3/16/07 Weekly Report: Introducing Hawai`i County’s New Film Commissioner

The following article is a brief introduction to Hawaii County’s new Film Commissioner, John Mason, based in Kona. The Film Office is a division of the Department of Research and Development, which contributed this article.

Some career background on our new Film Commissioner

On February 1, 2007 John L. Mason took office as Film Commissioner for Hawai’i County within the Department of Research and Development. John takes over from Marilyn Killeri, who retired after 12 years of service. Marilyn was the first person to lead the film office when the position was created 12 years ago, and after a stellar career of distinguished service, she and her husband, Rico, have relocated to San Miguel, Mexico to start a new chapter in their life.

John has been a resident of Hawai’i Island for almost three years now following a successful career as an executive in the Entertainment Imaging Division with the Eastman Kodak Company in Los Angeles. In a twenty plus year career in motion pictures with Kodak that included tours of duty in Rochester, New York, and Hollywood, John served in many capacities, including sales and marketing, training and management.

His last assignment was as Director of Kodak’s Worldwide Student Filmmaker Program, which allowed him to interact with film school students, production faculty and leading film schools all over the world.

John is a Past President of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, the leading worldwide society that establishes standards and industry practices in the motion imaging fields. He has been an officer of several professional organizations, including the University Film and Video Association, the International Documentary Association, and The Inter-Society for Enhancement of Cinema Presentation. He was an Associate Member of The American Society of Cinematographers for many years.

What is the role of the Film Commissioner?

The prime role of the Film Commissioner is to play the role of advocate of and for filming on Hawai’i Island, to encourage and promote Hawai’i as a desirable location for professional film production, and to provide service to the industry.

It’s vitally important to promote and help local production companies and production in addition to luring production in from off shore.

A major goal and imperative of Research and Development is to build sustainable jobs and industries for Hawai’i. A large and talented pool of local production personnel and production support people are needed to pursue this goal.

Education and training are necessary to the process, so it’s critical that the office of Film Commissioner encourage and help lead efforts in these areas as well.

The Year 2006 for Hawai`i County’s Film Office

2006 was a typical year for production here. We had close to $4 million in production revenue, derived from a total of 110 productions. 43% of the revenue from production came from television shows, 17% from documentaries, and 12% from TV commercials.

Productions were broken down as follows: 33% of productions were documentaries, 24% of productions were television shows, and 19% of productions were print campaigns. Eleven countries were represented here, with 48% coming from the US, 30% from Japan, 5% from Germany, and 4% from the United Kingdom.

What’s in store in 2007?

It’s important to look for ways to expand upon this level of business, and the Film Office, in collaboration with the State and the other County film offices, have aggressive and compelling plans to bring in more film production to Hawai’i. In July of last year, the Legislature passed Act 88, which dramatically increases the amount of tax rebates to qualified production, raising the rate from 4% to 15% on Oahu and to 20% on the Neighbor Islands.

For the first time, television commercials can qualify for these tax incentives, which is significant of course in terms of the overall amount and importance of this type of production here in Hawai’i. Since 1913 when Universal Studios shot the two-reelers Hawaiian Love and The Shark God at Queen Lili’uokalani Park, Hawai’i Island has always had great locations to motivate and attract film producers.

It is strongly believed that the timeless draw of our unparalleled locations, coupled now with extremely competitive tax incentives, will lead to a marked increase in production and to a bright future for the Island and our communities who benefit from production economic activity.

For more information, please contact The Big Island Film Office of the County of Hawai`i at 808-327-3663 or check our website at www.filmbigisland.com .

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COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

Tsunami Evacuation Signs to be Installed in Kailua-Kona Area

The Hawai`i County Public Works Department and Civil Defense Agency wish to announce the installation of tsunami evacuation signs on streets in the Kailua-Kona area, in the North Kona District, commencing on Monday, March 19, 2007.

The affected area: From Kailua Village to Keauhou, North Kona District

The GP Roadway Solutions Company will be installing the signs to designate routes for residents to follow during tsunami events. The duration of the installation work will be approximately five days.

Due to this installation work, the following advisories are in effect:

All motorists in the area should exercise caution and do expect delays;
Please be on the alert for road crews and hazards in the area, and
Please allow additional time to reach your destination.

For further information, please contact the Hawai`i County Civil Defense Agency at 935-0031. Thank you for your patience and cooperation during the installation work.

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Fitness Expert Gives Talk about Livable Communities in Waimea

Mark Fenton, one of the nation’s foremost experts on walking for health and fitness, will be giving a public presentation in Waimea called Healthy, Livable Communities- Maintaining and Enhancing our Hawai’i Island Style Quality of Life.

