2/23/07 Weekly Report: Ground Broken on Hilo’s New Community Food Garden Project

The following information was provided by the creators of Hilo’s new community food garden, the Kaiao Food Garden Initiative: a collaboration of community-based group `Ike A`O, the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island and the University of Hawai`i at Hilo. Mahalo to Professor Manu Aluli Meyer of the University of Hawai`i at Hilo, one of the leading lights in this effort to raise awareness of food independence in Hawai`i.

The first spades of earth were turned in a recent ground-breaking at a unique project involving children, youth, UHH students, educators and community members, the Kaiao Food Garden at the Boys and Girls Club facility in Hilo.

How often do the kids meet to work on the project?

The children and teens meet on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays after school from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

How did this project get started?

The idea of a Community Food Garden project was brought to the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island by a community-based group, `Ike A `O. Translated this means (Integrated Lessons for Lifelong Learning via Self Reflection and Practice).

The group of educators and community residents got together in 1998 to plan and implement grass-roots community-based educational and economic development projects for youth. `Ike A `O aims to create sustainable community development through education, mentorship and economic opportunities.

`Ike A `O is a nonprofit 501(C)3 community development corporation based in Hilo.

Where is the Community Garden located?

It is on the Boys and Girls Club property on Laimana Street, on the path leading from the swimming pool to the club’s utility building.

Returning to freedom, teaching nutrition through growing food crops

The Kaiao Food Garden, as it is now called, is a means to teach children and adults how to improve their nutrition by growing food crops. The garden is envisioned as a tool to empower youth through mentorship and leadership training. (Kaiao means dawn, to enlighten.)

The crops under production are sustainable, organic and free from synthetic pesticides. According to participant Bodhi Searles, the initial phase of the garden will be for individual or family consumption or for farmers markets and schools.

“As the garden grows, we will be able to expand our market base according to the needs of the community,” Searles said, adding that this phase will be accomplished under the guidance of Dr. Bruce Mathews, Professor of Soil Science at the University of Hawai`i at Hilo.

The youth will be involved with all stages of planning, allowing them to join in with the creative and decision-making process.

Lots of tasks to undertake, many working hands to do the job

Among the tasks will involve preparation of the land (`Aina):

Drawing up of plans, studying the environmental influences (sun, rain, wind and other environmental considerations)
Clearing the land of grasses, plants, trimming trees.
Removing stones from soil.
Soil testing and adding organic matter to the soil for enrichment. Creation of organic composting system.
Running irrigation pipe to the plot that is being farmed.
Preparing beds and initial planting of greens, annual vegetables and perennial fruits and vegetables.
Building or setting up area for mixing soil, potting of plants, and washing and bagging harvested vegetables and greens.
Fence building.

Partnership with the community is key

Saturday work sessions from 8:00 am to 10 am can be used to plan, discuss and brainstorm ideas for the community garden and how we can best utilize it as a community resource.

Community members are needed to kokua with:

Garden expertise
Mulching, etc.
Weeding
Mentoring of our keiki
Garden supplies

A call to gifted educators, garden planners and cultural practitioners

The Kaiao Community Garden is hoped to attract gifted educators, garden planners and cultural practitioners to offer their skills and mana`o to inspire our young people through youth empowerment-centered activities.

This Kaiao Community Garden present an opportunity in the Hilo community in the after-school hours to bring about positive and creative growth for youth as a project that incorporates multi-dimensional skills: decision making, goal setting, leadership skills, gardening skills, cultural exposure and participation, multi-generational education, community building, land stewardship and environmental awareness.

Why the Boys and Girls Club is the perfect place for this Community Garden

The mission statement for Boys and Girls Club states that it is dedicated to help youth of all backgrounds develop the qualities and values needed to become responsible citizens and leaders by offering programs and services through a safe and caring environment.

Its core values:

Caring and respect for individuals
Developing the potential, confidence and self-esteem of each child
Instilling community values
Offering quality programs and services
Inspiring young people to become responsible citizens

The Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii is provides a safe place for Hawaii's young people in the critical after school hours and all summer long. Offering quality programs and services to youth of all backgrounds between the ages of 7 and 17.

The Kaiao Food Garden Initiative’s objectives

To provide diverse edu-cultural/work experiences for youth, (especially out-of-school, at risk, economically disadvantaged youth)
To nurture their dreams by encouraging their creativity and expression, so that they aspire to greatness to become leaders in their community.
To produce a variety of vegetables, to help feed families, sell fairly priced organic produce in our community, while promoting good-health, nutrition and sustainable agriculture/environmental practices in the Hilo community.
Create new and sustainable employment, business and educational opportunities in organic farming, restaurants and food industries for youth.
Practice and foster good land stewardship and sustainable environmental practices facilitating the spread of sustainable living styles throughout the community.
Promote and support partnerships and cooperative approaches to community development, work and businesses that build community connections to empower the entire community.

What population does the community garden initiative aim to serve?

The entire Hilo community has levels of poverty near 29% (families with single female householder, no husband present), 38.8% with related children under 18 years of age (2002 census). In the Hilo community, 28% of the population is under the age of 25 years old with 20% under the age of 18 years old (versus 24% statewide). Currently the unemployment rate for the state of Hawaii is 3.5% while the Hilo community rate is approximately 5% (2005 census).

How is this initiative funded?

Currently, funding is through volunteers and pro-bono donations through the University of Hawai`i at Hilo’s agriculture department, the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island – and through future generous donations from our Hilo community.

