FEATURE ARTICLE

·         Recycling at County Offices – County Workers Pitch In

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

·         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

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

·         Earthquake Repairs – How to Apply for Building Permit Waiver

·         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

·         Medical Reserve Corps of Hawai`i Volunteer Training Meetings in July, August

·         Officer of the Month Luncheon on August 1 Honors Detective Zachary Houchin

·         Fire Science Program at Hawai`i Community College Open to All

·         Hawai`i Island Humane Society Seeks 2008 Pets in Paradise Calendar Photos

·         Hilo Downtown Improvement Association Seeks Information Office Volunteers

·         Learn Hawaiian Games at Kahalu`u Beach Park on Saturday, July 28

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

·         Oceanview Community Emergency Response Team Trains July 28, Aug 4, 11, 18

·         Waikoloa Talk Story about Kohala Traditions Thursday August 2

·         HPP Community Festival Celebrates 35^th Anniversary August 4

·         Hawai`i County Sustainable Energy Meetings around Big Island in August

·         Hilo Hosts 55^th Annual Orchid Show from August 10-12 at Tennis Stadium

·         Rainwater Catchment Dinner, Mini-Tradeshow in Kea`au August 16

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

·         UH-Manoa to Hold Info Sessions on Distance Education MSW Degree in Kona and Hilo

·         High-Quality Mulch Available at Kealakehe Transfer Station -- Update

·         Check Out our County’s Community Development Plan Website

TRAFFIC ALERT

·         Signs and Markings Projects

·         Night Paving Schedule for Kealakekua Extended to August 1

·         South Kohala Resurfacing Work July 26 to August 19

·         Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Curb Ramps Set for Completion

·         Work at Aupuni Center Parking Lot to Temporarily Affect Parking through September

·         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

Recycling at County Offices – County Workers Pitch In

All County of Hawai`i agencies and departments have been working to implement recycling at County offices, in efforts to divert trash from our landfills.  The following was recently written to our County workers by Bobby-Jean Leithead-Todd, Director of Environmental Management to encourage recycling in the workplace and announce new options for East Hawai`i.   The Department is working to expand similar recycling services to County offices in West Hawai`i and other County public facilities islandwide.

 

Hawai`i County solid waste diversion goals were set at 50% by 2008 and 80% by 2013 as adopted in Council Resolution 28-03.  In 2006, the County achieved a diversion rate of 26%.

 

In order to increase solid waste diversion from our landfills and reach the 50% goal, the County needs greater participation in waste diversion and recycling.

 

To help us accomplish these goals, the Environmental Management Commission worked with the Council to adopt Resolution 30-07 on February 7, 2007, Resolution Requesting that the Mayor Issue a Directive to Implement Recycling Programs at all County Agencies and Departments. 

 

In response to this Resolution, the County rubbish service contracts have been expanded effective July 1, 2007 to include the placement of recycling bins and weekly recycling pickup service at the following County office buildings in Hilo:

 

Location                                                                   Recyclable Commodities

• Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street:                         White office paper, mixed office paper, cardboard & newspaper.
• County Baseyard, 630 E. Lanikaula Street            White & mixed office paper, cardboard, newspapers & magazines.
• Maluhia Office Building, 891 Ululani Street            White & mixed office paper, cardboard, newspapers & magazines.
• Puainako Town Center, 2100 Kanoelehua Ave    White & mixed office paper, cardboard, newspapers & magazines.
• Ben Franklin , 333 Kilauea Avenue, 2nd floor       White & mixed office paper, cardboard, newspapers & magazines.

 

The Department is working to expand similar recycling services to County offices in West Hawai`i and other County public facilities island-wide.  Each County office at Hanama Place in Kailua-Kona is encouraged to recycle.  The employee lounges for the Building Division and Planning Department in Kona have bins for recycling bins for bottles and cans.  The Kona mayor’s office recycles all items.

 

The Department of Environmental Management plans to hold educational meetings to help establish simple office recycling programs and explain how important it is to divert these materials from our waste stream.

 

Recycling will help prolong valuable landfill space and preserve our environment.

 

The Recycling Section of the Solid Waste Division will be distributing information about these services to the various County Departments and Agencies.  These services are a beginning step to help reach our County diversion goals with the intention of expanding recycling services to more County facilities and offices.

 

Please encourage your employees to participate and contact Linda Peters, Recycling Coordinator at 961-8942 or lpeters@co.hawaii.hi.us  if you have any questions about recycling or to arrange a recycling meeting for your employees.

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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 filing fees for immigration services 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 Hawai`i 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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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 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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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.**