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January 4, 2008
Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
FEATURE ARTICLE
· Immigration Information Office Update on Green Card Replacement Proposal
COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD
· Water Conservation Notice in Hakalau, Wailea Areas
· Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships Programs
· New Winter Hours for County Transfer Stations Effective January 2 – March 1
· Youth Action Summit Mini-Grant Award Winners Display Projects in Hilo January 19
· Car Registration, Drivers License Officer to Change Hours Effective February 1
· First International Conference on the Coqui Frog February 7-9, 2008 in Hilo
· Down Payment Assistance Loans Available to First-Time Home Buyers
· Home Repair Loans Available for Hawaiian Home Lessees
· Dept of Environmental Management Solid Waste Projects Update
· County Seeks Applicants for Public Access, Salary Commission Vacancies
· County of Hawai`i Offers Home Repair Loans
· County Accepting Applications for Elderly Housing in Pepe`ekeo
· Vacancies on the County’s Boards and Commissions
· Redemption Centers – Locations and Hours of Operation
COMMUNITIES IN ACTION
· Waimea Area Community Meetings in the Month of January
· Presentation on Hospice/Palliative Care at Hospice of Hilo January 10
· Waikoloa Talk Story Session on January 11 Kicks Off Year of the Paniolo
· ALS Support Group Meeting in Waimea on Sunday, January 13
· Healing Our Island Community Fund Mini-Grants Available
· Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival Saturday, February 2
· 11th Annual American Heart Walk & Health Fair in Hilo Saturday, February 9
· Kohala Center Lecture Series on Hawaiian Culture and Traditions
· High-Quality Mulch Available at Kealakehe Transfer Station
· Check Out our County’s Community Development Plan Website
TRAFFIC ALERT
· County Aims to Ease Traffic, Opening Northern Portion of Mamalahoa Bypass
FEATURE ARTICLES
Immigration Information Office Update on Green Card Replacement Proposal
The following article was provided by Immigration Information Specialist Rose Bautista, in response to numerous inquiries from the public regarding a proposal on the replacement of some Permanent Residence(“Green Cards”) by the US Citizenship and Immigrants Services.
The County of Hawaii’s Immigration Information Office has received numerous phone calls and inquiries in the past few weeks voicing concerns about a proposed rule by the US Citizenship and Immigrants Services (USCIS) to renew lawful permanent residents cards (“green cards”) without expiration dates. Those affected would be green cards issued between 1979 –1988.
Proposed new regulation on green cards issued between 1979–1988.
On August 22, 2007, USCIS published a proposed regulation in the Federal Register that, if implemented, would require lawful permanent residents to replace permanent resident cards (Form I-551) with no expiration date. USCIS accepted public comments on this proposal for 30 days until September 21, 2007. USCIS is currently reviewing the 298 comments received during the public comments period.
This proposed rule in no way affects the current validity of these permanent resident cards. Permanent residents who possess these cards may continue to use them as proof of permanent residency when traveling, when seeking employment, and at any time such proof is required.
The proposed regulation is still under review
After USCIS has reviewed and considered the comments generated by the proposed rule the agency will publish a final rule. USCIS cannot provide a time frame for when the review will be concluded or when the final rule will be published.
The final rule, once published, will explain the process to replace these green cards. The final rule will also set the time period during which USCIS will accept applications to replace these cards. To date, no time frame has been set.
When the period for submitting an application has ended, USCIS will determine how long it will take to adjudicate the applications received. USCIS will then publish a notice in the Federal Register establishing the date after which permanent resident cards with no expiration date are no longer valid. This will ensure that affected customers who have submitted their applications will receive their new cards before the validity of their old cards expires.
No requirement to replace green cards yet
Customers who hold these permanent resident cards with no expiration date may replace their cards now, but here is currently no requirement to do so.
USCIS believes that the replacement of these cards is vital to the security of the immigration process. New cards will provide the agency with an opportunity to update the photograph and biometrics on the card. New cards will also provide greater security features and remove from circulation different versions of the same card.
For more information, please contact Rose Bautista, Immigration Information Specialist at 961-8220 or USCIS at 1-800-375-5283.
COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD
Water Conservation Notice in Hakalau, Wailea Areas
Due to repairs of the Hakalau Iki Spring Source, the Department of Water Supply urges consumers entire Hakalau and Wailea Areas of South Hilo to conserve water while the repairs are being made. Water Conservation Notice is a voluntary action to reduce water usage by 10%.
For customers in the affected area of the Water Conservation Notice, a list of ways to reach the 10% reduction goal is provided:
· Wash full loads of laundry only.
· Wash full loads of dishes only.
· Serve drinking water only when requested.
· Do not let the faucet run unnecessarily.
· When bathing, use water only to wet and rinse off.
· Do not fill up the bathtub.
· Use a glass to rinse when brushing your teeth.
· Do not flush toilets unnecessarily.
· Stop lawn sprinkling.
· Stop car and boat washing.
· Stop dust control watering.
· Use drinking water wisely.
Agricultural users shall irrigate only at night from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. This measure will reduce water loss due to evaporation and minimize water system drain during peak demand.
Should you have questions or concerns, please contact Elaine Chiu of the Department of Water Supply at 961-8790.
Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships Programs
The County of Hawai`i’s Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) is seeking eligible project proposals to include in its 2008 Annual Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The County’s five-year 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan describes the County’s housing and community development needs, funding plans, priorities and objectives, and includes the County’s Annual Action plan for the use of CDBG and HOME Program funds.
The County expects to receive approximately $2,500,000 for its CDBG Program and $1,000,000 for the HOME Program.
Project proposals submitted to the OHCD must comply with the program criteria, meet eligibility requirements, program objectives, and be consistent with the County’s priorities and objectives as contained in the County’s 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan.
All original project proposals and two (2) copies must be received by 4:30 p.m. on January 10, 2008, by the OHCD, 50 Wailuku Drive, Hilo, Hawai`i 96720-2456.
The proposal forms and federal guidelines covering the eligible activities are available at the following locations Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on holidays.
OFFICE OF HOUSING AND HAWAI`I COUNTY SERVICES
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Hanama Place
Hilo Armory 75-5706 Kuakini Highway
50 Wailuku Drive Suite 103
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i 96740
Phone: 961-8379 Phone: 329-5226
In addition, copies of the County’s current Consolidated Plan; Citizen Participation Plan and past performance of CDBG and HOME funds are also available at the Office of Housing and Community Development, 50 Wailuku Drive, Hilo, Hawai`i.
A brief description of the CDBG and HOME Programs are as follows:
Community Development Block Grant Program:
Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-383) created the CDBG Program, which became effective January 1, 1974. Under the CDBG Program, a community is able to develop a flexible, locally designed comprehensive community development strategy in order to address the program’s primary objective: “…development of viable urban communities, by providing decent housing and suitable living environments and expanding economic opportunities principally for persons of low and moderate income.”
Under the CDBG program, grants or loan assistance may be used by eligible public agencies, private non-profit organizations, and Community Based Development Organizations (CBDO), (non-profit organization) for the following activities provided that these activities either 1) principally benefit low and moderate income families, 2) aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blight, or 3) meet other community development needs having a particular urgency.
Range of Eligible Activities for the use of CDBG Program Funds:
· Acquisition, disposition of real property, relocation payments, clearance
· Public facilities
· Public service
· Payment of non-federal share
· Homeownership (i.e. subsidized interest, mortgage guarantee, down payments, closing costs)
· Rehabilitation and preservation
· Economic development, micro enterprises
· Planning and administration
HOME Program:
The HOME Program was created under Title II (the HOME Investment Partnerships Act) of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990. The purpose of the HOME Program is to expand the supply of decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing for very low and low-income persons.
Under the HOME Program, equity investments, interest-bearing and non-interest bearing loans or advances, deferred payment loans, grants, may be used by eligible public agencies, private non-profit organizations or other private organizations are eligible to utilize HOME funds for the following activities.
Range of Eligible Activities for the use of HOME Program Funds:
· Development hard costs defined as the actual cost of constructing or rehabilitating housing
· Acquisition costs
· Related soft costs defined as other reasonable and necessary costs incurred and associated with the financing or development (or both) of new construction, rehabilitation or acquisition of housing assisted with HOME funds
· Relocation costs
· Costs related to tenant-based rental assistance.
Applicants applying for HOME funding are required to match for every $1.00 of federal HOME funds expended for the project with at least $.25 of eligible matching funds.
For more information, please contact the Office of Housing and Community Development at 961-8379.
New Winter Hours for County Transfer Stations Effective January 2-March 1
Due to the shorter winter hours of daylight and concerns for the safety of all our residents, all County of Hawai`i Solid Waste Transfer Stations, except the Hilo Transfer Station, will close at 6:00 pm beginning Wednesday, January 2, 2008. New hours of operation will be from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. (Hilo Transfer Station hours will remain 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Please note that the 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.
Youth Action Summit Mini-Grant Award Winners Display Projects in Hilo Jan 19
The County of Hawai’i Office of the Prosecuting Attorney and Na Leo O Na ‘Opio announce the recipients of the 2007 Youth Action Summit mini-grant awards.
Of the 13 high school groups which participated in the Seventh Annual Youth Action Summit, nine have been awarded grants of up to $500 each to assist in the completion of service projects aimed at addressing issues in their communities regarding Health, Safety, Education, Substance Abuse Prevention, and Violence Prevention.
The awardees are: West Hawai'i Explorations Academy, HCEOC Right Track Program at Waiakea High School, Hilo High School Key Club, Hilo High School Girl’s Basketball Team, Hilo High School Na Leo O Na ‘Opio, Kea’au High School Peer Education Program, Ke Kula O Nawahiokalani’opu’u LPCS, Waiakea High School – The Century Program Scholars, and Waiakea High School Na Leo O Na ‘Opio.
Projects will be displayed at the Youth Health and Futures Fair at the Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo on Saturday, January 19, 2008.
Na Leo O Na ‘Opio is the youth component of the Hawaii County Comprehensive Strategy for Juvenile Justice. Members of this high school group have collaborated with the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney in addressing issues faced by Hawai'i County youth since 2001.
For more information please contact: Special Projects Coordinator, Lisa Faulkner-Inouye at the Office of the Prosectuing Attorney at (808) 934-3310 or by email at Youthbldrs@yahoo.com .
Car Registration, Drivers License Office to Change Hours Effective February 1
The County of Hawai`i Finance Department, Treasury Division would like to inform the public that the Auto Registration and Drivers License offices in Hilo and Kona will be changing their hours effective February 1, 2008.
The new hours will be 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday through Friday, effective February 1, 2008. (Up to that date, the hours will be from 7:45 am - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.)
The Hilo Auto Registration office is located at 101 Pauahi Street, Suite #5 and the Kona office is located at 75-5751 Kuakini Hwy, Suite #107. The Hilo Drivers License office is at the Hawai`i Police Department at 349 Kapiolani Street, and the Kona office is located at 75-5722 Hanama Place. For further information, please call 961-2222 in Hilo and 327-3580 in Kona.
First International Conference on the Coqui Frog Feb 7-9, 2008 in Hilo
The Coqui Frog Working Group is organizing the First International Conference on the Coqui Frog on February 7-9, 2008 at the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort (formerly the Naniloa Hotel) in Hilo, Hawai`i.
WHEN: February 7 - 9, 2008
WHERE: Naniloa Volcanoes Resort (formerly Naniloa Hotel), Crown Room, 93 Banyan Drive, Hilo.
Conference Description:
Objective: To provide an opportunity for informational exchange on the coqui frog and other invasive amphibians via oral and poster presentations, invited speakers, and panel discussion for researchers, wildlife, landscape, natural resource, and property management professionals and homeowners concerned with managing the coqui frog in Hawai‘i.
Topics relating to amphibian ecology, physiology, genetics, population dynamics, habitat and other information gaps applicable to understanding coqui frogs in order to minimize their spread in Hawai‘i.
Register by: December 28, 2007 (late registration available until January 10, 2008 on a space-available basis).
Registration:
Registration is not available on-line. .. The website is www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/coqui/conf08.asp to download a Registration Form: Adobe PDF form-fillable Registration Form or MS Word Registration Form.
Please mail your completed form with payment to:
County of Hawai`i
25 Aupuni Street
Attn: Mayor's Office Coqui Frog Program
Hilo, HI 96720
Fee for registration received on or before December 28, 2007 is $125. Registration fee from December 29, 2007 through January 10, 2008 will be $150.
Registration for attending a full or partial day (instead of Thursday through Saturday) is also available for $75 ($100 after December 28, 2007 through January 10, 2008). Please make checks payable to "RCUH". (Do not send cash. Money orders will be accepted in US currency only. Credit cards cannot be processed.)
Registration fees will cover conference fees, refreshment breaks, lunch, and the Opening Reception. More details are given on the Registration Form. Registration forms are also available at most Coqui Frog Working Group agencies on the island of Hawai`i.
Conference Facilities and Accommodations:
The conference will be held in the Crown Room at the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort (formerly Naniloa Hotel) at 93 Banyan Drive in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawai`i. Click on http://www.naniloaresort.com/ to go to the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort website. You can also make reservations by contacting the hotel (Note: No rooms were blocked for this conference). Phone number: (808) 969-3333; Fax (808) 969-6622.
Conference Contacts:
- Shenandoah Marr, UH CTAHR , e-mail: smarr@hawaii.edu Phone: (808) 981-8285 (ext 244)
- Karen Shiroma, County of Hawai`i e-mail: kshiroma@co.hawaii.hi.us Phone: (808) 961-8065
Please call between 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Hawai‘i Standard Time (Hawaii does not observe Daylight Savings Time).
Down Payment Assistance Loans Available to First-Time Home Buyers
The American Dream Down Payment Initiative (ADDI) Program is a deferred mortgage loan to low-income first-time home buyers on the Island of Hawai`i.
The program helps first-time home buyers with down payment assistance to purchase an existing dwelling unit to be used as their primary residence. The minimum loan amount is $1,000 and the maximum may not exceed the greater of 6% of the purchase price of a single-family housing unit or $10,000.
All loans have a 0% interest rate and payments are deferred for 15 years. The borrower will not be required to repay the ADDI loan if he/she remains as owner occupant for the Affordability Period of 15 years.
Leasehold property is not eligible.
For more information or an application call Dawnelle Forsythe at the Office of Housing and Community Development at 959-4642 or e-mail at ohcdeh@co.hawaii.hi.us ... Application packets can also be found on-line at http://www.hawaii-county.com/directory/dir_housing.htm .
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 .
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 |
Kea`au Transfer Station |
5 | Reuse Area under construction 12/06/07 |
Wai`ohinu Transfer Station |
6 | Earthquake repairs, bid opening 12/18/07, No Bid; To be revised and re-bid |
Ka`auhuhu Transfer Station |
9 | Glasscrete Pad, bid awarded 12/20/07 |
For further information, please contact Terin Gloor, Solid Waste Civil Engineer at 961-8058.
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 .
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 .
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.
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.
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 Department of Parks and Recreation:
On Phase I, four bids were submitted as of Thursday, December 20 at 2:00 pm. when the bids were opened. The Department of Public Works, Building Division will need to review the bid documents and ensure that all requisite proofs and necessary information provided are accurate and current, in order for the Building Division to determine that the bid is a responsible bid and that the contract execution process commence.
PHASE II: Parks and Recreation has reviewed the architect’s preliminary set of plans and returned with comments. Pre-final plans expected by the end of December for Parks and Recreation’s review and comment.
In the meantime, the small but serviceable gym in Hawi is available for public use.
For further information, please contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at 961-8311.
The following items are now accepted in the Mixed Recycling drop-off bins at the County Transfer Stations:
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)
· Shredded paper
· Phonebooks and paperbacks
NO wax-coated boxes or paper
NO food or oil contaminated materials
NO Styrofoam or plastic bags (#4 or #2)
Please note: Materials taken to the Kealakehe, Hilo or the Kea‘au Transfer Stations can still be 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.
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 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.**
CURRENTLY OPEN |
DAYS/HOURS OF OPERATION |
OPERATOR |
|
|
|
Hawi Transfer Station** |
Saturday only: 8 am-4:30 pm. |
ARC of Hilo |
(Open Saturday only) |
(closed for lunch 1:00-1:30) |
|
Hilo, 1260 Kilauea Ave. |
Tues-Sat 9am-5pm(Closed 12:30pm-1:30 pm) |
Reynolds Recycling |
Hilo, 30 Maka’ala Street |
Mon thru Fri: 8:00am-5:00pm |
Atlas Recycling |
(Old industrial area) |
Sat & Sun: 8:00am-3:00pm |
|
|
|
|
Hilo Transfer Station** |
Daily 8:00am-4:30pm |
ARC of Hilo |
|
|
|
Honoka`a Transfer Station (Weekends only)
|
Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30 |
ARC of Hilo |
Kailua-Kona, Pawai Place |
Mon thru Fri: 7:00am-4:00pm |
Atlas Recycling |
(Old industrial area) |
Sat 8:00am-3:00pm |
|
|
Sun Closed |
|
|
|
|
Kea’au Transfer Station** |
M, W, F: 8:00am-4:30pm |
ARC of Hilo |
(Closed Tues & Thurs) |
Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30pm |
|
|
|
|
Kealakehe Transfer Station** |
M, W, F: 8:00am-4:30pm |
ARC of Hilo |
(Closed Tues & Thurs) |
Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30pm |
|
|
|
|
Keauhou Transfer Station** |
Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30pm |
ARC of Hilo |
(Weekends only) |
|
|
|
|
|
Pahoa Transfer Station** |
Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30pm |
ARC of Hilo |
(Weekends only) |
|
|
|
|
|
Puako Transfer Station** |
Sunday only 8:00am-4:30pm |
ARC of Hilo |
(Open Sunday only) |
(closed for lunch 1:00-1:30) |
|
|
|
|
Waimea Transfer Station** |
M, W, F: 8:00am-4:30pm |
ARC of Hilo |
(Closed Tues & Thurs) |
Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30pm |
|
|
|
|
Waiohinu Transfer Station** |
Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30pm |
ARC of Hilo |
(Weekends only) |
|
|
Atlas Recycling LLC operates Mobile Redemption Sites (monthly 9 am- 1pm) at:
- Ocean View (South Point U-Cart) every 2nd Saturday and
- Na`alehu Elem. & Inter. School every 3rd 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
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.
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 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.
Hawai`i County … a nice place to live. County of Hawai`i … a great place to work.
Consider employment with the County of Hawai`i because it offers: numerous positions, great benefits, provides valuable services, diverse culture, a beautiful island – not to mention warm and friendly residents.
Call the County of Hawai`i’s job hotline (808) 961-8618 or visit www.co.hawaii.hi.us to download an application packet.
For job postings, visit our website: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/civil_serv/civ_serv.htm
Click on employment opportunities to download all of the forms.
COMMUNITIES IN ACTION
Waimea Area Community Meetings in January
The following meetings will be held in the Waimea area in the month of January:
- Tues, January 8 at 4:00 pm - South Kohala Traffic Safety Committee (SKTSC) monthly meeting at Waimea Civic Center Conference Room. For more information contact Chair Mike Price at whao@hawaii.rr.com or phone 936-4789; or Secretary/Treasurer Leslie Hall at hallsfarm@gmail.com or phone 885-7922. We meet the second Tuesday of each month, (except in November 2008 when we will meet Nov.18 because of Veterans' Day holiday.)
- Thurs, January 10 at 5:15 pm - Waimea Community Association monthly General Membership meeting at Waimea School Cafeteria. Incoming President Bill Sanborn at jws@aloha.net or phone 895-1122 cell; 887-1122 home; or Publicity Chair Patti Cook at cookshi@aol.com or phone 937-2833 cell.
- Tues, January 15 at 5:30 pm – Department of Transportation public informational meeting on Wai`aka Bridge Replacement and Realignment of Approaches, Kawaihae Road, at Waimea School Cafeteria. Project displays from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, then formal presentation at 7:00 pm. Contact Dina Lau at Dina.Lau@hawaii.gov .
Presentation on Hospice/Palliative Care at Hospice of Hilo January 10
Hospice of Hilo is pleased to invite the community to meet Dr. Donald Schumacher, President and CEO of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and learn about new nationwide hospice and palliative care Initiatives and their implications and impact on healthcare in Hawai`i.
Please join supporters, leaders and champions of hospice, palliative care and advance care planning for this special event “Moving Forward: Hospice & Palliative Care’s Impact on the Hawaii Healthcare Crisis”, a community reception with presentation with Donald Schumacher on Thursday, January 10th from 5-6:30 p.m. at Hospice of Hilo.
Attendees will gain a better understanding of how our partnership for compassionate care empowers our community so that all people facing serious illness, death and grief can have access to the highest quality care and support.
This free event provides you with the unique opportunity to hear about national and local hospice and palliative care issues from those shaping how we care for and are cared for at the end of life, to meet and network with others in this community, and to learn more about the impact of hospice and palliative care as our community works to address the challenges of Hawaii's Healthcare crisis. This opportunity is open to all, giving our community a deeper understanding and opportunity to impact what's happening in the local, national and global hospice and palliative care community.
Please share this invitation with all who are interested in improving end of life care and/or those who should know more about palliative and hospice care. RSVP is requested at 969-1733 or hospice@hospiceofhilo.org
Waikoloa Talk Story Session on January 11 Kicks Off Year of the Paniolo
The January Waikoloa Talk Story session starts off the 2008 "Year of the Paniolo" with Auntie Queenie Ventura Dowsett and Uncle Jamie Dowsett of Waimea (originally from O`ahu). They will talk about ranching, the paniolo, `ohana and hula.
When: Friday, January 11, 2008, 6:00-8:00 pm
Where: Waikoloa Elementary School cafeteria.
Music will be performed by an ukulele trio composed of Waikoloa residents. This event is sponsored by Waikoloa Outdoor Circle, which will provide light refreshments and bottled water.
For further information, please contact Pohai Kirkland at 883-8781.
ALS Support Group Meeting in Waimea on Sunday, January 13
The next meeting of the ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) Support Group in the Waimea area will be held on Sunday, January 13 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. at the Waimea Senior Citizens Center (behind the Kamuela Post Office.)
Light refreshments will be served.
This meeting is sponsored by the MDA and the Mayor’s Office, and is held every second Sunday of the month.
For further information please call Barbara Kossow at the Kona Mayor’s Office at 329-5226.
Healing Our Island Community Fund Mini-grants Available
Do you have an idea or an initiative for a drug prevention and education activity that will help your community? Do you know of others willing to collaborate and conduct anti-drug activities with a focus on youth, family and neighborhood? Mini-grants are now available for initiatives like these.
The Healing Our Island Community Fund is a grant-in-aid to the County of Hawai`i from the Hawai`i State Legislature aimed at inspiring and encouraging grassroots community involvement to plan and implement services, programs and events in the fight against drug abuse.
Funds for this program are intended to fund projects of Hawai`i Island’s community-based grassroots organizations and non-501(c)(3)s that traditionally do not have access to grant funds. The grants are not to exceed $2,000.00 and applicants are encouraged to collaborate and cooperate with others in their own communities and with other communities. This program has been successful in all districts across the island over the past two years.
More than 281 community mini-grants have been awarded since the inception of this program. This funding has enabled communities to connect and work in a united front to address substance abuse issues.
Each district on Hawai`i Island has a district liaison available to assist groups with their grant proposals and to help and encourage groups to connect with potential collaborative partners in their communities. Grant requests are evaluated monthly and are due by the 10th of each month. Funds are limited so preference will be given to first-time Healing Our Island applicants.
The Healing Our Island 2007-2008 Community Grant Fund information and application packet is available at www.hcrc.info or for pick up at the Hawaii County Resource Center in Hilo at the Puainako Town Center at 2100 Kanoelehua Avenue, Bay C-5 (Puna side-end unit) or in Kona at the Lanihau Professional Center at 75-5591 Palani Road, Suite 2001 (next to Frame Ten Center-Kona Bowl).
For more information, please call Laverne Omori at 327-3665 or contact the liaison for your district:
- N/S Kohala: Carolyn Lancaster 987-3395 carolyn96755@yahoo.com
- N/S Kona: Christine Light 987-4510 paikona@yahoo.com
- Ka’u: Teresa Alderdyce 937-7919 aldert@juno.com
- Puna: Barbara Lively 640-9428 blively77@yahoo.com
- N/S Hilo: Susan Labrenz 966-8450 JA-susan@hawaii.rr.com
Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival Saturday, February 2
You’ll be “tickled pink” Saturday, Feb. 2 at the 15th annual Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival.
The annual event showcases the blooming of Waimea’s historic cherry trees and the Japanese tradition of viewing them known as hanami. In conjunction with the Paniolo Preservation Society’s Waiomina Centennial Celebration, the 2008 festival commemorates the Big Isle’s cowboys of Japanese descent.
A host of activities will span eastward from the Parker Ranch Historic Homes on Mamalahoa Hwy 190 to the Hawaiian Homestead Farmer’s Market on Hwy. 19. Look for pink banners identifying site locations. Enjoy Japanese and multicultural performing arts, a host of craft fairs, plus demonstrations of bonsai, origami, sumie, calligraphy, tea ceremony and mochi pounding. The festival offers free shuttle transportation among venues.
For more information, please call Roxcie Waltjen of the Department of Parks & Recreation’s Culture and Arts Division at 961-8706.
11th Annual American Heart Walk & Health Fair in Hilo Saturday, Feb 9
The 11th Annual American Heart Walk & Health Fair will take place in Hilo on Saturday, February 9, 2008.
This is our premiere fundraising event to support education, research and community programs here on the Big Island while promoting walking as a means to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Registration for the walk opens at 6:30 a.m., and the walk starts at 8:00 a.m. The route starts & finishes at Liliuokalani Park.
The Health Fair, also at Liliuokalani Park, runs from 7:00a.m.-11:00a.m. There will be free health screenings, keiki games, healthy refreshments and great entertainment.
Walkers may choose either the shorter route, which is approximately 3.2 miles, or the longer one which continues down Kamehameha Avenue and is just over 4 miles.
Get your friends, family and co-workers together to form a team, have a good walk and enjoy a great morning at Liliuokalani Park.
Please park at the Afook/Chinen Civic Center, then either walk or take the free shuttle bus to Liliuokalani Park.
For more Information, please call the American Heart Association Hilo at 961-2825. You may also register online at: www.heartwalk.kintera.org/hilohi .
Kohala Center Lecture Series on Hawaiian Culture and Traditions
The public is invited to a series of free lectures in the New Year, celebrating what it means to be Hawaiian. Speakers share their perspectives on a variety of topics, ranging from the Hawaiian lunar calendar to the ecology of the Northwest Hawaiian Islands.
All lectures are offered twice: once in West Hawaii and once in East Hawaii, affording Island residents two opportunities to attend. The schedule for January through April 2008 is as follows:
Speaker: KALEI TSUHA
Topic: Kulana Mahina: The Hawaiian Lunar Calendar
- KONA: Outrigger Keauhou Beach Hotel, Kahaluu Ballroom
- Date/Time: January 25, 2008, 5:00 - 6:30 pm
- HILO: UH Hilo, Room to be determined (TBD)
- Date/Time: January 28, 2008, 12:00 - 1:30 pm
Speaker: SCOTT KEKUEWA KIKILOI
Topic: Northwest Hawaiian Islands
- KONA: Outrigger Keauhou Beach Hotel, Kahaluu Ballroom
- Date/Time: February 15, 2008, 5:00 - 6:30 pm
- HILO: UH Hilo, Room to be determined (TBD)
- Date/Time: February 19, 2008, 12:00 - 1:30 p