FEATURE ARTICLE

·         Immigration Information Office – One of the County’s Services

COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

·         Big Island Film Office Seminar in Waimea September 20

·         Dept of Environmental Management Solid Waste Projects Update

·         Water Dept to Conduct Exploratory Well Testing in Honokohau

·         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

·         Family Self-Sufficiency Program Informational Meetings Sept 17, 19

·         Homeownership Option Program Informational Meetings Oct 15, 17

·         County Accepting Applications for Elderly Housing in Pepe`ekeo

·         Vacancies on the County’s Boards and Commissions

·         Hisaoka Gym Repairs Update

·         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 August

·         Oceanview Community Emergency Response Team Trains Aug 18

·         Hawai`i Home Ownership Center Offers Free Orientations

·         Community Emergency Response Team Training in Puna September 1, 8, 15 & 22

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

·         Mapping Hawai`i Communities Workshop: Introduction to GIS and Community Analysis

·         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

·         Public Works Installs Right-Turn Lane at Ka`iminani Drive in Kona

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

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

·         County Constructs Second Public Parking Lot in Kainaliu

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

HAWAII COUNTY WEBSITE

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FEATURE ARTICLES

Immigration Information Office – One of the County’s Services

The County of Hawai`i’s Immigration Information Office, located at the County building at 101 Pauahi Street, offers an important service to our community’s non-citizen population.  This office, manned by Immigration Information Specialist Rose Bautista, is ready to help non-U.S. citizens navigate the paperwork and procedures needed to obtain visas and U.S. citizenship.  The following information was provided by Ms. Bautista.

 

Hawai`i is a gateway from Asia and the Pacific Rim to the rest of the United States, and is an important point of entry for non-U.S. citizens seeking to live and work in our country.  The visa procedures necessary to enter and stay in the United States may be quite daunting.  The County of Hawai`i provides an Immigration Information Office to help make the immigration process less confusing.

 

What does the Immigration Information Office do?

 

The Immigration Information Specialist serves as a liaison on immigration matters of broad community concern, and provides assistance on individual problems of immigrants.

 

In fiscal 2005-2006, the Immigration Information office had an average of 171 visits per month, with more than 2,000 visits during a 12-month period.

 

All of the various immigration forms, along with related information brochures, are available at the Immigration Information Office, located at the County building at 101 Pauahi Street, Hilo.  Among the forms that U.S. citizens might want to use would involve helping a relative or fiancé(e) become a permanent resident or adopting a child from overseas.

 

Does the Immigration Information Office issue visas?

 

No, the Immigration Information Office provides information and assistance in obtaining visas.  Visas are issued by the U.S. State Department at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.  The federal U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security is the issuing authority for permanent residency and U.S. citizenship.

 

U.S. immigration fees rose dramatically from July 30, 2007

 

The filing fees for some of the most commonly-used forms recently increased 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.

 

As you see above, the most dramatic increase involved the Adjustment of Status fee.  The Adjustment of Status process is required for someone who is in the United States on a non-immigrant visa (i.e. visitors, students, etc.), or someone who marries a U.S. citizen and applies for Legal Permanent Resident status, commonly known as “Green Card” status.

 

How does a person qualify for citizenship?

 

The decision to apply for U.S. citizenship is a very meaningful demonstration of a person’s commitment to this country, which has a long history of welcoming immigrants from all parts of the world.

 

There are general requirements that must be met for you to become a U.S. citizen.  They include:

 

·        Demonstrating that you have good moral character

·        Demonstrating knowledge of the English language

·        Demonstrating knowledge of U.S. government and history

·        Demonstrating attachment to the United States by taking an oath of allegiance to the U.S. Constitution.

 

The Immigration Information Office can give more details on residency requirements for citizenship.  For more information please call the Immigration Information Office at 961-8220.

 

What is the citizenship test like?

 

Even if you already are a U.S. citizen, it may be intriguing to read the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services booklet Learn About the United States: Quick Civics Lessons.  This publication helps people study for the naturalization test.

