2/9/07 Weekly Report: Composting Infrastructure to Divert Greenwaste from Landfills; Hawai`i County Awarded 2006 Tree City USA Designation

The following brief article is an explanation of the County’s initiative to construct composting infrastructure adjacent to the West Hawai`i landfill in Pu`uanahulu. The information is courtesy of the Department of Environmental Management.

The Department of Environmental Management’s Solid Waste Division is proposing to construct County-funded composting infrastructure including collection of fats, oils, and grease (FOGs) for processing into alternative fuels (primarily for transportation) adjacent to the West Hawai`i Sanitary Landfill on government land at Pu`uanahulu.

What are you aiming for?

The goal is to divert more greenwaste and organic materials from the landfill, by converting these materials into certified compost.

In more detail, the goals of the Greenwaste and Organics Diversion Program are to:

• Maintain compliance with Department of Health regulations.

• Reduce costs associated with landfilling.

• Save existing air space in the island’s landfills by diverting traditional greenwaste while adding other acceptable organic materials including wood waste, food scraps, biosolids, used cooking oil, and grease trap waste.

• Provide an incentive to separate acceptable organics from mixed solid waste loads.

• Promote value-added local businesses.

Benefits of home-grown compost and alternative fuels

Locally-made certified compost and alternative fuels eliminate the need to import product from other islands. This reduces the cost of business for visitor industry transportation companies, resorts, landscapers and agricultural industries.

When the County eventually produces a certified compost, the benefits will include:

• Less shipping of imported compost, providing space for other commodities.

• Providing landscapers with a less costly yet high quality compost product to take with them, after they have dropped unprocessed organics and greenwaste. A backhaul option is an essential component of this program design.

• Reduction of the risks of spreading unwanted pests (coqui), pathogens and weed species.

• Elimination of the health issues stemming from fugitive dust and foul odors.

• Addition of approximately 15 new private sector jobs.

Biodiesel will be produced on-site, rather than imported from other islands

Alternative fuels, including biodiesel, are a hot topic. Production of biodiesel, currently done on Maui and Oahu, will become possible on the Big Island as a companion to the composting process in West Hawai`i.

Proper infrastructure for composting has safety benefits

With proper infrastructure dedicated to creating compost, the County can reduce fire risks and labor costs to the County relating to managing mulch piles in Kona where there is insufficient demand for the product. (Note: Mulch is the raw material from which compost is made.)

Mulch versus certified compost

Diverted greenwaste makes up a sizeable percentage of the solid waste generated on the Big Island; or approximately 12-15% of the waste tonnage accounted for on this island.

However, there is insufficient demand for the current mulch product in Kona, which means stockpiling of this raw plant material. Meanwhile the demand for certified compost (the refined material derived from mulch), is substantial.

Why help create a facility to process mulch into certified compost in West Hawai`i near the landfill?

Given the incoming quantities of greenwaste, there is insufficient space at the present West Hawai`i location at Kealakehe Transfer Station to safely process (grinding) into mulch or to further process to produce compost. Please note: residents will still be able to use Kealakehe Transfer Station as they do now.

The site is difficult for the public to access, given traffic congestion in the greater Kailua-Kona area. However, the site adjacent to the Pu`uanahulu landfill is suitable to accommodating a composting facility.

Composting is difficult at the present East Hawai`i greenwaste site due to excessive rainfall and the demand for the mulch currently matches the output of shredded greenwaste.

The County needs to comply with Department of Health (DOH) requirements that stockpiles of both unprocessed greenwaste and shredded greenwaste (mulch) be maintained at specified heights and quantities to mitigate fire and environmental hazards.

The stockpiles are now reduced to within compliance with DOH permits, which has involved great effort and extra expense. At the Kona site, incoming quantities exceed outgoing quantities of the low-value mulch.

Greenwaste continues to be a significant portion of the Solid Waste stream and the law specifies that approximately 65-70% of greenwaste generated for disposal on this island cannot enter our landfills.

Why expand greenwaste processing to composting and production of alternative fuels?

Amid the huge amount of greenwaste generated on our island, composting will score the most cost-effective gains in overall diversion from the landfill.

Such a diversion program will channel some food waste, untreated lumber, biosolids, and fats, oils and grease (FOGs), which can be included in properly processed compost or processed into biodiesel or a vegetative equivalent of bunker fuel used for electric generation.

