FEATURE ARTICLE

·         A Friendly Place – A One-Stop Service Center for the Homeless in Kona

COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

·         Housing Dept Offers Block Grant Performance Evaluation Report for Review

·         Home Repair Loans Available for Hawaiian Home Lessees

·         Big Island Film Office Seminar in Waimea September 20

·         Honomu Transfer Station to Be Gated Beginning September 10

·         Dept of Environmental Management Solid Waste Projects Update

·         Water Dept to Conduct Exploratory Well Testing in Honokohau

·         New Exploratory Well Drilling in Kealakehe Starts in Mid-August

·         Drought Information Update

·         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

·         State’s 1^st Civil Legal Needs Assessment Since 1993 is Underway

·         Hawai`i Home Ownership Center Offers Free Orientations

·         Healthcare in West Hawai`i is Subject of Kona Town Meeting September 11

·         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

·         Hawai`i Island Food Summit October 6 to Explore Food Security in Hawai`i

·         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

·         County to Repave Kona Hospital Access Road Sunday, September 9

·         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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FOR MORE INFORMATION

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FEATURE ARTICLES

A Friendly Place – A One-Stop Service Center for the Homeless in Kona

 

The following article is a brief introduction to the one-stop service center for the homeless in Kailua-Kona, called A Friendly Place.  The information was provided by the Office for Social Ministry, which administers the center.  A blessing ceremony for the center was held on August 22, 2007.

 

Tucked into an unobtrusive corner of the Old Industrial Area is a center dedicated to providing much-needed services to Kailua-Kona’s homeless population.  Its name, A Friendly Place, indicates the tone and atmosphere that its staff projects to the homeless people who come to seek their help.

 

How did this center come into being?

 

The scourge of homelessness is a growing concern on our island, and the drive to help alleviate it was shared by vast sectors of our community, both private and public.  The community joined hands with government agencies to help make A Friendly Place happen, to give the homeless a daytime place to go for basic services.

 

The County of Hawai`i donated the approximately one acre of land on Pawai Place in what was a Department of Water Supply baseyard to supply the site.  Stanford Carr Development generously donated a three-bedroom model home to serve as the center.

 

The Office for Social Ministry staffs A Friendly Place with eight workers from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

 

What services does the center offer?

 

Showers, laundry, lockers, mail pickup, transportation and referrals are among the services that A Friendly Place offers.  A telephone is available for brief calls, and a computer is also available to aid individuals in seeking jobs or educational opportunities.  There is also a kitchen for people to use – and clean up afterwards.

 

The homeless people who visit the center for help are referred to respectfully as consumers.

 

The Office for Social Ministry’s West Hawai`i coordinator, Josephine Ibarra, said that first-time consumers meet with a staff member to “talk story” so the staff can get an idea of the individual’s needs.  Many of the consumers at the center have medical, mental or emotional problems, and the staff refers the individuals to specialists for help.

 

“We work to build trust and rapport with our consumers,” Ibarra said. “When you can build that relationship with the consumer, you can better address their needs.”

 

“One thing they all have in common:  under the stars is their home.”

 

Where does the funding come from?

 

The Hawaii Island United Way and state grants provide the lion’s share of the funding, along with private donations.

 

Accessibility was a key factor in its location

 

“It’s not very high-profile in terms of location, but it’s a good accessible location for our consumers,” Ibarra said.

 

Ibarra said that it was really helpful that the center is located on County property tucked away from the main thoroughfare of traffic. 

 

The “Not in My Backyard” syndrome, where neighbors object to such facilities, has been largely assuaged thanks to the staff’s continued efforts to communicate with the neighbors, most of whom are businesses.

 

Ibarra said that she was grateful to the community for their compassion and support, as evidenced by many local churches and community groups that pitch in to help with meal service and other chores.

 

Meal service is a key element in showing compassion

 

Feeding the hungry is a way of showing compassion to one’s fellow man.  Every morning, Monday through Friday, A Friendly Place offers breakfast to consumers from 7 to 8 a.m., except on Thursdays, when Family Support Services partners with the center’s Office for Social Ministry staff.

 

On Mondays, as mentioned above, Mokuaikaua Church congregants sponsor lunch, and on Tuesday, St. Michael’s Church sponsors lunch. 

 

Medical needs of the homeless taken care of

 

Once a week, a nurse visits the center to provide care, and to educate consumers on how to prevent health problems. 

 

Staph infections, which are highly contagious, are a common problem.  Ibarra said that when a consumer is found to have a staph infection, immediate medical attention is offered.  If the infection is worsening, staff may drive the consumer to the West Hawaii Community Health Clinic for a speedy checkup. 

 

The clinic has helped the center avoid sending less-urgent patients to the Kona Community Hospital’s busy Emergency Room, which is about 12 miles away and whose services are costly.

 

What other referrals does the center offer?

 

Besides the medical referrals, the center offers referrals for medical insurance, food stamp programs, substance abuse programs, and adult mental health programs.

 

Adult mental health clinics are held once a month with Dr. Michael McGrath and Barbara Saiki, APRN.

 

On the wall at the center’s main room is a bank of brochures offering information on job placement, education and other means of breaking the cycle of homelessness.

 

“Homelessness can come from many things – we see people who were in construction who got hurt and who suddenly couldn’t work and then were unable to pay the rent,” Ibarra said, giving an example.  “These people may find themselves in the street or whole families living out of their cars.”

 

“There are many causes of homelessness,” Ibarra said.

