FEATURE ARTICLE

·         Hawai`i Pioneers Nation’s 1st Statewide Program to Vaccinate Schoolchildren against Seasonal Flu

COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

·         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

·         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

·         Recycling Drop-Offs -- Update

·         Redemption Centers – Locations and Hours of Operation

·         Kawamoto Pool Repairs

·         Kuakini Highway Update

·         Job Announcements

COMMUNITIES IN ACTION

·         BISAC Presents Documentary “Addiction: Why Can’t They Just Stop?” Aug 9 in Kainaliu

·         Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament in Kona August 6-10

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

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

·         Hawai`i Home Ownership Center Offers Free Orientations

·         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

·         The 11^th Annual Run for Hope Benefit for Cancer Research in Hawai`i September 7-8

·         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

·         South Kohala Resurfacing Work through 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

·         Roadwork is Happening Around the Island of Hawai`i

UPCOMING EVENTS

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FEATURE ARTICLES

Hawai`i Pioneers Nation’s 1^st Program to Vaccinate Schoolkids against Flu

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

 

As we begin the 2007-08 school year, the State of Hawai`i is offering an innovative way of keeping our keiki and our communities healthier.

 

The Protect Hawaii’s Keiki:  Stop Flu at School program will make Hawai`i the first state in the nation to offer a statewide school- based seasonal flu vaccination program.

 

The school-based flu vaccination clinics kick off in October 2007 and continue through January 2008. 

 

Who receives the vaccine?

 

Under this program, vaccine against seasonal flu will be offered free to all children ages 5-13 attending Hawai`i elementary and middle schools at their school sites during the school day.

 

Teachers and school staff can also receive the free vaccine and the program is voluntary for schools and students.  Parent or guardian permission is required for participation.  This school-based vaccination program will reach more than 98% of keiki in this age group.

 

Which agencies or organizations will partner in this program?

 

The flu vaccination program is a partnership between the Hawai`i Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Education (DOE), the Hawai`i Association of Independent Schools, the Hawai`i Catholic Schools, Hawai`i’s schools of nursing at Hawai`i Pacific University and the University of Hawai`i, Kaiser Permanente, Hawai`i Medical Services Association (HMSA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

 

The program is also endorsed as a positive contribution to the community by the American Academy of Pediatrics Hawai`i Chapter and the Hawai`i Academy of Family Physicians.

 

Where will the funding come from?

 

Funding for the $2.5 million program is being provided primarily by the Centers for Disease Control and the State Department of Health.

 

Flu season starts around October

 

Although Hawai`i has its share of influenza or flu cases year-round due to the constant influx of visitors, October through May is when flu activity is particularly higher than the rest of the year.

 

The flu is caused by the influenza virus, which infects the respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs).

 

Unlike many other viral infections such as the common cold, the flu can cause a more severe illness and possibly life-threatening complications (pneumonia). 

 

Every year, the average number of deaths caused by seasonal flu is around 36,000 in the United States.

 

High incidence rates of flu among school kids

 

Nationally, schoolchildren have very high rates of influenza illness, exceeding 10% in most years.

 

During the 2005-2006 flu season, there were 14 outbreaks of influenza reported in Hawai`i public schools, seven of which were confirmed as influenza with laboratory testing.

 

Flu vaccine for children can stem the seasonal outbreaks

 

If a greater number of students had been immunized, these outbreaks may have been averted.  When children get the flu, they often spread it to their parents, grandparents, siblings and friends.

 

This can be life-threatening to grandparents and family members with underlying health conditions.

 

Compared with other contagious diseases, seasonal flu has the greatest impact on our state’s health and economy.  It’s the primary cause of countless school and work absences, hospitalization, and even deaths, especially among our kupuna.

 

The good news is that a simple vaccination not only protects the child against the flu, but also their community.

 

Studies show that school children vaccinated against the flu have fewer illnesses, fewer absences from school, and lower rates of illness in their families during flu season compared with unvaccinated children.

 

Need for an annual flu vaccination

 

Seasonal flu vaccines are developed annually based on the commonly-circulating flu strains of the previous season.  Immunity is specific for the vaccine strains and most experts believe significant immunity does not last much beyond the current flu season as flu viruses change from year to year.

 

This is why the flu vaccine gets updated every year.

 

The seasonal flu vaccine will prevent about 70-90 of every 100 people who receive it from developing moderate-to-severe flu infection.  Contrary to the belief of some skeptics, you cannot get the flu from the flu shot as the viruses in the vaccine are completely inactivated.

 

Seasonal flu vaccine is safe for kids

 

Flu vaccine is also considered safe for children.  A recent study of the flu shot involving more than 45,000 infants and children found the vaccine is safe for this population.  There may be minor side effects, however.

 

Common side effects following the traditional “flu shot” include soreness, redness and swelling at the injection site.  Occasionally one might develop a low fever and body aches as your body’s immune system responds to the vaccine.  When these symptoms occur, they usually only last for 1-2 days.

 

The vaccine can also be given through a nasal spray vaccine.  Side effects are also uncommon but may include:  runny nose, congestion, cough, headache, muscle aches, fever, abdominal pain, or occasionally, vomiting and diarrhea.  When they occur, these symptoms usually last only a short time and go away on their own.

 

For more information on the School-based Flu Vaccination Program, visit the Hawai`i State Department of Health website at www.stopfluatschool.com , call Aloha United Way’s 2-1-1 hotline to talk to someone about program details.

 

Check with your child’s school in August to find out if/when a flu clinic is scheduled.  Vaccine information forms will be sent home through the schools in mid-August.

 

The flu clinics will be staffed by Public Health nurses, nursing students, emergency medical technicians, members of the Hawai`i Island Bioterrorism Response Team (DOH) and volunteers from the Hawai`i Island Medical Reserve Corps (MRC).

