FEATURE ARTICLE

·         Rollover Accidents – What You Can Do to Prevent Them

COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

·         U.S. Immigration Fees to Increase July 30, 2007

·         County Seeks Applicants for Public Access, Salary Commission Vacancies

·         County of Hawai`i Offers Home Repair Loans

·         Police Officer of the Month Luncheon in Kona July 11

·         County to Hold Public Auction of Real Property in Kona July 12

·         Nominations Sought for Women’s Hall of Fame – Deadline Sept 1

·         County Accepting Applications for Elderly Housing in Pepe`ekeo

·         Now You Can Click and Check on County-Issued Permits Online

·         Vacancies on the County’s Boards and Commissions

·         Water Restriction Notice – Waimea Town to Kawaihae, Upper Paauilo, Ahualoa

·         Water Conservation Notice – Puakea Bay to Halawa in North Kohala

·         Water Conservation Notice -- Na`alehu, Waiohinu to South Point in Ka`u

·         Hisaoka Gym Repairs Update

·         Workshop on Grant Proposal Writing at HPA July 30-August 3

·         Hawai`i County Resource Center Hosts Strategic Fundraising Workshop Aug 9-10

·         Earthquake Repairs – How to Apply for Building Permit Waiver

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

·         Amnesty Bill for Illegal Residential, Ag Structures -- Requirements

·         Recycling Drop-Offs -- Update

·         Redemption Centers – Locations and Hours of Operation

·         Kawamoto Pool Repairs

·         Kuakini Highway Update

·         Job Announcements

COMMUNITIES IN ACTION

·         Hilo Downtown Improvement Association Seeks Information Office Volunteers

·         Public Meeting on Kawaihae Harbor Sunday, July 8 in Waimea

·         Lecture on Hawai`i as Model for Understanding how the World Works July 28

·         National Water Catchment Experts Meet on Hawai`i Island Aug 15-17

·         Free Mulch Available at Kona Transfer Station

·         Check Out our County’s Community Development Plan Website

TRAFFIC ALERT

·         Signs and Markings Projects

·         Work at Aupuni Center Parking Lot to Temporarily Affect Parking from July 11

·         County to Construct New Public Parking Lot in South Kona

·         County to Clear Post-Quake Debris from Old Laupahoehoe Road

·         Traffic Calming Along La`aloa Avenue in Kona Underway

·         Temporary Traffic Signal on Mamalahoa Highway in North Kona

·         Roadwork is Happening Around the Island of Hawai`i

UPCOMING EVENTS

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FEATURE ARTICLES

Rollover Accidents – What You Can Do to Prevent Them

The following information was provided by the Traffic Division of the Hawai`i Police Department. Special credit to Sgts. Rollin Rabarra and Officer Steve Chun Hoon for doing the research and gathering the data for this article.

 

The County of Hawai`i has suffered at least three fatalities and at least 10 injured in accidents involving vehicles rolling over children and babies.  One injury is too many, and your Hawai`i Police Department is mounting a campaign to raise public awareness that accidents are preventable.

 

In the United States hundreds of children are injured or killed in such rollover accidents.  According to the website www.KidsAndCars.org , every week in the U.S. at least 50 children are backed over in driveways and parking lots.  Every week at least two of these children die.

 

Children are injured or killed because they cannot be seen in front or in back of larger and taller vehicles.  Little ones who run outside to say goodbye can go unseen by the driver when the vehicle is set into motion.

 

Many times the driver of the vehicle is a parent, relative or neighbor.

 

Young children are small and hard to see.  Parents and caregivers need to be extra vigilant in supervising children, especially when children are in the yard, driveway or parking lot.  Don’t allow children to play near parked cars.

 

More children are injured or killed during busy times, schedule changes, family gatherings and holidays.

 

Blind zones by vehicle category

 

SUVs, minivans and trucks may have larger blind zones, making it difficult or impossible for the driver to see children behind or directly in front of a vehicle.  Steep inclines in a driveway can reduce the visibility even more.