 

Among the questions that candidates for citizenship are asked on the test involve general knowledge about the U.S. government, U.S. history, the U.S. Constitution and the rights of citizens.

 

Here are some sample questions:

·        How many changes, or amendments, are there to the Constitution?  Answer: Twenty-seven amendments.  The most recent amendment, the 27^th Amendment, was added in 1992 and addresses how Senators and Representatives are paid.

·        What are the three branches of our government?  Answer: The Executive, Judicial and Legislative branches.

·        What is the Bill of Rights? Answer: The first 10 amendments to the Constitution.  Some of these included citizens’ rights to practice their religion freely, to speak and publish freely and to complain publicly about anything they wanted.  These Amendments were ratified in 1791.

·        What were the original 13 states?  Virginia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Georgia.

 

For assistance or further information, 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.  You can also visit http://www.uscis.gov .

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COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

Big Island Film Office Seminar in Waimea September 20

Filmmakers and all those interested in film production on the Big Island are invited to attend a seminar sponsored by the Big Island Film Office. The film production seminar Perspectives from Filmmakers: Where We Are Today, Where Can We Be Tomorrow will be held at Anna Ranch in Waimea on Thursday, September 20 from 4-6 pm.

 

The film production seminar will look at the challenges and opportunities of professional film production on the Big Island today.

 

Expert filmmaker panelists will address various aspects of filmmaking with an eye to building networks, awareness, and action plans to create a stronger, more competitive and more inclusive film production community on The Big Island.

 

Among the speakers will be John Mason, newly-appointed Film Commissioner of Hawai’i County’s Big Island Film Office, who worked for Eastman Kodak in Hollywood.  He is charged with growing the Big Island’s film and video business, to serve both local filmmakers and those who come in to produce from other countries.

 

Mason will give his overview of production trends, types of production, key industry happenings, issues and challenges facing the production business and industry on the Big Island.

 

Following the recent success of the George Lucas, Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford film shoot for the latest “Indiana Jones” series sequel, the State of Hawai`i is seeing a record film production year with anticipated revenues in 2007 of more than $200 million.

 

Bob Duerr of Hilo’s Kappa Productions will look at strategic business needs for local production expansion. Since 1978 Kappa Productions has been involved with film productions involving subjects ranging from NASA to the rock band AC/DC.

 

Award-winning independent filmmaker GB Hajim, producer/director of Hakalau-based Screaming Wink Productions, will discuss his current production of a full-length animation: “Strange Frame.”

 

Anthony “Tweed” Johnston and Tom Penny, IATSE Local 665 members and local resident technical experts, will discuss below the line production and technical issues, and will share their views on, “Can we support high level professional production on The Big Island?”

 

The community filmmaking perspective will be given by Prema Qadir, a retired civil engineer and owner of Bliss Productions.  Qadir will look at the training, access, cost, cultural and technical issues facing those who want to use film and video to tell their stories and make a difference in their communities.

 

Ari Bernstein, Director of Digital Media at the Hawai’i Preparatory Academy, is a graduate of USC film school, MFA and owner of Lalamilo Productions.  Bernstein has completed 35 shorts, five documentaries, and a low budget-feature while living in Los Angeles.  Bernstein teaches filmmaking strategies that maximize budget while working with small specialized crews.

 

Rounding out the seminar is special guest speaker Kristin McGrath, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing, Big Island Visitors Bureau.  McGrath will talk about Hawai’i Island as a tourist and locations destination, which is one of the prime drivers of production activity here.

 

Questions and answers will follow the panelists’ presentations. A brief reception will follow the program.

 

There is a $15 registration fee for attendees, with $5 charged for students.

 

Seating is limited so reservations are advised.  Reserve today by calling John Mason at the Big Island Film Office at 808-327-3663 or email him at film@bigisland.com .

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Dept of Environmental Management Solid Waste Projects Update

The following is a list of current and upcoming small Solid Waste projects occurring in your districts.

