This is just a guide,” McClure said. “Projects are constantly changing, so keep an eye out for our media releases in the newspapers or go to the County website for the most up-to-date information.”

To access the brochure on-line, go to the County’s homepage, click on the Project Update button, and then click on DPW Road Brochure. The brochure can be printed out and is best reproduced on 11” x 17” size paper.

Copies of the brochure are also available at:

Mayor’s office in Kona at 75-5706 Hanama Place, Ste. 103;
Public Works offices in Hilo at Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Ste. 7 and in Kona at 75-5706 Hanama Place, Ste.109;
On the Intra Kona Hele-On Buses;
KTA Super Stores in Waimea, Waikoloa Village, Kailua-Kona and Keauhou at the customer service desk.

For round-the-clock information on road work, please call 334-9559. For specifics about a roadway project, contact Bruce McClure, Director of Public Works at 961-8321.

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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 Extended through Feb 16

The County Department of Public Works has extended the traffic mitigation measures at Honalo Junction through Friday, February 16, 2007.

Since Monday, January 22, 2007 the County has been testing a new traffic flow measure at the Honalo Junction. From 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, motorists traveling south on the old Mamalahoa Highway are ONLY able to turn right (down toward Kailua) just prior to the Honalo Junction. Traffic is NOT allowed to enter the south flow of traffic on Highway 11.

This test is an effort to address traffic issues in mauka Kona during peak afternoon travel hours by reducing traffic along the old Mamalahoa Highway and traffic congestion in South Kona.

“The goal is to pinpoint the areas of congestion,” said Public Works director Bruce McClure. “We are taking a wait and see attitude regarding the testing and our permit actually allows us to keep this test going for up to 90 days.”

So far there have been some encouraging results.

“Motorists who use the route every day have reported a decrease in their commute time ranging from 10 to 25 minutes since we started the test,” said McClure. “On average there are close to 750 cars per hour traveling through Honalo, or 2,057 over a three-hour period.”

Prior to the test between 19-26% of motorists used Highway 180 to travel south and merge onto Highway 11. Although this traffic has been diverted onto Highway 11, traffic still continues to move more smoothly.

An additional experimental traffic measure is being tested in Kainaliu.

From January 29, 2007 through February 2, 2007, the diagonal parking in front of Oshima’s store will be closed off. Only parallel parking will be allowed in Kainaliu.

Public Works will monitor the situation to see if the parking closure, in addition to the closure of Honalo Junction, allows for a smoother traffic flow. A police officer will be stationed at Oshima’s to insure that only parallel parking occurs.

A comparison of traffic during the first and second week of the test will be made by Public Works, said McClure.

“While we anticipate there may be longer lines of cars, we also expect traffic to move smoother and will be measuring the flow of traffic,” he said.

To further facilitate traffic flow in South Kona, new construction hours of 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday - Friday, will be instituted for roadwork in the Kealakekua and Captain Cook areas.

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 boards that 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:

Concrete cap for portions of wall fronting the used car lot on Kuakini/Kalani planned to be done this week.
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!

The next East Hawaii CompuCycle campaign at the Aupuni Center is scheduled for:

May 11, 2007 from 10:00am till 2:00pm Govt. & Public Agencies Drop-Off Day

May 26, 2007 from 10:00am till 2:00pm Public Drop-Off Day

We humbly ask our East Hawai`i residents for their cooperation to please hold onto any e-waste till the May 11th event in Hilo. Thank you for your understanding and Mahalo for helping to keep these items out of our landfill.

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

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Why Doctors are Leaving Kona -- Town Meeting on Tuesday, Feb 6

A Town Meeting organized by Community Enterprises will be held on Tuesday, February 6 to discuss why doctors are leaving Kona.

WHEN: February 6, 2007, Tuesday, 6:00 pm – 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Makaeo Events Pavilion (Old Airport Main Pavilion

The featured speakers will include:

Don Lewis, FACHE Regional Chief Executive Office for Kona Community Hospital
Dr. Carol Brown, M.D., a Physician of Psychiatry
Dr. Lora Aller, M.D. of Big Island Family Practice
Dr. Wesley Sugai, M.D., a Physician of Pediatrics
Angel Pilago, Councilman District 8 (Speaker on County Council Update).

Community Enterprises is a non-profit and non-partisan organization. We encourage Kona residents to attend our monthly Town Meetings. These abbreviated and fast-moving meetings provide the community with information about events, services, organizations and governmental policies affecting the Kona area.

Light refreshments will be served and everyone is warmly welcome.

For more information, you can contact Carol Christianson at 329-0059.

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Solutions Task Force Groups Hold Video-Conference Monday, February 12

Solutions: Neighborhoods In Action Traffic and Animal Control Task Force Groups will meet on Monday, February 12, 2007 via a video conference at the Kona Mayor's Office - 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Hilo Prosecutor's Office - 34 Rainbow Drive and Waimea County Council Office.

The following times, contact information and partial agenda for the Task Force Groups are:

Traffic Task Force Meeting: Time: 10am - 11am. Agenda: continue working on "Speeding in Neighborhoods". Continue updates on the “Community Road Safety Watch” program. Discussion and input for the County and State on "Aggressive Driving" programs. Contact: Lil Beaufrere at 325-0039 or email konalil@hawaii.rr.com .

Animal Control Task Force Meeting: Time: 11:15am - 12:15pm. Agenda: Discussion and input is welcome by the public for work being done on the Animal Control Bill contain. Report from the Humane Society and updates on their current projects. Contact: Nancy Zorn at 328-9931 or nzzorn2@kona.net .

Please visit the "Solutions" web site for further details: www.solutionsislandhawaii.com

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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