WHEN: Monday, March 19, 2007, 6:00 – 9:00 pm

WHERE: W.M. Keck Observatory, Hualalai Conference Room, Waimea.

Fenton is a transportation engineer and public health consultant, author, PBS television host, and pedestrian and bicycle advocate. He is considered one of the nation’s foremost experts on walking for health and fitness, has published widely on the topic, speaks regularly at regional and national conferences, and is quoted extensively in the media. He combines this health perspective with his engineering expertise to provide innovative community-level program, design, and policy solutions to create more walkable and bicycle-friendly settings.

In this presentation, Fenton will address the relationship between the way we build our communities and the health and well-being of our citizens. Creating a pedestrian and bicycle friendly environment in our communities is vital to the solution of some of the most formidable problems facing Hawaii County such as: the health and well-being of the people and the medical care crisis; traffic congestion and its tremendous environmental impacts; affordable housing with convenient access to jobs and services; preservation of vibrant local businesses and economies, and; an eroding sense of community and malama ‘aina.

The event is sponsored by the Hawaii State Department of Health’s Healthy Hawaii Initiative in cooperation with the County of Hawaii’s Planning Department.

For more information, please call Waimea Community Development Plan Committee at 885-4194.

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Real Property Tax Assessments for 2007-2008 on File, Appeal Deadline Apr 9

Real Property tax assessments for the 2007-2008 tax year have been compiled and are on file at the County of Hawaii, Real Property Tax Office.

A “Notice of Property Assessment” will be mailed to property owners on or before March 15, 2007. Please review the assessment information carefully. The notice of property assessment includes the taxable value placed upon buildings and all other real property and the amount of exemption, if any, allowed on the property.

If you fail to receive the Notice of Assessment, contact the County Tax Office at 961-8201 or 327-3540.

Property owners may come to the Real Property Tax Office to inspect the assessment on their property and to confer with staff members so that errors may be corrected prior to the finalization of the assessment list. The County of Hawaii maintains two offices located in East and West Hawaii. The East Hawaii Office is located at Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 4, Hilo, Hawaii, and the West Hawaii Office at 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 112, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

If you do not agree with the value placed on your property or if you are not allowed an exemption to which you are entitled, an appeal may be filed with the Tax Board of Review or the Tax Appeal Court. If you do not agree with the value placed upon your property as set forth on the Notice of Assessment or if you are denied an exemption to which you are entitled, an appeal may be filed.

A deposit of $15.00 is required for each appeal to the Tax Board of Review. A deposit of $3.00 is required for each appeal to the small claims procedure of the Tax Court. For an appeal to the regular Tax Court, the cost is 5% of the amount of taxes in dispute but no more that $100.00 nor less than $5.00.

The deadline for filing appeals against the 2007 Real Property Tax Assessments is April 9, 2007 in East and West Hawaii.

An appeal may be filed with either the Tax Board of Review or the Tax Appeal Court.

Appeal forms to the Tax Appeal Court are available at the Tax Appeal Court, Box 376, Honolulu, Hawaii 96809 or by calling 1-(808) 539-4777.

Appeal forms to the Tax Board of Review are available at the Real Property Tax Office located at Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 4, Hilo, Hawaii, or at 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 112, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Appeal forms may also be obtained at the County’s Website: www.hawaiipropertytax.com .

Should you have further questions, please call the Real Property Tax Office at 961-8201 (Hilo) or 327-3540 (Kona).

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Bridges of the Island of Hawai‘i Featured in Brochure Series

Made of steel, concrete or wood, there are 127 bridges on the Island of Hawai‘i spanning streams or gulches in every community. Maintained by the County of Hawai‘i, each bridge must be 20 feet or longer to be registered on the National Bridge Inventory.

These bridges are now being featured in a series of brochures now being prepared by the County of Hawai‘i. The first brochure showcases the bridges that serve the communities of Kalopa and Pa‘auilo. It includes photographs of each of the 19 bridges, their locations on a map and the weight restrictions for each of these bridges.

Typically, each of the bridges is named after the gulch or stream it crosses.

Ten of the bridges in Kalopa and Pa‘auilo are made of wood. Some of them date back to the 1920’s.

To access the brochure on-line, go to the County’s website at www.co.hawaii.hi.us . Click on the Project Update button, and then click on “Bridges Serving the Communities of Kalopa and Pa‘auilo”. The brochure can be printed and is best viewed on 8.5 x 14” (legal) size paper. Copies are also available at the Department of Public Works at 101 Pauahi Street, Hilo.