 

Location of Project	Council District	Work being done
Honomu Transfer Station	1	Tree removal (safety issues), completed 8/8/07
Waimea Transfer Station	9	Litter fence construction, completed 8/10/07
Honomu Transfer Station	1	Install fence and gates, work began 8/8/07
Hilo Baseyard	4	Glasscrete pad, work began 8/13/07
Keauhou Transfer Station	7	Gate repair, bid opening 8/14/07
Laupahoehoe Transfer Station	1	Tree removal (safety issues) bid opening 8/14/07
Papa`ikou Transfer Station	1	Tree removal (safety issues) bid opening 8/14/07
Pa`auilo Transfer Station	1	Chute – rainbreak and cover work began 8/20/07

 

For further information, please contact Terin Gloor, Solid Waste Civil Engineer at 961-8058.

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Water Dept to Conduct Exploratory Well Testing in Honokohau

The County of Hawai‘i Department of Water Supply (DWS) announces the completion of the Palani exploratory well drilling in Honokohau, approximately 700 feet south of the Kaloko boundary at the 1700’ elevation.

 

Now that the drilling of the exploratory well is complete, a continuous pump test must be performed to determine the well’s safe yield.  The pump test is expected to occur sometime around the week of August 27, 2007.  The pump test will conducted over a period of at least 96 continuous hours.  Equipment such as sound-attenuated compressors and engines will be equipped with industrial silencers to minimize noise. 

 

Once fully-developed and dedicated to DWS, this well is expected to provide an additional source of high-quality water for the North Kona community and to further improve the reliability of the Department of Water Supply’s current water system.

 

The well project is being initiated by private development but it is being designed to DWS standards and with regard to the county’s existing water system infrastructure.  The project will provide significant water capacity beyond the needs of the private developer which will benefit the general community.

 

The Department of Water Supply is coordinating multiple projects to be completed over the next five years.  We hope to make great strides in improving the water system infrastructure to better meet the current and future needs of West Hawai'i.  With the cooperation, understanding and support of the public we may continue to provide safe, reliable and good-tasting water at low rates.

 

Should you have any questions, please contact Lawrence Beck of our Water Resources and Planning branch at (808) 961-8070, ext. 260, or by email at lbeck@hawaiidws.org  .

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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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Family Self-Sufficiency Program Info Meetings Sept 17, 19

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program is a voluntary employment-based program which helps Housing Choice Voucher Section 8 families to obtain the skills they need to achieve financial independence.

 

A key benefit is that an escrow savings account may be established for the family. 

 

The following informational meetings will be held. 

 

WHEN & WHERE:  Monday, Sept. 17 at 9 am, 11 am and 1:30 pm, 1990 Kinoole St, Suite 104, Hilo.

WHEN & WHERE:  Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 9 am, 11 am and 1:30 pm, Pahoa Community Center.

 

To attend, you must call 959-7476 to reserve a space.  If there is insufficient participation, meeting times may be cancelled or combined.

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Homeownership Option Program Info Meetings Oct 15, 17

The Homeownership Option Program (HOP) is a voluntary program which offers Housing Choice Voucher Section 8 eligible families an option to apply their program assistance towards homeownership rather than rent.

 

Whereas the program currently helps families to pay rent, eligible families may be helped instead to pay their mortgage.

 

The following informational meetings will be held:

 

WHEN & WHERE:  Monday, Oct. 15 at 9 am, 11 am and 1:30 pm, 1990 Kinoole Street, Suite 104, Hilo.

WHEN & WHERE:  Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 9 am, 11 am and 1:30 pm, Pahoa Community Center.

 

To attend, you must call 959-7476 to reserve a space.  If there is insufficient participation, meeting times may be cancelled or combined.

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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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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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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:

 

Due to minor leaks in the newly-installed pipes in the pump room, the estimated date of completion of the pool work could be as late as mid-September.  We are, however, striving for a September 1st opening.  In the meantime, repair work on pipe-joints is ongoing, and once completed, the pool’s pump will commence non-stop operation to balance the pool chemicals.

 

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 in progress and is planned to be completed this week.
• 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: