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January 11, 2008
Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
FEATURE ARTICLE
· Curb Cuts Count – A Word from the County’s ADA Coordinator
COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD
· Water Conservation Notice in Hakalau, Wailea Areas
· 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
· ALS Support Group Meeting in Waimea on Sunday, January 13
· Waimea Area Community Meeting on Transportation Matters January 15
· Reef Talk on Warm and Cold Seawater Applications at NELHA January 15
· West Hawai`i Fisheries Council Meets in Kona on Thursday, January 17
· Mastercard Championship at Hualalai Resort Friday, January 18 to Sunday, January 20
· Healing Our Island Community Fund Mini-Grants Available
· Big Island Film Office Visiting Artists Program Presents Filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin Feb 1
· Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival Saturday, February 2
· Officer of the Month of February Luncheon on Wednesday, February 6
· 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
· Water Dept Earthquake Impact Repairs Information Available Online
TRAFFIC ALERT
· County Plans $5.5 million in Improvements to Support Bypass Opening
FEATURE ARTICLES
Curb Cuts Count – A Word from the County’s ADA Coordinator
The following article was provided by Dr. Teresa Spinola-Campbell, who is Equal Opportunity Officer/ADA Coordinator for the County of Hawai`i.. Some of the information in this article appeared in “The Movement for Independent Living: A Brief History” by Maggie Shreve. This item originally appeared in the County of Hawaii employee newsletter.
Throughout history, people with disabilities have faced differing social attitudes which, to a large degree, determined their fates. As societies developed norms which valued all their members more, the lives of people with disabilities improved.
Discrimination against people with disabilities
The first American settlers did not allow people with disabilities to enter the colonies because they thought they would have to be supported financially. The number of people with disabilities naturally grew within the colonies as babies were born with disabilities or people acquired disabilities through their lives. In the 1880s, the practice of housing the poor in almshouses contributed to institutionalizing people with disabilities, especially those who were deaf and/or blind and had mental retardation.
People with disabilities were removed from mainstream society and made to live together. This fostered segregation and there was no impetus for governments or private businesses to make public facilities accessible.
Fortunately, other factors came into play to influence the quality of life for people with disabilities. As injured veterans returned home from World War I, the government introduced the first vocational rehabilitation programs.
In the 1960s and 1970s, society began moving away from the medical model as a way of viewing people with disabilities. The Independent Living movement gained momentum. Started in Berkeley, California in the late sixties, the first Center for Independent Living was an organization by people with disabilities for people with disabilities, designed to give people a say with respect to their services.
The advent of ADA
On the legal front, certain key laws – the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 were passed to remove barriers to persons with disabilities in federally-owned and leased facilities and federally-funded programs. As early as 1970, the Urban Mass Transit Act required purchase of new public transit vehicles to be lift-equipped. The American Public Transit Association (APTA) successfully won a court injunction to stop the regulations. In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed.
The ADA requires state and local governments to make their programs accessible to persons with disabilities when viewed in their entirety. Municipalities were required by the ADA to devise Transition Plans to show the steps necessary to complete structural changes to their facilities.
County of Hawai`i addresses ADA compliance
The County of Hawaii has two Transition Plans: one for Curb Cuts, and one for County facilities, including Parks and Recreation. Sidewalks, crosswalks, and streets are considered County programs. They allow pedestrians and motorists to get from point A to point B to access government offices, private businesses, schools and retail establishments.
People who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids encounter barriers to travel through the community in the form of curbs and stairs. A curb ramp or a curb cut is a short ramp built up to a curb or cut through it to allow persons with disabilities to pass from the street to the sidewalk.
Curb cuts installed all over town
Did you notice that downtown Hilo was abuzz with activity last fall as a number of new curb cuts were being installed? While there are ADA standards for curb cuts which make them safe and usable for people who use wheelchairs, imagine the challenge of making curb cuts fit into a town that was built before ADA standards were ever in place.