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Water Conservation Notice – Puakea Bay to Halawa in North Kohala

Due to a breakdown of the Hawi No. 2 Deepwell, the Department of Water Supply urges consumers in the affected area to conserve water while the repairs are being made. A water conservation notice is a voluntary action to reduce water usage by 10%.

Affected Area: Puakea Bay to Halawa, North Kohala, water system.

For customers in the affected area of this Water Conservation Notice, a list of ways to reach the 10% reduction goal is provided:

Wash full loads of laundry only.
Wash full loads of dishes only.
Serve drinking water only when requested.
Do not let the faucet run unnecessarily.
When bathing, use water only to wet and rinse off.
Do not fill up the bathtub.
Use a glass to rinse when brushing your teeth.
Do not flush toilets unnecessarily.
Stop lawn sprinkling.
Stop car and boat washing.
Stop dust control watering.
Use drinking water wisely.

Agricultural users should irrigate only at night from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. This measure will reduce water loss due to evaporation and minimize water system drain during peak demand.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Daryl Ikeda of the Department of Water Supply at 961-8790.

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Hisaoka Gym Repairs Update

Hisaoka Gym, a County Parks and Recreation facility in Kamehameha Park in Kapa`au, North Kohala, sustained major structural damage during the October 15, 2006 earthquake.

Extent of the damage

The connections where several of the building’s concrete columns join the steel roof framing were compromised by a loss of concrete around the anchor bolts connecting the two components.

The earthquake also damaged much of the suspended ceiling and many of the facility’s light fixtures. Other damage included broken plumbing fixtures, cracking of walls and broken tiles.

Where are we now?

The County is currently negotiating with FEMA and AIG Insurance Company for repair funding. The Department of Parks and Recreation has recently signed off on FEMA’s project worksheet describing the extent of the damage.

In the meantime, Parks and Recreation has selected a consultant to do the plans and specs to repair, with the emphasis on getting the building structurally sound first, so that the building may be entered safely.

Lots of people want to help

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who have offered to help with the cleanup and repairs at Hisaoka Gym. The main objective now is to get the building structurally sound so that any workers or volunteers who want to help can enter the building safely.

Please know that as soon as we can, we will open up the building so that the volunteers can safely enter to offer their help.

For further information, please contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at 961-8311.

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Public Access, Open Space & Natural Resources Preservation Commission – Meetings

The Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission is once again holding meetings throughout the County of Hawai`i to provide information on the revised suggestion form that is used to submit suggestions for possible acquisition of lands by the County for the following purposes:

Public outdoor recreation and education, including access to beaches and mountains.
Preservation of historic or culturally important land areas and sites.
Protection of natural resources, including buffer zones.
Preservation of forests, beaches, coastal areas, natural beauty, & agricultural lands.
Protection of watershed lands to preserve water quality & water supply.

The meeting agenda will also include an update on the status of the acquisition of properties on the current priority list.

The public is encouraged to attend and participate in submitting suggestions of lands in the County that should be preserved and/or protected. The meetings will start at 6:00 p.m., at the following sites:


March 13 (Tuesday)	Papa‘aloa Annex
March 13 (Tuesday)	Kea‘au Community Center
March 14 (Wednesday)	Aupuni Center Conference Room
April 3 (Tuesday)	Yano Hall, Kona
April 4. (Wednesday)	Kona Mayor’s office, Hanama Place
April 4 (Wednesday)	Waimea Center
April 9 (Monday)	Cooper Center, Volcano
April 11 (Wednesday)	Na‘alehu Club House
April 11 (Wednesday)	Kohala Cultural Center

For further information, please contact Stacie Waltjen, Secretary at 961-8251.

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Coqui Control Class in Mountain View Tuesday, March 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, USDA Wildlife Services, and the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife will provide a Coqui Control Class on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the Mountain View Gym located at 18-1345 A Volcano Road (across the Post Office).

WHEN: Tuesday, March 20, 2007, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm

WHERE Mountain View Gym located at 18-1345 A Volcano Road (across the Post Office)

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.

Coqui frogs are a noisy pest in our community and an environmental and economic menace. In areas where there are no major infestations it is imperative to keep the coqui frog out.

The class is free but RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED due to limited space.

For reservations please call the County of Hawaii Coqui Eradication & Control Office at 961-8065.