Certified compost is a safe product

The U.S. Composting Council tests compost under a set of rigorous standards. We want to upgrade our composting to comply with its standards, which would mean our County-produced compost is certified safe.

Attaining the U.S. Composting Council’s seal ensures a quality compost product that meets all requirements relating to public health and safety.

By achieving this standard, we will have a value-added product that is in much demand by our island’s diversified agriculture and landscaping industries.

Certified compost would eliminate concerns of spreading invasive weed species and other undesirable alien species including diseases and pests such as coqui frogs, fire ants and caterpillars.

What are the costs/payback in Fiscal 2006-2007 dollars from a composting facility program?

The average cost of landfilling is $87.65 per ton. The average cost of landfilling, after collection from a Transfer Station, is $144.17 per ton.

The operational costs per year of composting and diverting fats, oils and grease for alternative fuel production could be $57.50 per ton.

Once composting infrastructure is provided at the West Hawai`i Sanitary Landfill, the County will receive revenues from the commercial greenwaste tipping fee which will help to offset the costs of the program. We estimate that 60% of all greenwaste is commercially generated.

Hawaii County Code calls for this tip fee to be 25% of the solid waste tip fee ($85 per ton when operations commence). That will result in revenues of approximately $350,000 to $425,000 in Fiscal Year 2007-2008.

Payback

If we just look at the comparison of landfilling versus composting, the payback of $1.87 Million ($1.75 Million CIP, plus $120,000 from FY2004-2005 Operating budget for design) is less than three years, 2.83 to be exact.

Calculated as:

1. $87.65/ton (landfill cost) - $57.50/ton (composting cost) = $30.15/ton difference.

2. $30.15 x 21,906 tons (Kona collections FY 05-06) = $605,640/year.

3. $1,870,000 / $660,465 = 2.83 years.

For more information about the Department of Environmental Management’s Composting Infrastructure initiative in West Hawai`i, please call 961-8083.

(go to Contents)

Hawai`i County Awarded 2006 Tree City USA Designation

The County of Hawai`i has been awarded national recognition as a Tree City USA community by the National Arbor Day Foundation, in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forestry Service.

It is the second year in a row that the County of Hawai`i has been honored for its commitment to community forestry.

The County met the four standards required to become a Tree City USA: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance.

"Trees in our cities and towns help clean the air, conserve soil and water, moderate temperature and bring nature into our daily lives,” said National Arbor Day Foundation president John Rosenow. “Tree City USA designation recognizes the work of elected officials, staff and citizens who plant and care for the community forest."

The County of Hawai`i is deeply honored to have received such recognition, and will strive to continue to deserve its Tree City USA designation. For further information about the Tree City USA program, check out the National Arbor Day Foundation www.arborday.org .

(go to Contents)

COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

Phase Two of Road Improvements in Kealakekua Starts February 12

The second phase of improvements to Mamalahoa Highway in South Kona is scheduled to begin the week of February 12, 2007.

This second phase, overlapping slightly with the road’s first phase of improvements, is expected to run through the third quarter of 2007. The cost is estimated at $2 million.

Phase Two will continue the improvements to a stretch of Mamalahoa Highway in Kealakekua and includes:

· A bus stop in front of the Kona Hongwanji Mission.

· A two-way, left-turn center lane that provides a refuge lane for left-turns in and out of Nani Kupuna Place and Ke`eKe`e Street. Existing left-turn pockets will be adjusted and the roadway alignment shifted as necessary to preserve on-street parking.

· Paved shoulders and swales along the entire length of the project – Kona Hongwanji Mission to Haukapila Street.

· Repaint five crosswalks; construction of ADA accessible ramps at Nani Kupuna Place, Ke’eKe’e Street, Waenaoihana Loop, Haleki`i Street and Haukapila Street.

Work hours for this phase of construction, and all other County roadwork in South Kona are expected to be Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Two lanes will remain open during roadwork. This is the third construction project currently underway in South Kona. There will be some night work involved in this construction.

The project in Captain Cook started in July 2006 and is scheduled for completion in July 2007. The construction cost is $2.7 million and involves constructing left-turn lanes, additional street lights, sidewalks and repainting crosswalks.

Phase One of the Kealakekua work began in October 2006 and is scheduled for completion in March 2007. This $1.2 million project includes constructing a left-turn lane, repainting new crosswalks to improve traffic, lighting and pedestrian safety.

