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August 31, 2007

Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

CONTENTS

FEATURE ARTICLE

·         County of Hawai`i Website – Useful Information at Your Fingertips

COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

·         Kawamoto Pool Reopens August 28

·         Public Meeting September 12 on Komohana Hgts Large Capacity Cesspool Replacement

·         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

·         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

·         Kuakini Highway Update

·         Job Announcements

COMMUNITIES IN ACTION

·         Hawai`i Home Ownership Center Offers Free Orientation

·         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 (New Date)

·         County Constructs Second Public Parking Lot in Kainaliu

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

HAWAII COUNTY WEBSITE

WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK

TO ADD OR REMOVE YOUR NAME

FOR MORE INFORMATION

FEATURE ARTICLES

County of Hawai`i Website – Useful Information at Your Fingertips

 

The following article is a brief introduction to our County of Hawai`i website, created to help keep our community informed about County government.  We hope you will visit www.co.hawaii.hi.us  to access this source of useful information.

 

Our Island of Hawai`i community is increasingly looking to the Internet for its news and information.  Thanks to the Internet, we can get timely information about what’s happening anywhere in the world.  The County of Hawai`i government wants to keep our community up-to-date on local projects, events, and other news, and so the various County departments now have their own webpages.

 

A roadmap to the County website

 

To access the County of Hawai`i website, please click on www.co.hawaii.hi.us .  One of the first pages you might visit is the Calendar for upcoming events in the County.  With this page you can find out about public meetings involving County departments and when the next County Council meeting will take place.

 

Camping permits online

 

Did you know that you can apply for a camping permit online? Click on Camping Permits to get a link to print up and submit a camping permit application online.  You can also click to get a mail-in camping permit.  There’s also a link to click for Ho`okena Beach Park Reservations.

 

Parks and Recreation provides a handy clickable map of the Big Island on this page, to get more information about some of our County park facilities.  In addition, there are links to get information about our County swimming pools, senior centers as well as community centers and gymnasiums.

 

County Council-Clerk page – a wealth of information

 

An informed citizenry is a bulwark of democracy.  The County Council, elected from the Island of Hawai`i’s nine districts, has a webpage full of important information that every voter and resident can use.

 

The County Council page has links entitled:

·        Council Members and Districts, Expenditure Reports and Contact Information.

·        Agendas and Actions Taken.  This link also gives the schedule of airtimes for Council and Committee meetings on Government Access Television, broadcast on Channel 52 in Hilo and Kona.

·        County Code.  This is a really handy link to the County ordinances, which are among the most frequently asked questions from our community.

·        County Charter.

·        FY 2007-2008 Budgets.

·        Council Rules of Procedure (2006-2008).

·        Legislative Auditor’s Reports

·        Claims Information.

·        Reapportionment Commission

·        Lobbyist Registration Information.

·        FAQs

·        Elections.

 

Departments of your County government

 

On the Departments page you will be just a click away from getting information about any of the County departments and agencies, as well as their respective divisions.

 

It would take a very long article to go into detail about all of the information these individual departments’ pages provide.  However, we’d like to point to a few examples of what the departments have on their pages:

 

Among its many links, the Public Works page offers information about Building Permits, Bid Information and Waiver of Certain Requirements .  There’s also a link called Click and Check to generate a permit inquiry.  By going to the Department of Public Works page you’ll discover the broad range of services the department provides.  You’ll also find out what road and other improvement projects are in progress or upcoming.

 

Another popular County page is Mass Transit, with its fare-free Hele-On Bus public transportation system on all islandwide scheduled routes.  The Hawaii County Mass Transit Agency provides public transportation around the island on the Hele-On bus.  To find out bus routes and timetables, you can click on the Mass Transit Main Page.

 

The Planning Department page has a number of information-laden links for the community, including The General Plan, the blueprint for land use policy in Hawai`i County.  Other links take you to TMK Maps, EnVision Downtown Hilo 2025: A Community-Based Vision and Plan and other links which explain County planning policies and initiatives.

 

Find a job on our County website

 

Practical information including career opportunities can be found on your County of Hawai`i website.

 

By clicking the link Employment Opportunities you can explore the vast array of job recruitments with the County of Hawai`i.  This webpage allows you to download job application forms, tips for taking Civil Service exams and other resources to help you navigate through the employment process.

 

Up-to-date information on the Kilauea eruption

 

There’s a brand-new County website at lavainfo.us to provide you with a convenient one-stop link to the latest scientific information about the current Kilauea eruption.  This web site also takes you to all current Civil Defense information and advisories relating to this eruption. 