For further information or to see how you can get involved, please contact Bodhi Searles of UH-Hilo at bodhitara2000@yahoo.com .

Ho`oulu Kakou! (May We All Thrive!)

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COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

County Seeks Permanent Traffic Solution at Honalo Junction

County-imposed traffic restrictions at Honalo Junction have resulted in smoother and quicker evening commutes for motorists headed south. As a result, the County is pursuing a permanent traffic-easing solution at the intersection.

County officials have confirmed that the Honalo Junction restrictions will remain in effect at least until March 31, 2007. Additional extensions could keep the restrictions in place until June.

Test results clearly demonstrate the need to restrict traffic flow from Highway 180 onto Highway 11 at Honalo Junction, according to Bruce McClure, County Director of Public Works. With the restrictions in place, motorists report a smoother commute; they are getting home 10 to 25 minutes faster, he said.

The traffic restrictions, which started January 22, prevent motorists who are traveling south on Old Mamalahoa Highway from entering the south flow of traffic on Highway 11 at the Honalo Junction weekdays from 3:30-6:30 p.m., excluding holidays. Motorists traveling south on Old Mamalahoa Highway are restricted to turning right at the junction, heading them toward Kailua-Kona.

Approximately 750 vehicles per hour move through the Honalo intersection in the afternoons – this averages out to around 2,057 vehicles over the daily three-hour closure, which runs from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. The busiest times are normally from 5 to 6 p.m. and the lightest from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

If the restrictions are successful in alleviating congestion at the junction, the restrictions could be made permanent.

Another traffic measure which has facilitated the south flow of traffic has been the curtailing of diagonal parking in front of Oshima’s Store in Kainaliu. The diagonal parking in front of Oshima’s store will be closed off from 3:30-6:30 p.m., Mon- Fri. Only parallel parking will be allowed.

McClure said there is a plan to construct a second public parking lot in Kainaliu, makai of the highway, adding 17 more stalls. Currently there is one public parking lot mauka of the highway that offers 46 spaces.

Making the closure of Honalo Junction permanent will involve the State of Hawai‘i, which is part owner of Highway 180, and the Hawai‘i County Council which must approve an application for a County Code amendment.

Approval by the County Council and the State, would give the County highways division permission to make the ‘Right Turn Only’ sign permanent, McClure said.

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Action Plan for Community Dev. Block Grant Available for Public Comment

The County of Hawai`i’s Office of Housing and Community Development announces that its draft 2007 Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program is now available for public review and comment.

Community Development Block Grant Program

The County of Hawai`i anticipates that the County’s total 2007 CDBG allocation is $2,400,000.00. The County also received an additional $130,047.50 of program income from the Residential Emergency Repair Program, and anticipates receiving $80,000 of additional program income for a total of $2,610,047.50 of CDBG monies.

To meet the County’s five-year Consolidated Plan’s priorities and objectives, the following projects will be included in the 2007 Action Plan:

· Removal of Architectural Barriers – Various County Facilities $1,374,863.00

· Hamakua Health Center Mobile Dental Van – Acquisition $310,000.00

· Residential Emergency Repair Program $300,000.00

· Pahoa Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event $50,000.00

· Hale Ohana Domestic Abuse Shelter – Renovations $274,350.00

· Administration, Planning and Fair Housing $300,834.50.

Home Investment Partnerships Program

The State of Hawai`i is required to submit its 2007 Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the 2007 HOME program. It is anticipated that the State will continue to divide the HOME funds among the three Neighbor Island counties.

The County of Hawai`i anticipates it will receive approximately $985,417.00 for 2007 HOME program, and $10,756.00 for the American Dream Downpayment Initiative Grant. The County also received an additional $24,862.21 of program income and anticipates receiving approximately $25,000 of additional program income for a total of $1,046,035.21.

To prepare for the 2007 HOME program, the County requested project proposals and will submit the following projects to the State’s Hawai`i Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) for approval:

· Ainakea Senior Residences $625,000.00

· Kaloko Transitional Housing $325,279.21

· American Dream Downpayment Initiative $10,756.00

· Administration, Planning and Fair Housing $85,000.00.

Public Comment Period

The proposed 2007 Action Plan will be available for public review and comment from February 22, 2007 to March 23, 2007 at the Hawai`i State Public Libraries in Honoka’a, Kamuela, Kohala, Pahala, Kailua-Kona, and Pahoa, and also at the following locations, Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on holidays.

Office of Housing and Community Hawai`i County Services

Development (OHCD) (Hanama Place)

50 Wailuku Drive 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy., Ste 103

Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i 96740

Phone: 961-8379 Phone: 329-5226

Persons, particularly those who are of low and moderate income, are encouraged to submit their comments regarding the activity or activities that are being proposed in their area.

The OHCD will consider any comments and views expressed by citizens on the proposed 2007 Action Plan and may modify the Plan, as it deems appropriate.

Citizens who wish to comment on the proposed plan must submit their comments in writing or fax (808/961-8685) to the OHCD by March 23, 2007 in order for the Hawai`i County Housing Agency and Hawai`i County Council to consider them in their approval of the final 2007 Action Plan.

The Hawai`i County Housing Agency and Hawai`i County Council will be meeting on April 3, 2007 and April 18, 2007 respectively.

As required by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, a Plan to Minimize Displacement and the County’s final Annual Community Assessment Report for its program year 2005 with HUD will also be available for public review at the OHCD, Hawai`i County Services in Kailua-Kona and the libraries listed above.

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

The County of Hawaii’s 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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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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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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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<