 

Depending on the driver’s height and vehicle, the blind zones vary dramatically:

• A Sedan driver whose height is 5’1” has a 24-foot blind zone, while a 5’8” driver has a 12-foot blind zone.
• A Minivan driver whose height is 5’1” has a 28-foot blind zone, while a 5’8” driver has a 17-foot blind zone.
• A SUV driver whose height is 5’1” has a 39-foot blind zone, while a 5’8” driver has a 21-foot blind zone.
• A Pickup Truck driver whose height is 5’1” has a 50-foot blind zone, while a 5’8” driver has a 31-foot blind zone.

Owners of SUVs, trucks and vans need to take extra care to avoid hitting or running over a child.

 

Dangers outside motor vehicles -- Safety tips to prevent rollover accidents

 

• Walk all the way around and look behind a vehicle before moving it.
• Roll down your window so you will be able to hear what is happening outside your vehicle.
• Know where your keiki are before moving your vehicle.  Make sure another adult is supervising keiki so they do not get into the path of a moving vehicle.
• Have children stand in a place where they are in full view of the driver.
• If no one is around to help when you need to move your vehicle, put the child securely within the vehicle while you move it.
• To help the driver detect an object or a person behind a vehicle, consider installing devices such as rear sensors, cameras, special mirrors or lenses.  There are many options available, but of the technologies tested for their potential to reduce rollover accidents, the camera-based systems may have the greatest potential to provide drivers with assistance.  Check out www.KidsAndCars.org and click on the technology page for more information. 
• Teach your keiki that parked vehicles might move.  Let them know that even though they can see the vehicle, the driver might not see them.
• Teach children to move away from a vehicle whenever it is started.
• Hold a child’s hand when leaving a vehicle.
• Teach your keiki to never play in, around or behind any vehicle.
• Never allow keiki to use the driveway as a place to play, keeping toys off the driveway.
• Set the emergency brake every time you park.

 

**Congress is looking into making it mandatory for auto makers to supply cameras or sensors on new vehicles.

 

For more information, please contact the Hawai`i Police Department, Traffic Division at 961-8879.  You can also click on www.KidsAndCars.org for more information.

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COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

U.S. Immigration Fees to Increase July 30, 2007

The County of Hawaii’s Immigration Information Office would like to remind the public that the filing fees for immigration benefits will increase substantially on July 30th, 2007.

 

The filing fees for some of the most commonly-used forms will increase as follows:

·        N-400 (Naturalization application): from $400 to $675

·        I-90 (Renew/Replace your Permanent Resident Card): from $260 to $370

·        I-102 (Replace I-94/Arrival-Departure Card): from $160 to $320

·        I-129F (Fiancee Visa): from $170  to $455

·        I-130 (Relative Petition): from $190 to $355

·        I-485 (Adjustment of status to that of a Permanent Resident): from $325 to $1,010

·        I-765 (Employment Authorization Card): from $180 to $340

·        I-751 (Removal of Condition): from $275 to $545.

 

For assistance or further questions, please call Rose Bautista, Immigration Information Specialist, at 961-8220.  Immigration forms are available at the Immigration Information Office at the County of Hawaii Building at 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 9, Hilo or the Kona mayor’s office at Hanama Place, 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy., Suite 103, Kailua-Kona.

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County Seeks Applicants for Public Access, Salary Commission Vacancies

The County of Hawai`i is seeking civic-minded applicants to fill vacancies on County commissions.  Citizens have the opportunity to serve on important boards and commissions that make decisions which affect the quality of life on our island, and determine the future for generations to come.

 

The following commissions currently have vacancies:

·        Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission: District 3 vacancy (represented by Council member J Yoshimoto)

·        Salary Commission:  Vacancies in District 4 (represented by Council member Stacy Higa), District 5 (represented by Council member Emily Naeole), District 6 (represented by Council member Bob Jacobson).