 

This web site will be updated as necessary to assure you information is current. The links to the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory will provide the latest and most accurate information about the lava flow.  The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is the single and only official source for current and accurate information on the volcanic eruption.

 

The links to Civil Defense will provide you with the latest Civil Defense information as well as a section on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

 

The County website at www.co.hawaii.hi.us is a handy portal to information on Hawai`i County

 

The above article is a thumbnail sketch of what you can find by going to www.co.hawaii.hi.us . We hope you will make frequent visits to our website, designed to keep our community informed.

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COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

Kawamoto Pool Reopens August 28

The Department of Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce that the Sparky Kawamoto Swim Stadium reopened to the public on August 28.  The Parks and Recreation staff would like to thank the public for their patience throughout this lengthy repair project.

 

The schedule for the Sparky Kawamoto Swim Stadium is as follows:

 

Monday-Friday

9:00 am - 10:45 am              Public Recreation Swim

11:00 am -12:15 pm             Adult Lap Swim (Short Course)

12:15 pm -1:30 pm               Adult Lap Swim (Long Course)

1:30 pm - 3:45 pm                Public Recreational and Lap Swim

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm                Novice Swim Team Practice

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm                Age Group Swim Team Practice

6:00 pm - 7:10 pm                Public Recreational Swim

 

Weekends/Holidays

9:00 A.M. - 10:45 A.M.         Public Recreational Swim/Lap Swim

11:00 A.M. -   1:00 P.M.       Adult Lap Swim (Long Course)

1:30 P.M. -   3:45 P.M.         Public Recreational/Lap Swim

 

With the re-opening of Sparky Kawamoto Swim Stadium, the N.A.S. Pool resumes to being an instructional facility and will no longer offer Public Recreational Swim or Lap Swim.

 

For more information regarding the pool facility or its schedule, please call 961-8698.

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Public Meeting on Komohana Hgts Large Capacity Cesspool Replacement

The community is invited to attend a public meeting on Wednesday, September 12 regarding the Komohana Heights Large Capacity Cesspool (LCC) Replacement in the 2nd Kukuau District of Hilo

 

WHERE:       Aupuni Center Conference Room, 101 Pauahi Street, Hilo

WHEN:          Wednesday, September 12, 6:00 – 8:00 pm.

 

The County of Hawai`i is planning to construct a sewer system upgrade that will connect the Komohana Heights Subdivision (Hilo) and adjacent properties to the County sewer system.  This is a result of a federal mandate requiring that the County close two existing County-owned Large Capacity Cesspools (LCCs) currently serving the Komohana Heights Subdivision.

 

The result of this mandate is that additional properties in the area will now be accessible to County sewer.  Additional plans include removing the Sunrise Ridge Sewage Pump Station located in the Sunrise Ridge Subdivision.  The subdivision can expect continued sewer disposal service via the County sewer system.

 

Interested individuals are invited to attend a public meeting on September 12, 2007 organized by the Department of Environmental Management in conjunction with Council Member Donald Ikeda’s office.  This will be an opportunity to share any questions or concerns about the project.  The Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) relating to this work can be viewed on the County website at:  http://co.hawaii.hi.us/directory/dir_envmng.htm . 

 

Individuals requiring special needs accommodations should call Ms. Dora Beck of the Department of Environmental Management at (808) 961-8028 at least five working days prior to the meeting date.

Please contact:  Dora Beck, P.E., Technical Services Section Chief, (808) 961-8028.

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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 projects at our Solid Waste Transfer Stations and Baseyards.  These projects address safety concerns, general repair and maintenance, environmental issues and Department of Health regulations.

 

All project dates may be subject to change without notice due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

 

Location of Project	Council District	Work being done
Paauilo Transfer Station	1	Chute- rainbreak, cover work(completed 8/24/07)
Honomu Transfer Station	1	Install fence and gates, currently in progress
Hilo Baseyard	4	Glasscrete pad, currently in progress
Keauhou Transfer Station	7	Gate repair, awarded 8/24/07
Laupahoehoe Transfer Station	1	Tree removal (safety issues) awarded 8/24/07
Papa`ikou Transfer Station	1	Tree removal (safety issues) awarded 8/24/07
Honoka`a Transfer Station	1	Install access ramps, work to begin 9/7/07

 

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

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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.**

 

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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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:

• 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 abo