These projects are part of an action plan aimed at mitigating traffic congestion in Kona. The current work in South Kona aims to improve the capacity of north/south roadways by creating turning lanes to improve the flow of traffic.

Information about this study and the resulting Keahole to Honaunau circulation plan is available online 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 of Public Works at 961-8321.

(go to Contents)

Meeting on Waiakea Stream Flood Damage Reduction Project

The public is invited to an informational meeting to discuss the process and schedules for the Waiakea Stream Flood Damage Reduction Project on Wednesday, February 14.

The County’s Department of Public Works and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will conduct the meeting from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Hilo.

Residents who live along Waiakea Stream, Kawailani Street Bridge, Kupulau Road and in the Waiakea Uka area who suffered damages as a result of the floods are encouraged to attend.

Steven Yamamoto, Project Manager with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Cindy Barger, the Environmental Specialist will discuss the project and answer questions.

For details about the informational meeting call Public Works at (808) 961-8321.

(go to Contents)

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 .

(go to Contents)

County of Hawai`i Issues Fiscal 2005-6 Highlights Online

The County of Hawai`I, which published the highlights of Fiscal 2005-2006 as a newspaper insert on Sunday, February 4 in three island publications, has now posted the report online.

The report features the main activities and developments of County government during Fiscal Year 2005-2006 ending June 30, 2006. The insert appeared 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 arrived 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 is now 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 features 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.

(go to Contents)

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.

(go to Contents)

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.

(go to Contents)

Real Property Tax Division Taking Applications for Post-Quake Tax Relief

The Hawai`i County Real Property Division encourages property owners with earthquake damages to apply for real property tax relief.

To start the process, please download the application form at www.hawaiipropertytax.com . Real Property Tax assessors will visit the affected properties whose owners apply for such tax relief. Besides damage to buildings, land lost in the earthquake, such as landslides into the ocean, will also be eligible for reassessment.

Substantiating documents of damage such as photographs, contractor’s quotations or appraisals may be submitted at the time of application. The deadline to file applications is June 30, 2007.

Steps to complete the application:

1. Fill in the Tax Map Key Number of the parcel. This can be obtained from your last tax bill or assessment notice.

2. 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.

3. Fill in the type of disaster (Earthquake) and date the quake occurred, October 15, 2006.

4. 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.)

5. Sign, date and mail in the application by June 30, 2007.

Note: This application is only for real property taxes paid, or due. In all cases, the amount of relief will not reduce the total annual taxes to less than the minimum tax for the parcel. If you are currently paying the minimum tax, please do not complete this form, as no relief will be calculated. The tax relief calculation will be based on the balance of the tax year, October 15, 2006 to June 30, 2007.

Please be advised that the Real Property Tax Office does not assess, or tax, improvements such as retaining walls, fences, landscaping, and driveways. Therefore, damage of this type would not result in any tax relief.

For further information, please call Real Property Tax Division at 961-8201.

(go to Contents)

Earthquake Repairs -- How to Apply for Building Permit Waiver

Here is some information who qualifies under the emergency ordinance for waiver of certain requirements and fees for emergency repair work.

· A homeowner, partnership or corporation can participate under this ordinance if the structures or buildings were directly affected on October 15, 2006 by the earthquakes.

· Emergency repairs and waivers apply to electrical, plumbing, signs, driveway approaches, sidewalks, businesses and homes.

· Structures must be restored to their original condition prior to the earthquakes of October 15, 2006.

· Electrical and plumbing work must be performed by a licensed electrician and a plumber.

· Renovations are not permitted under this ordinance.

· Please be aware that a building permit is required and applicants should apply sixty (60) days from the approval of the ordinance.

To qualify for the waiver of certain requirements, the applicant must complete the “Waiver of Certain Requirements Form.” It is available either at Public Works, by fax or online. The form must be completed and brought in at the time they apply for a permit to the Hilo or Kona Public Works offices within sixty (60) days from the approval of the ordinance.

Proof of Earthquake Damage

To qualify for the emergency repair work and take advantage of the waiver, the applicant must show proof that damages were caused by the earthquakes. This can be done by filing an incident report with Civil Defense by calling 935-0031 or online at www.co.hawaii.hi.us . Click on EarthQuake Emergency Information.

Homes that received a green tag following the earthquake may make repairs without a permit. No inspections are required.

How do you get a “yellow tag” (restricted use) declaration removed?