 

The Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission, commonly known as the “Open Space Commission,” is charged with developing and maintaining a prioritized list of qualifying lands within the County worthy of preservation, and to make annual recommendations to the Mayor and County Council regarding those properties.  This commission includes nine members appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the Council.

 

The Salary Commission reviews and compensates all County elected officials and appointed directors and deputy directors so that their total salaries and benefits have a reasonable relationship to compensation in the public and private sectors.  The Salary Commission consults with those boards and commissions which have appointing authority for department heads.

 

Volunteering for commissions normally takes no more than one day a month, and a few hours a month in preparation time.  You will have the satisfaction of knowing you have served your community and played a part in shaping the future of our island.

 

To apply, you may pick up an application at the Mayor’s Office at 891 Ululani Street, Hilo 96720 or the Kona mayor’s office at Hanama Place, 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Suite 103, Kailua-Kona 96750.  Applications may also be found on line at www.hawaii-county.com , after clicking on the board/commission link.  Upon completing the application, you may drop off or mail the application to either of the above addresses or to Lincoln Ashida, Corporation Counsel at Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo 96720. Phone: (808) 961-8304, extension 118, or via email at Lashida@co.hawaii.hi.us  .

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County of Hawai`i Offers Home Repair Loans

The Office of Housing and Community Development is currently accepting applications to its Residential Emergency Repair Program (RERP).  This program was established in 1997 to make low-interest loans available to low-and moderate-income homeowners who are interested in repairing and improving their primary residence.

 

The RERP loan can be used for roof repairs, electrical and plumbing work, sewer improvements, termite treatment and damages caused by termites or wood rot and the installation of a solar water heating system.

 

Loans range from $2,500 to $25,000 at 3% interest.  Loan payments are deferred for 15 years at which time full payment will be due.  Applicants 62 years or older or with special needs may have 30% of the principal balance of the loan forgiven as a grant.

 

For more information or an application contact Dawnelle Forsythe at 959-4642.  Application packets can also be found on-line at http://www.hawaii-county.com/directory/dir_housing.htm . 

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Police Officer of the Month Luncheon in Kona July 11

The next Police Officer of the Month luncheon will feature Officer Richard Nery as the honoree, on July 11 from 12 noon at the King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel.   Officer Nery is being recognized for his efforts in the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of over 86 grams of methamphetamine and $8,930 in cash following a traffic stop.

 

Keith Harris, the coordinator of the County Department of Environmental Management’s Abandoned Vehicle program will be the featured speaker, and will describe his program which removes cars abandoned on private property.

 

The program will also include the installation of the officers and directors of the KCPC who will serve until June 30, 2008.

 

The Kona Crime Prevention Committee is an organization that encourages community involvement in aiding and supporting the Kona Police Department in their efforts to prevent crime, deter potential criminals and enforce the law.  Membership is open to organizations or individuals wishing to further the purposes of the Kona Crime Prevention Committee.

 

The public is invited to attend the Officer of the Month luncheons held on the first Wednesday of each month.   Cost of the luncheon is $18.  Parking in the King Kamehameha lot is an additional $2.

 

Reservations are required. For reservations, please call Liz Holley at 326-7787.

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County to Hold Public Auction of Real Property in Kona July 12

The County Department of Finance is selling the following parcel of real property at a public auction on Thursday, July 12, 2007, 10:00 a.m. at the West Hawai`i Liquor Control Office, Suite 1107 (Kona Center) 75-5722 Hanama Place, Kailua-Kona.

 

Description of Property:

 

TMK:  (3) 7-5-04:63, Portion of Lanihau 1^st to Hienaloli 1^st, North Kona, Hawaii, containing an area of 1.000 acre, more or less, Zoned General Commercial (CG-20).  A topographic survey map is available upon request. Upset price:  $950,000.00.

