2/16/07 Weekly Report: Police Department Debuts “Hawai`i Island’s Most Wanted” TV Show Feb 16; Hawai`i Island Schools Invited to Participate in Phone Book Recycling Contest

The show's host, Major Jay Enanoria, asks for the public's help in locating individuals wanted by the Hawaii Police Department. The program is inspired by the national TV show "America's Most Wanted."

"Hawaii's Most Wanted" will air on Oceanic Time Warner Cable's public access Channel 54 on Fridays at 5:30 p.m. and on Sundays at 5 p.m. It will also air intermittently on Channel 53.

"Hawaii Island's Most Wanted" is a project of Crime Stoppers Hilo, Inc., a partnership of the business community, the media and the Police Department.

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Schools Invited to Participate in Phone Book Recycling Contest

The following information was provided courtesy of Linda Peters, Recycling Coordinator of the County’s Department of Environmental Management.

Hawaiian Telcom is inviting Hawai`i Island schools to participate in its 2007 Island of Hawaii Telephone Book Recycling Contest, which runs from February 12 through March 24, 2007. New Hawaiian Telcom telephone books are being distributed in February, which means many old phone books may end up in the landfill unless they are recycled.

This program will provide students with a hands-on lesson illustrating the positive values of recycling.

Who is eligible to participate in the contest?

All Island of Hawaii schools, K-12, are invited to participate in the 2007 Island of Hawaii Telephone Book Recycling Contest.

What’s the rationale for this contest?

First of all, old telephone books can still be used as recyclable paper. The demand for recyclable paper is huge worldwide.

And it makes sense to keep old phone books out of the landfills

Collecting the old phone books keeps these bulky books out of the landfill, saving precious space in our landfills.

Incentives to recycle old phone books

Hawaiian Telcom plans to award cash prizes to Hawai`i schools based upon the most telephone books collected. KTA Super Stores supports Hawaiian Telcom’s recycling program and is offering a total of $900 in KTA Gift Certificates to be awarded to the Top Nine Winners.

The awards will be:

First Place: $700 & $100 KTA Gift Certificate
Second Place: $500 & $100 KTA Gift Certificate
Third Place: $300 & $100 KTA Gift Certificate
Fourth Place: $200 & $100 KTA Gift Certificate
Fifth Place: $200 & $100 KTA Gift Certificate
Sixth–Ninth Place: $100 KTA Gift Certificate

How do schools get credit for the phone books they collect?

To receive credit for the telephone books collected, schools must drop off the old telephone books at:

Orchid Island Rubbish & Recycle (485 Railroad Ave) in Hilo
Kealakehe Transfer Station (by the Police Station and the Humane Society) in Kona

The Kona location will accept old telephone books one day a week, on Saturdays from 10 a.m-2 pm.

The Hilo location will be open from 8:30 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Please drop off only old telephone books. No plastic bags or plastic wrapped books will be accepted.

(Schools must notify Ululani Rosario, Orchid Island Rubbish & Recycle at 959-0475 before going to either location.)

Recycling – everyone is a winner

Everyone who recycles is a winner so we look forward to your participation. If you have any questions please call 933-6514. Mahalo for helping to protect our environment. Don’t let an old telephone book go to waste. RECYCLE IT!

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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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County Briefings on Family Self-Sufficiency Program for Section 8 Participants

The County of Hawaii - Office of Housing and Community Development will be holding informational meetings for Housing Choice Voucher Section 8 program participants about the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program.

The FSS program is a voluntary, employment based program which helps families obtain the skills they need to achieve financial independence. Support is offered to participating families through local agencies, case management, education, job training, newsletters, workshops, support meetings and other appropriate services.

A key benefit is that an escrow savings account may be established for the family.

You must call 959-7476 to reserve a space. If there is insufficient participation, sessions may be cancelled or combined.

The meetings are scheduled for:

· Monday, March 19 at 1990 Kinoole Street, Suite 104; at 9 am, 11 am, 1:30 pm and 4 pm.

· Tuesday, March 20 at Kona Mayor’s office 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, at 9 a.m and 11 am.

· Wednesday, March 21at Pahoa Community Center, Pahoa; at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Please remember: you must call 959-7476 to reserve a space.

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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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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 regarding 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 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 Spring 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 portion 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:

Adjustment of utility manholes and valve boxes on-going.
Permanent striping work is scheduled to continue next week.

Miscellaneous work along the project corridor.

**Bypass Road in Kailua-Kona closed 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 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

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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University of Hawai`i Board of Regents to Hear Testimony in Kona Friday, Feb 23

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents will be visiting Kona on Friday, February 23, to hear testimony concerning the building of a permanent campus in West Hawaii. Testimony will be heard during public sessions at the King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel at 11-12:30 and 2-4pm.

The best method for sending your testimony is to FAX it to (808)-956-5156. E-mails are not as effective because they do not have a signature.

You can also mail your testimony to: Board of Regents, 2444 Dole Street, Bachman Hall, Room 209, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822.

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Waikoloa Skate-A-Lot Planning Meeting Wednesday, Feb. 28

The Waikoloa community is seeking a safe area for skaters, skateboarders, and scooters.

In response, Waikoloa Community Development Corporation has formed a new "Skate-A-Lot" committee and invites the community to attend a planning meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2007, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm in the Waikoloa Elementary School Library Work Room.

The agenda for the meeting includes a summary of what has been accomplished to date and community input on your vision of a skating area. This meeting will be facilitated by Carrie Kuwada Phipps of the State Department of Health.

All adults and youth are invited to join in the discussion.

For further information, please contact Chris at 938-6622 or email WaikSkate@aol.com.

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Visitor Aloha Volunteer Opportunity in West Hawai`i – Training Session March 2

Spread the Aloha. The Visitor Aloha Society of West Hawai’i (VASH West Hawai’i) is now recruiting volunteers to provide supportive services to visitors who are victims of crime and medical emergencies while vacationing in West Hawai’i.

A volunteer orientation and training session will be held on Friday, March 2nd from 8:30 AM to Noon hosted by the Four Seasons Resort at Hualalai. For more information or to register for the training, please contact Linda Allen at 808-756-0785 or by email at vashwh@yahoo.com.

Volunteers generally assist by initiating contact with visitors after receiving referrals from the police department and hospitals, assessing needs, and providing information, emergency transportation, and acting as a liaison with other agencies on behalf of the victim. Those willing to assist with some administrative tasks are also welcome.

Volunteers are needed from North Kohala to South Point. Bilingual volunteers are also needed to assist in translation for foreign visitors. Volunteers can designate their preferred areas of involvement and the amount of time they are able or willing to work.

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

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

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

The free tax preparation assistance runs at the various locations between February 1, 2007 and April 15, 2007.

All sites offer electronic filing.

The purpose of this program is to serve low- and moderate-income people, with priority to those over 60.