 

Medical Reserve Corps meetings will be held in East Hawai`i in Hilo on August 22 at the State Building, State conference room from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and in West Hawai`i in Kealakekua on August 23 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Kona Community Hospital, Conference Room #3.

 

For more information on the MRC, and/or to volunteer, please contact MRC Coordinator for Hawai`i Island Susan Parker at 974-6480 or email susan.parker@doh.hawaii.gov .

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COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

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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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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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.**

 

Atlas Recycling LLC operates Mobile Redemption Sites (monthly 9 am- 1pm) at:

• Ocean View (South Point U-Cart) every 2^nd Saturday and
• Na`alehu Elem. & Inter. School every 3^rd Saturday.

For further information about Atlas Recycling’s operations on the island of Hawai`i, call 935-9328 (Hilo) or 329-6868 (Kona).

 

Reynolds Recycling at 1260 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo also participates in the HI5¢ program:  Tues-Saturday 9am-5pm.  For further information, call 754-8984.

 

Certified redemption centers are now accepting flattened aluminum and plastic HI5¢ beverage containers.  

 

Flattened containers are weighed at redemption sites to determine deposit payment.  The public is reminded that reverse vending machines will not accept flattened or crushed containers.

 

DID YOU KNOW….that the Department of Environmental Management has an information line?  Call 961-5044 for HI5¢ redemption, recycling, and other solid waste information.  Or visit:

www.hi5deposit.com / http://co.hawaii.hi.us/directory/dir_envmng.htm

 

****Check out this new Recycle Hawaii website page for "special event" disposal bins for recyclable beverage containers:

 http://recyclehawaii.org/HI5PurchaseRentBin.htm

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Kawamoto Pool Repairs

The County’s Department of Parks and Recreation is working on plans for repairs to the Kawamoto Pool.  Here is where we are in the process:

 

The welders are installing seismic bracing for the pool's filtration/circulation system equipment.  Meanwhile, carpenters have installed doors and louvers for the pool's mechanical room.  The electricians are scheduled to complete their work this week, and the Contractor’s pool mechanic will start up the pump system and balance the chemicals for the pool.  The pool has been refilled, with the help of the Fire Department.  The reopening of the pool is expected by mid-August.

 

For further information, please contact James M. Komata, Park Planner at 961-8531.

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Kuakini Highway Construction Update

Construction work to widen Kuakini Highway, from Palani Road to Hualalai Road, commenced on November 8, 2004.

 

Kuakini Highway will be widened to four lanes for automobiles, including two through-lanes in each direction, and a pocket lane for left turns where appropriate. In addition, there will bicycle lanes on both sides throughout most of the project.  The construction is anticipated to end during the third quarter of 2007.

 

One lane will be open at all times from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. while construction is in progress.  Outside of these hours, one lane in each direction will be open.

 

The contractor, Hawaiian Dredging, will work with the adjacent businesses and residences to assure that a reasonable access to the businesses and residences will be maintained throughout the construction period. However, motorists traveling in the area should drive with caution.

 

We are most grateful for the public’s patience and apologize for any inconvenience caused.

 

Here is the update for this week:

The Contractor is currently doing the following:

• Application of sculptured shotcrete facing at the Palani Road side of Ololi Road is planned to start on August 13, 2007.
• Miscellaneous work to complete “punch list” items (outstanding items) is ongoing.

 

The Kuakini Highway improvement project has included widening the road from two to four lanes from Palani Road to Hualalai Road, building pocket lanes for left turns, adding bicycle lanes, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, retaining walls, and utility relocation.

 

The project is part of an action plan the County of Hawai`i is using to prioritize solutions to mitigate traffic congestion in Kona.  The action plan is based on a study the County commissioned in 2000, entitled Keahole to Honaunau Circulation Plan.

 

Information about this study and the Keahole to Honaunau circulation plan is available online at the County website at www.co.hawaii.hi.us  under Projects Update. For 24-hour information on road work, call 334-9559. For specifics about this project, contact Bruce McClure, Director, County Department of Public Works, 961-8321.

 

Information on project status will be also provided via this newsletter and the Mayor's West Hawai`i Office at 329-5226.

 

Mahalo nui loa for your support of these community improvement projects.

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Job Announcements

Hawai`i County … a nice place to live. County of Hawai`i … a great place to work.

 

Consider employment with the County of Hawai`i because it offers: numerous positions, great benefits, provides valuable services, diverse culture, a beautiful island – not to mention warm and friendly residents.

Call the County of Hawai`i’s job hotline (808) 961-8618 or visit www.co.hawaii.hi.us  to download an application packet.

For job postings, visit our website: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/civil_serv/civ_serv.htm

Click on employment opportunities to download all of the forms.

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COMMUNITIES IN ACTION

BISAC Presents Documentary “Addiction: Why Can’t They Just Stop?”

Addiction is a preventable, treatable health condition from which people can and do recover, but many people don't understand this.  

 

A groundbreaking collaborative project aimed at expanding public understanding of addiction and recovery has been launched by Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), Faces & Voices of Recovery and Join Together.  These three national organizations support policies to promote prevention, treatment and recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs.

 

Big Island Substance Abuse Council is pleased to be part of this nationwide project that will increase Hawaii’s knowledge and actions about the reality of effective treatment and recovery from alcohol and drug addictions.

 

In communities from coast-to-coast, this partnership and its affiliates, in conjunction with HBO, are working intensively to educate communities about advancements in the understanding of drug and alcohol addiction and its treatment as a brain disease.

 

BISAC will present a viewing of the documentary “Addiction: Why Can’t They Just Stop?” at the Aloha Theater in Kainaliu on Thursday, August 9, 2007, at 7:00 pm.