 

Terms and Conditions of Sale: The property shall be sold “AS IS” and “WHERE IS” at a public auction to the highest bidder (buyer).  The buyer will be required to make a deposit in cash, cashier’s check, traveler’s check, money order, or certified check at the time of the bid in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the upset price.  The balance will be due at the time of closing.  If the buyer is unable to pay the balance at the closing, the buyer shall forfeit the deposit to the County of Hawaii. The buyer will be responsible for the conveyance tax.  Closing cost will be prorated between the buyer and seller according to customary industry practices.  The scheduled closing date shall be no later than sixty (60) calendar days after the public auction.

 

For further information, please contact Harry Yada of the Property Management Division, 891 Ululani Street, Hilo, Hawaii 96720, at (808) 961-8009 or go to www.co.hawaii.hi.us, click on Media Releases, and click on Finance.

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Nominations Sought for Women’s Hall of Fame – Deadline Sept 1

The Hawaii County Committee on the Status of Women is seeking nominations for the fourth annual Women’s Hall of Fame awards, to be announced later this year.

 

Nominees should represent women from all walks of life who are regarded as role models, mentor others, possess a strong code of ethics and have worked to advance the status of women in the County of Hawai`i.

 

Nominations should be in narrative form, clearly describing the nominee’s merits.

 

Please mail nominations to: Jean Viernes, Committee on the Status of Women at 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, HI 96720 or fax to 961-6553.  You may also drop off nominations with Jean Viernes at the Mayor’s Office at 891 Ululani Street, Maluhia Place, Hilo. 

 

The deadline for nominations is September 1, 2007.

 

For further information, please contact Jean Viernes at 961-8211 or Nancy Kelly at 934-3315.

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County Accepting Applications for Elderly Housing in Pepe`ekeo

The County of Hawaii, Office of Housing and Community (OHCD) is currently accepting applications for one-bedroom units located at the Kula`imano Elderly Housing Project in Pepe`ekeo. 

 

Occupancy cannot exceed 2 persons per unit.  Eligible applicants must be 62 years of age or older and meet income requirements.  The tenant’s share of rent is based on gross income of the household.

 

Gross annual income by household size cannot exceed:

·        1-person household              $ 21,800

·        2-person household              $ 24,900

 

Applications will be processed in the order (date & time) that they are received by the OHCD.  For additional information or an application, please call Garrett at 959-4642.

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Now You Can Click and Check on County-Issued Permits Online

The Building Division of the Department of Public Works announces a new online service, available 24/7 to access Building, Plumbing, and Electrical Permit information for active and completed permits.

 

Details such as the date the permit was issued, the contractor’s name and the description of the work performed appear in the report.  Information is updated weekly.

 

To generate a permit inquiry, go to www.co.hawaii.hi.us .  Click on “Real Property Tax,” then click on “Real Property Tax Site.”  Once you’re there, click on “Property Search,” then click on “parcel number.”  Type in the TMK number and click “search.”  Click on the parcel ID #, then click on the icon “Generate a Permit Report.” Wait a few minutes for the information to download.  Details and a summary of permits that pertain to this TMK will appear.

 

To view this, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.  A link to a website to download this software is provided.

 

Questions regarding permits should be directed to the Building Division of Public Works at 961-8331 or 327-3520.

 

Questions regarding permits and for permits issued prior to 1980 should be directed to the Building Division of Public Works at 961-8331 or 327-3520.

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Seeking Applicants to Vacancies on County’s Boards and Commissions

The County of Hawai`i is seeking applicants from our community to the following Boards and Commissions which currently have vacancies:

1.      Committee on Aging:  Two vacancies; one in Kohala and one in Ka`u.

2.      Arborist Advisory Committee:  One vacancy (at-large).

3.      Family Violence Advisory Committee:  Presently not empanelled; we intend on doing so, so there are many vacancies (all at large).