 

Dignity is key

 

Each of the consumers at A Friendly Place is viewed as an individual, each of whom is treated with respect and dignity.  Staffers are trained to deal with a vast array of situations and conditions that may present themselves in the course of the day.  Ibarra herself has worked for the Office for Social Ministry for six years, and considers herself an advocate for her consumers.

 

A Friendly Place is a place for all

 

“We really welcome members of the community to come and see what they can do to help,” Ibarra said. “It’s really good for our more fortunate folks to become even more a part of the community by giving back.”

 

For more information about A Friendly Place and other humanitarian initiatives, please call OSM at 935-3050, ext. 141.

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COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

Housing Dept Offers Block Grant Performance Evaluation Report for Review

The County of Hawai`i, through its Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD), has developed its proposed Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) for its 2006-2007 CDBG program.

 

The purpose of the report is to provide the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with information on the financial and physical development status of each CDBG-assisted activity within the County.

 

The proposed report will be available for public review and comment from August 24, 2007 through September 7, 2007 at the following locations:

·        Office of Housing and Community Development, 50 Wailuku Drive, Hilo

·        Hawai`i County Services (Hanama Place) 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Ste. 103, Kailua-Kona

 

Copies of the draft CAPER may also be obtained by calling the OHCD at (808) 961-8379.

 

The OHCD will consider any written comments and views expressed by citizens on the draft CAPER and may modify the reports, if it is deemed appropriate.

 

Members of the community who wish to comment on the draft CAPER must submit their comments in writing to the OHCD, 50 Wailuku Drive, Hilo, HI 96720-2484, or fax your comments to 961-8685 by 4:30 p.m. on September 7, 2007.

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Home Repair Loans Available for Hawaiian Home Lessees

The Office of Housing and Community Development is pleased to announce that it is currently accepting applications to its Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) Home Repair Loan Program.

 

NAHASDA was established by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) and administered by the Office of Housing and Community Development to make low-interest loans available to low-and moderate-income DHHL lessees who are interested in repairing their primary residence.

 

The NAHASDA 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 in conjunction with repairs.

 

Loans range from $2,500 to $50,000 at 0% to 3% interest.  The interest rate is set based on age and income.

 

Applicants 62 years or older and very-low income may have a 0% interest and deferred payment loan with a possible grant provision.

 

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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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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Honomu Transfer Station to Be Gated Beginning September 10

The County of Hawai`i’s Honomu Solid Waste Transfer Station will be gated and manned beginning Monday, September 10, 2007. A security guard will be available to assist with Solid Waste information and to ensure compliance with State-mandated operating regulations.  The hours of operation will be from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily.

 

All Big Island transfer stations are permitted for collection of household refuse only.  Commercial haulers and residents with large loads need to take their refuse to the South Hilo or West Hawai`i Sanitary Landfills.

 

We appreciate your cooperation.

 

For more information call Bobby Gonsalves, Solid Waste Operations Superintendent at 961-8514.

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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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New Exploratory Well Drilling in Kealakehe Starts in Mid-August

The County of Hawai‘i, Department of Water Supply is announcing a new exploratory well drilling project for the South Kona area.  The proposed well site is located on TMK: (3) 8-1-05: 25 in Kealakekua, South Kona approximately at the 1,750 foot elevation, just mauka of the existing DWS 500,000 gallon tank.

 

If successful, and once fully developed and dedicated to DWS, this well is expected to provide an additional source of high quality water for the South 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 will be designed to DWS Standards and with regard to the County’s existing water system infrastructure.  The project will provide water capacity beyond the needs of the private developer, which will benefit the general community.

 

Drilling of the exploratory well is expected to begin in mid-August.  Hours of operation for the drilling will be from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.  Occasional Saturday operations may be required to keep on schedule and to perform basic repairs to be ready for the normal work week.  Equipment used at the site will be designed to minimize noise, such as sound-attenuated compressors, and engines will be equipped with industrial silencers.

 

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 reliably provide safe, dependable, good-tasting water meeting all EPA standards at the lowest rates possible.

 

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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Drought Information Update

AFFECTED AREAS: WAIMEA TOWN TO KAWAIHAE, UPPER PA‘AUILO, AND AHUALOA; DISTRICTS OF SOUTH KOHALA AND HAMAKUA, HAWAII

 

The Water Restriction Notice posted on May 31, 2007 has been downgraded to a Water Conservation Notice for the affected areas above due to increased rainfall and completion of two backup water source projects in the districts. 

 

The Water Conservation Notice calls for a voluntary 10% reduction in daily domestic water use.  We ask for the public's continuing support to reduce use because domestic water supplies in these areas remain under stressed conditions.  This is due to drastically reduced storage capacity in the Waimea reservoirs undergoing remedial reservoir repairs following the earthquake.  Please refer to the Notice at the Department website for ways to conserve water: www.hawaiidws.org .

 

Storage in the reservoir has increased significantly in recent weeks: water storage is 81.5 million gallons (mg) total today.

 

In the meantime, emergency projects focus on three backup water sources being brought on line to meet the current demand.  The following is an update of the emergency projects the Department has completed or continues to pursue:

 

·        Waimea Country Club Well: Due to increased water storage, this well is on reserve as a back up water source. 

·        Waimea Treatment Plant Well:  Due to increased water storage, this well is on reserve as a back up water source. 

·        Pu‘ukapu State Irrigation Well/White Road Pipeline:  The Department of Agriculture is working with a contractor to troubleshoot an electrical problem with the pump.  The Department also awaits water quality resample analyses by MWH Lab.  Upon receipt of lab results, we will forward to DOH for approval. 

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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 & #5   (milk jugs, detergent bottles, yogurt cups, 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.**