3/2/07 Weekly Report: Act in Time – Heart Attack and Stroke Call for Timely Measures

The following article is courtesy of Kona-based Carrie Kuwada Phipps, who specializes in health promotion and education at the State Department of Health. (Her article originally appeared in slightly different form in West Hawai`i Today. Ms. Kuwada Phipps obtained permission from WHT to offer this to the County newsletter as a public service.)

Time is of the essence – especially when a stroke or heart attack takes place.

The American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute have launched a new campaign entitled “Act in Time”. The Act in Time campaign aims to increase people’s awareness of heart attack and the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately at the onset of heart attack and stroke symptoms.

Leading cause of death in Hawai`i

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Hawai`i as well as in the United States. On Hawai`i Island, it causes 25% more deaths than the state average. Nationally, stroke is the number 3 cause of death and a leading cause of serious disability.

Both heart attack and stroke are life-and-death emergencies in which every second counts. If you have or see someone with one or more of the symptoms discussed below, call 9-1-1 immediately even if symptoms seem to come and go.

Today, heart attack and stroke victims can benefit from new medications and treatment that were unavailable to patients in years past. But to be effective, these drugs must be given relatively quickly after heart attack or stroke symptoms first appear.

Not all heart attacks are obvious

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense where no one doubts what’s happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help.

Signs of a heart attack

The following are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.
Other signs: these may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Symptoms may vary according to gender

As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and pain in the back of the jaw.

Better to be safe than sorry

If you or someone you’re with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don’t wait longer than a few minutes (no more than 5) before calling for help. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Call 9-1-1 and get to a hospital right away.

Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services (EMS) staff can begin treatment when they arrive at the scene – up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car.

The EMS staff is trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital also.

If you can’t access the EMS, have someone drive you to the hospital right away. If you’re the one having symptoms, don’t drive yourself, unless you have absolutely not other option.

It’s important to know the warning signs of a stroke

The following are stroke warning signs:

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
Sudden trouble speaking, confusion, or trouble understanding.
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs, don’t delay.

Immediately call 9-1-1 or the EMS number so an ambulance can be sent for you. Also, check the time so you’ll know when the first symptoms appeared.

If administered in time, clot-busting drug can save stroke victim from long-term disability

It’s very important to take immediate action. If given within 3 hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting drug can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke.

Cardiac arrest – the signs

Cardiac arrest (sudden abrupt loss of heart functioning) strikes immediately and without warning. The following are the signs:

Sudden loss of responsiveness (no response to tapping on shoulders).
No normal breathing (the victim doesn’t take a normal breath when you tilt the head up and check for at least 5 seconds).

If these signs are present, tell someone to call 9-1-1 and get an AED (automated external defibrillator if one is available and you begin CPR immediately. Which brings me to the next point – get trained in CPR – you could save someone’s life.

Be aware of the signs of heart attack and stroke and take the time to learn more about Heart Disease and Stroke prevention. Visit the following websites: the American Heart Association at www.americanheart.org ; the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute at www.nhlbi.hih.gov/health/public/heart/index.htm; and the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/aanouncemnents/american_heart_month.htm.

Since high blood pressure is a major risk factor for both heart attack and stroke, it’s important to get your blood pressure checked. You can get your blood pressure checked for FREE at any Hawai`i County Fire Station.

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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 to 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 were 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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Updated West Hawai‘i Roadway Brochure Available to Public

A newly-updated guide to on-going roadwork in West Hawai‘i is now available to the 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 .

The brochure will be updated regularly, and the latest update (now on yellow paper to distinguish it from its predecessor) is available as of March 1, 2007. The next update to the brochure is planned for March 31, 2007.

The 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 taking place between June 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007.

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.

To access the brochure on-line, go to the County’s homepage, click on the Project Update button, and then click on West Hawaii Roadway 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 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,