4.      Fire Board of Appeals:  Five vacancies (all at-large).

5.      Highway Safety Council:  Four vacancies (all at-large).

6.      Kailua Village Design Committee:  Three vacancies.

7.      Pension Board:  One vacancy (at-large).

8.      Salary Commission:  Three vacancies; Council Districts 4, 5 and 6.

9.      Transportation Commission:  Two vacancies; Council Districts 1 and 4.

10. Veterans Advisory Committee:  Four vacancies.

11. Water Board:  One vacancy (Council District 8).

12. Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission: One vacancy (Council District 3).

 

To apply, you may pick up an application at the Mayor’s Office at 891 Ululani Street, Hilo 96720 or the Kona mayor’s office at Hanama Place, 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Suite 103, Kailua-Kona 96750.  Upon completing the application, you may drop off or mail the application to either of the above addresses or to Lincoln Ashida, Corporation Counsel at Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo 96720. 

 

If you have any questions, please call Lincoln Ashida at 961-8251.

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Water Restriction Notice – Waimea Town to Kawaihae, Upper Paauilo, Ahualoa

Due to the continuing prolonged dry weather conditions and the large demand of water from our water system, Department of Water Supply customers in the affected areas, previously under a Water Conservation Notice, are now under a Water Restriction Notice.

 

Affected areas:  Waimea Town to Kawaihae, Upper Paauilo and Ahualoa.

 

A Water Restriction is a call for a mandatory 25% reduction in water use.  With your full cooperation, residents can be supplied with water during the prolonged dry weather conditions.  Listed are some ways to restrict water usage and reach the 25% goal: 

·        Wash full loads of laundry or dishes at a time.

·        Check faucets and pipes for leaks.

·        Serve drinking water only when requested.

·        Keep a container of drinking water in the refrigerator.

·        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.

 

All agricultural users should keep water usage to a minimum.  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.

 

For more information, please contact Daryl Ikeda at 961-8790.

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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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Water Conservation Notice –Na`alehu, Waiohinu to South Point in Ka`u

Due to the large demand of water and the ongoing dry weather conditions, the Department of Water Supply is requesting consumers in the affected areas to reduce your daily water usage by 10%. 

 

Affected area:  Na`alehu, Waiohinu to South Point in Ka`u

 

Listed are some ways to conserve water to reach the 10% goal:

• 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 shall 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.

 

For more information, please contact Daryl Ikeda at 961-8790.

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Hisaoka Gym Repairs Update

The Ikuo Hisaoka Gymnasium, 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 on the Hisaoka Gym repair project?

Here are the most recent and upcoming developments, according to the Dept of Parks and Recreation:

 

The bid package for Phase I (structural repairs and ceiling demolition) is being finalized in-house and we are anticipating public bid advertisement in mid-July with a bid opening of mid-August (the specific dates yet to be determined).  Preparation of plans and specifications for Phase II (architectural work – ceilings, finishes, etc.) is ongoing.

 

The County’s emphasis is on getting the building structurally sound as soon as possible, 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.

 

Where are we now on the repairs to Keokea Beach Park Main Pavilion?

Here are the most recent and upcoming developments, according to the Dept of Parks and Recreation:

• March 23, 2007:        Parks &Rec submits the draft Project Worksheet to the Dept of Public Works’ structural consultant for review and comment
• April 8, 2007:             Insurer AIG submits draft Damage Assessment to Parks & Rec
• April 16, 2007:           Parks & Rec submits AIG’s report to DPW’s structural consultant for review and comment
• To be announced      Pending Final Project Worksheet from FEMA/State Civil Defense
• To be announced      Pending finalization of scope of work and procurement of consultant to prepare plans and specifications.

 

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

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Workshop on Successful Grant Proposal Writing at HPA July 30-August 3

Hawai`i Preparatory Academy (HPA) and the Hawaii County Resource Center, a program of the Department of Research and Development, are co-hosting a five-day intensive Grantsmanship Training Program.  Participants will learn how to identify funding sources and how to successfully apply for grant funding.