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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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Housing Dept to Hold Info Meetings on Home Ownership Option Program

The County of Hawai`i’s Office of Housing and Community Development will be holding informational meetings for Housing Choice Voucher Section 8 program participants about the Homeownership Option Program (HOP).

The HOP is a voluntary program which provides participating families the option of purchasing a home with their assistance, rather than renting.

You must call 959-7476 to reserve a space.

If there is insufficient participation, times may be cancelled or combined.

The presentations are scheduled for:

· Monday, April 16, 2007, at 9 am and at 11 am at Kona Mayor’s office, Hanama Place.

· Wednesday, April 18, 2007. at 9 am, 1:30 pm and 4 pm. at Pahoa Community Center.

· Thursday, April 19, 2007, at 11 am and 1:30 pm at 1990 Kinoole Street, Suite 104, Hilo.

· Friday, April 20, 2007 at 11 am and 1:30 pm 1990 Kinoole Street, Suite 104, Hilo.

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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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Environmental Protection Agency Invites Entries in Green Building Design Contest

The following article was contributed by Linda Peters, Recycling Coordinator with the County’s Department of Environmental Management, to encourage Hawai`i Island residents to enter their designs in this green building design competition.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, along with GreenBuildingBlocks.com, the Building Materials Reuse Association, the American Institute of Architects and West Coast Green, announce the first Lifecycle Building Challenge, a national competition to develop green building strategies and designs.

Such green building designs would aim at reducing waste and promoting conservation of resources, by facilitating adaptation, disassembly and reuse of materials.

One Big Island resident who recently built his own home incorporating green building ideas defined “lifecycle costs”.

“Most often industry ‘experts’ and owners look solely at the initial construction costs and fail to consider repair/maintenance costs, human resources costs, and demolition costs,” the resident said. “For me the exciting part of this (Lifecycle Building) Challenge is the holistic approach at design and the recognition that the initial construction captures only one aspect of the costs and possibly not the most significant portion.”

What’s the goal of the challenge?

The goal of the challenge is to:

Inspire the green building movement;
To look at buildings as future stocks of resources by developing innovative practices and products;
To maximize material recovery and reduce both environmental and economic costs.

"Lifecycle building innovations are about improving the efficiency of our resource utilization and heading towards a more sustainable environment,” said Wayne Nastri, administrator of the U.S. EPA’s Pacific Southwest Office in San Francisco. “This challenge raises the standard for both green building and environmental protection."

How does someone enter the contest? Who can submit entries?

The Lifecycle Building Challenge is currently accepting submissions and is hoping that students as well as architects, designers, engineers, reuse experts and other building professionals will participate. Ideas that facilitate reuse, minimize waste, support disassembly and anticipate the future use of building materials are encouraged.

What is the deadline to register?

The registration deadline is April 15, 2007. For more information or to enter the competition, visit http://www.lifecyclebuilding.org .

What categories of entries are being sought?

The challenge, open to built and un-built work, has three main categories:

Building — an entire building from foundation to roof
Component — a single building assembly, system or connector
Service — idea, policy, tool or practice

What is the award?

GreenBuildingBlocks.com, the only private sector sponsor of the Lifecycle Building Challenge, is donating $7,500 in award money to be divided among the three winners in the student category.

All winners will be honored at an awards ceremony at the West Coast Green Conference in San Francisco in September 2007.

Why green building practices make a difference

In the United States, buildings consume 60 percent of total materials flow (excluding food and fuel) and account for 33 percent of the solid waste stream.

Building renovation and demolition accounts for 91 percent of the construction and demolition debris generated each year, while new construction accounts for only 9 percent.

Between the years 2000-2030, 27 percent of existing buildings will be replaced and 50 percent of the total building stock will be used for construction.

Reuse of materials is key

These issues can be addressed by planning for a building or building component's eventual deconstruction or adaptation. By creating building components that can be easily recovered and reused, materials are kept at their highest value, resulting in reduced consumption of energy and resources.

About GreenBuildingBlocks.com

Green Building Blocks is the leading online resource for building professionals committed to sustainable home construction and green remodeling. It’s a place where builders, contractors, designers, architects, and others can promote their businesses, find green partners and products, and learn to build a better world.

About the Lifecycle Building Challenge

The Lifecycle Building Challenge is a partnership between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, American Institute of Architects, Building Materials Reuse Association and West Coast Green to change the way people think about, design, construct and deconstruct buildings by developing an inventory of strategies to maximize material recovery and reduce environmental and economic costs.

For further information please contact: Andrea Nieto of Access Communications at 1-(415) 844-6218 or anieto@accesspr.com .

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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 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.**