Bill Hecker, an accessibility expert retained by the County to assist us as our Transition Plans were monitored by the Federal Court, put the challenge of designing curb cuts succinctly when he said, “You’ve got to work with what you have.”
On a tour of downtown Hilo in September 2007, Mr. Hecker was delighted with the progress the County made with its curb cuts and all the different types of curb cuts in our Transition Plans, depending upon the local topography.
Curb Cut Request Program
Our original Transition Plan called for 680 curb cuts, but with the appointment of a Court Monitor in Federal Court, that number was reduced to 421. The majority of curb cuts were removed from residential areas so the focus would be on areas with heavy pedestrian use.
In order to complement the reduced number of curb cuts, the Department of Public Works, under the Engineering Division, implemented a Curb Cut Request Program.
Qualified individuals with disabilities (people with substantial impairments of major life activities) who meet program eligibility requirements (use of the sidewalks in question) can apply to the Engineering Division to have curb cuts installed where they live, work or access some other program. Under this program, they can also request us to fix non-compliant curb cuts. The Court expects the County to give priority to these requests for modifications. To request a curb cut, please contact the Engineering Division of Public Works at 961-8321.
For further information, please contact Dr. Teresa Spinola-Campbell at the Department of Human Resources at 961-8361.
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.
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.
(Late registration 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 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). 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
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.
Waimea Area Community Meeting on Transportation Matters January 15
The following meeting will be held in the Waimea area:
- 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 .
ReefTalk on Warm and Cold Seawater Applications at NELHA Jan 15
Wonder what really goes on at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority? Jan War, Operations Manager at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA) will outline NELHA's fantastic ocean technology odyssey from the beginning to today.
Innovative applications of cold sea water for aquaculture, cooling spaces, water bottling and for discovering rare deep sea creatures will be discussed by Mr. War, using colorful photos.
WHEN: Tuesday, January 15, 2008, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
WHERE: Kealakehe High School Library (Kona)
REEFTALKS are cosponsored by the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, the Malama Kai Foundation. Admission is free to these public service presentations which are held monthly, alternating between the Waimea/Kamuela and Kona areas.
For more information, call University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program at 329-2861.
West Hawaii Fisheries Council Meets in Kona on Thursday, January 17
The West Hawai`i Fisheries Council (WHFC), a community-based marine advisory organization, will hold their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, January 17, 2008, from 6:30pm to 8:30 pm at the Hawai`i Big Game Fishing Club at Honokohau Harbor.
The Council will be discussing the results of its annual December Strategic Retreat. The committee chairs will review their accomplishments and successes for 2007 and explain their planning for 2008 which will result in developing and implementing management plans for minimizing resource depletion.
The West Hawai`i Fisheries Council is seeking new members for the Council. Applications can be picked up at the Division of Aquatic Resources office at Honokohau Harbor in Kona or by contacting Marni Herkes or a member of the council. The Council has eight very active committees who are always seeking new members to sustain their broad scope. All of the interested ocean community is cordially invited to attend the Council meetings on the third Thursday of every month or to join one of the committees of the Council.
The mission of the West Hawai`i Fisheries Council is to manage fishery activities to ensure sustainability, enhance nearshore resources, minimize resource depletion and manage conflicts of use. The Council was set up under Act 306 by the Hawaii State Legislature to serve as the community source for formulating and recommending west Hawai`i fisheries management actions and changes to Department of Land and Natural Resource’s Division of Aquatic Resources.
For more information, please contact Marni Herkes at 987 2171 or marnih@hawaiiantel.net .
Mastercard Championship at Hualalai Resort Friday, Jan 18-Sunday, Jan 20
The Mastercard Championship will be held at Hualalai Golf Course at Kaupulehu from Friday, January 18 to Sunday, January 20.
The purse for this tournament is $1.8 million and the winning share is $290,000.
For further information please click on http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/s524/ .
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
Big Island Film Office Visiting Artists Program Presents Alanis Obomsawin
Alanis Obomsawin, a member of the Abenaki Nation, is one of Canada’s most distinguished documentary filmmakers. She will be appearing in person on Friday, February 1 at 6 pm at the Palace Theater in Hilo to host a screening of several of her films.
John Mason. Big Island Film Commissioner, will moderate a Q&A discussion with Ms. Obomsawin after the screening of her films. General admission will be $5; students will be admitted free.
Obomsawin began her career as a singer, writer, and storyteller, but dove into filmmaking in 1967 at the invitation of the National Film Board of Canada. Since then, Obomsawin, driven by the need for her people’s voices to be heard, went on to direct, produce, and write over 20 uncompromising documentaries on issues affecting Canadian Aboriginal people. Her films have received more than 30 awards at international film festivals, and she has been honored by receiving two of Canada’s most prestigious awards, the Order of Canada and the General Governors Award.
Three of Obomsawin’s most recent and acclaimed films will be shown on February 1. “Gene Boy Came Home,” (2007) deals with the ugliness of war as seen through the eyes of one survivor, Vietnam War veteran Eugene “Gene Boy” Benedict, from her home community of Odanak.
The people of Odanak and their stories are the subject of her award winning 2006 feature documentary “Waban-Aki: People from Where the Sun Rises.” “Sigwan,” (2005) the third film to be shown, focuses on a young girl who is aided by the animals of the forest.
Alanis Obomsawin was born in New Hampshire on Abenaki Territory. When she was 6 months old her mother returned to the Odanak reserve north east of Montreal where Alanis lived until she was 9. Theophile Panadis, her mother’s cousin, initiated Alanis into the history of the Abenaki Nation and taught her many songs and legends. Obomsawin and her parents then left Odanak for Trois Rivieres, where they were the only Native family. Cut off, speaking little French and no English, she held fast to the songs and stories she had learned on the reserve.
This program is the first in a planned series of appearances and presentations by Visiting Artists sponsored by The Big Island Film Office. The event is also supported by the Friends of the Palace Theater. This program and presentation by Alanis Obomsawin, a leading voice in Canadian Native Peoples’ affairs for over 40 years, will be of interest to anyone interested in understanding different cultures, societies, and histories; in gaining insight into the issues and challenges facing aboriginal and indigenous peoples; and in documentary filmmaking and visual media and literacy.
Please call the Big Island Film Office at 808 327-3663 for more information.
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.
Officer of the Month of February Luncheon on Wednesday, February 6
The Officer of the Month Luncheon for the month of February will be held on February 6th, 2008 at 12:00 noon, and will feature Officer Erich Jackson as the honoree. The luncheon will be held at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, with Felicity Johnson as sponsor.
Officer Jackson is being recognized for his efforts in recovering drugs, stolen jewelry and other stolen property during an investigation of a suspicious vehicle on Kuakini Highway which resulted in the arrest of the driver, who was on parole and who had just given methamphetamine to his 16 year old passenger.
Featured speaker Kauila Ho will discuss the work of the West Hawai`i Fatherhood Initiative which is a program of the Family Support Services of West Hawaii. This program supports fathers in understanding how babies develop, and stresses the importance of parenting with love to create strong and healthy families.
The Kona Crime Prevention Committee is an organization that encourages community involvement in aiding and supporting the Kona Police Department in their efforts to prevent crime, deter potential criminals and enforce the law. Membership is open to organizations or individuals wishing to further the purposes of the Kona Crime Prevention Committee and is effective upon payment of dues.
The public is invited to attend the Officer of the Month luncheons held on the first Wednesday of each month. Cost of the luncheon is $20. Parking in the King Kamehameha hotel lot is an additional $2. Reservations are required. Please call Liz Holley at 326-7787.
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 pm
Speaker: RUBELLITE KAWENA JOHNSON
Topic: Hawaiian Perspective of the Environment & Kumulipo
- KONA: Outrigger Keauhou Beach Hotel Royal Garden
- Date/Time: March 1, 2008, 10:00 - 11:30 am