 

The seminar will be held on the HPA Village Campus in Waimea in the 3^rd/5^th Grade classroom building July 30 to August 3 from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.

 

Designed for both novice and experienced grant seekers, this workshop covers all aspects of searching for grants, writing grant proposals, and negotiating with funding sources.

 

The workshop will be conducted by The Grantmanship Center, which has trained more than 100,000 staff members of nonprofit and government agencies around the world since its founding in 1972.

 

Registration is limited to 30 participants. The program fee of $875 includes workshop tuition and one year of TGCI membership benefits and services.  A limited number of scholarships are available through TGCI.

 

To register for the workshop, contact The Grantsmanship Center at (800) 421-9512. For information, call Laverne Omori (HCRC) at (808) 327-3665. 

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Workshop on Strategic Fundraising August 9-10 in Waimea

One of the greatest needs among nonprofits is identifying funding sources and learning how to maintain solid financial ground.  The Hawaii County Resource Center, a program of the Department of Research and Development, will host a two-day workshop on strategic fundraising that will be held at the Anna Ranch Tea Room in Waimea on August 9-10 from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.

 

Participants will learn how to develop a comprehensive plan for fundraising activities and various strategies for funds solicitation, membership strategies and special events, and special campaigns programs.  This workshop is highly interactive and utilizes discussion and exercises to assist participants in developing concrete and strategic steps for a comprehensive fund development program.

 

Instructor Judy Gooch has been active in fundraising and other aspects of nonprofit management for more than 30 years. She has worked with large and small organizations, with educational institutions, museums and other arts and cultural organizations, hospitals and health care providers and social service agencies of many types.

 

To register for the workshop, please contact the Hawaii County Resource Center, a program of the County’s Department of Research and Development. To register by FAX: 981-2096, or by email: fbasilio@co.hawaii.hi.us   or by phone: 981-8338.

 

Cost of workshop: $100 (includes lunch and snacks). Non-refundable registration fee:  $25 due by July 27, 2007.  Please make checks payable to County of Hawaii, Director of Finance.

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

Steps to complete the application:

1. Fill in the Tax Map Key Number of the parcel. This can be obtained from your last tax bill or assessment notice.
2. Fill in the name and address of the Claimant along with their telephone numbers. Telephone numbers are very important so that the tax office or appraiser can contact you if information is missing, or if an inspection is necessary.
3. Fill in the type of disaster (Earthquake) and date the quake occurred, October 15, 2006.
4. Describe exactly what was damaged. Then in the section listing the major building components, fill in the approximate percentage of each category that was damaged. If a particular component was not damaged, leave it blank. (For example, if half of the windows in the house were broken you would put 50% in that box.)
5. Sign, date and mail in the application by June 30, 2007.

 

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

 

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

 

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

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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 Hawai`i 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 Hawai`i 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 Hawai`i.

·        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 - Update

The following items will now be accepted in the Mixed Recycling drop-off bins at the following County Transfer Stations:  Hawi, Honoka`a, Keauhou, Laupahoehoe, Pahoa, Pahala, Puako and Waimea.

 

Okay to Recycle:

·        Paperboard or boxboard   (cereal, tea, snack food boxes, etc.)

·        Plastics #1&#2   (milk jugs, detergent and bleach bottles, etc.)

·        Metal cans    (Rinsed tuna and cat food cans, soup cans, etc.)

·        Newspapers and magazines

·        Cardboard and brown paper bags (flattened)

·        Mixed office paper and junk mail (No Brites)

·        Phonebooks and paperbacks – torn into 3-4 sections

 

Please note:  Materials taken to the Kealakehe, Hilo or the Kea‘au Transfer Stations are still commodity-separated.  Please look for signage on where to place recycled materials at these sites.

 

Thank you for your kokua, as always.  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.**