This is a yellow tag that only an inspector with the Building Division of Public Works can remove.

Visit either the Hilo or Kona Building Division of Public Works or call Civil Defense at 961-8604 and give them your name and the district you reside in.

Electrical and plumbing work must be performed by a licensed electrician or plumber.

Structures must be restored to their original condition prior to the earthquakes of October 15, 2006. An inspection by the Building Division of Public Works may be required depending on the extent of damage.

The Building Division of Public Works in Kona or Hilo can answer your questions.

The Kailua-Kona office of the County Department of Public Works is located in Hanama Place at 75-5706 Kuakini Highway; phone 327-3520 for Building Division or 327-3530 for Engineering Division. In Hilo, the office is located at Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7; phone 961-8331 for Building Division and 961-8327 for Engineering Division.

Both offices are open from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, closed on State holidays.

Helpful tip to make sure you’re hiring a licensed contractor

To verify if a contractor is licensed, and has workers compensation insurance, go to the website for the State of Hawai`i, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs at http://plv.ehawaii.gov/pvlsearch/app .

(go to Contents)

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 will have vacancies are the Planning Commission and Board of Appeals.

The Planning Commission oversees land use matters in the County of Hawai`i, and is responsible for making recommendations to the Mayor and Council concerning the future use of land in Hawai`i that will affect many generations to come.

The Board of Appeals is responsible for hearing disputes concerning final decisions made by the Planning Director and Public Works Director concerning land use matters, and matters relating to the building code.

If you are interested in applying, stop by the Mayor’s Office in Hilo or Kona to pick up an application form. You may also contact Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida directly at 961-8304, extension 118 (or email at Lashida@co.hawaii.hi.us ) if you have any questions.

Hawai`i County is a wonderful place to live because of the involvement of our citizens in their government. Please consider applying to serve on a County board or commission.

(go to Contents)

Amnesty Bill for Illegal Residential, Ag Structures - Requirements

The County Council has recently passed an Amnesty Bill which will allow the homeowner to apply for permits for illegal structures (residential dwellings R-3 occupancies and agricultural buildings M-1 occupancies) that were constructed and finished before January 1, 2006.

Should you choose to take advantage of the Amnesty Bill, please be aware of the following minimum requirements:

BUILDING

· Submit complete architectural drawings which will include but not limited to a site plan, existing floor plan, demolition floor plan, revised floor plan, foundation plan, floor framing plan, section, exterior elevations, details, etc.

· All drawings submitted for building permit must be stamped with a seal of a registered architect/structural engineer licensed in the State of Hawaii along with statements “This work was prepared by me our under my supervision” and “Construction of this project will be under my observation.” The architect/structural engineer must also submit a letter certifying that he/she had conducted all inspections during construction and that the construction was done in accordance to the code that the construction was done.

Additions, Alterations and Repairs:

· Alterations or repairs, not exceeding 25% of the value of an existing building or structure, which are nonstructural and do not affect any member or part of the building or structure having required fire resistance, may be made with the same material of which the building or structure is constructed.

· Additions, alterations and repairs not exceeding 50% of replacement value of an existing building or structure, the new construction shall conform to the requirements of present code enforced.

· Additions, alterations and repairs exceeding 50% of replacement value of an existing building or structure, the entire structure shall be made to conform to requirements of present code enforced.

· Architect/Structural Engineer is responsible for inspections up to final inspection. The County Building Inspector is responsible to do the final inspection.

Electrical & Plumbing

· A licensed Electrical and Plumbing contractor licensed in the State of Hawaii must perform all work.

· Both permits must be applied for along with the Building Permit application.

· All Electrical and Plumbing Work must conform to the code that is presently being enforced by the County of Hawaii.

· County Electrical and Plumbing Inspectors shall perform all inspections.

Altogether, Three Permits – Building, electrical and plumbing

· Two sets of complete drawings stamped by architect/structural engineer along with letter and electrical and plumbing permit applications shall be submitted for permit processing.

· All plans must be routed to the other agencies for their approval prior plan review by Building Division.

· Building Division shall do plan reviews of all three applications: building, electrical and plumbing.

· All three permits will be issued after review is approved and completed.

For further information, please contact Brian Kajikawa, Building Division of the Department of Public Works at 961-8331. The division’s Kona office number is 327-3520.

(go to Contents)

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.

(go to Contents)

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