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February 8, 2008
Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
FEATURE ARTICLE
· County of Hawai`i Police Cadet Program – Learn While You Earn
COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD
· Talk Story Meetings on Queen Ka`ahumanu Hwy Project Start Tuesday, February 12
· Open Space Commission’s 2007 Annual Report to Mayor Now Available
· Auto Registration Office to Change Hours Effective February 1
· Water Conservation Notice in Hakalau, Wailea Areas
· New Winter Hours for County Transfer Stations Effective January 2 – March 1
· 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
· Free COMPASS Test Prep Classes at HawCC February 5 through March 13
COMMUNITIES IN ACTION
· 11th Annual American Heart Walk & Health Fair in Hilo Saturday, February 9
· Kona Town Meeting Features Vision for Old Kona Airport Park Tuesday, February 12
· Kohala Center Lecture Series on Hawaiian Culture and Traditions
· AARP Offers Free Tax Help in West Hawai`i for Low- and Middle-Income Seniors
· Shakuhachi Grand Master to Perform at Event Honoring the Jizo in Hawai`i March 1
· Community Emergency Response Training Course in Kohala Starts Saturday, March 1
· Healing Our Island Community Fund Mini-Grants Available
· 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
· Ka‘apahu Road Tree Cutting Work Postponed due to Poor Weather Conditions
· Traffic Pattern Interruptions at Hilo Transfer Station
· County Installs Smart Signs in Waikoloa, Kona Palisades
· County Schedules Upgrade of Kuakini/Kamehameha III Traffic Signals
FEATURE ARTICLES
County of Hawai`i Police Cadet Program – Learn While You Earn
The County of Hawai`i Police Department is opening its latest recruitment for its Police Cadet program. This program is designed for those interested in a law enforcement career who may be in school or working full-time and want to transition slowly into law enforcement with the Hawai`i Police Department.
The program is part-time employment, paying $17.17/hour.
The minimum qualification requirements are:
- Graduation from high school or equivalent. (High school seniors who meet the high school graduation requirements by February 29th must have written documentation from their high school that they meet the high school graduation requirements – submit documentation with the application.)
- Applicant must be qualified to carry firearms (no domestic violence convictions)
- Applicant must be of good moral character.
- Applicant must be physically fit.
- Applicant must possess a valid driver’s license.
Phase I will involve one year of academic training in police work. It will entail three hours of class work a week, scheduled for the late afternoon one day a week at the Hawai`i Police Department.
Phase II will start in the second year and Police Cadets will work 16 hours a week in designated sections of the Hawai`i Police Department.
Police Cadets will transition to the full-time Police Officer I level (Police Recruit) upon reaching their 21st birthday and/or satisfactory completion of their training.
What are the benefits of joining the Police Cadet program?
The duration of training at the Recruit level will be significantly shortened due to having received such training as Police Cadets.
Police Cadets will earn vacation and sick leave benefits starting with their second year in the program and will be credited with service to the County of Hawai`i from their initial date of hire.
Police Cadets attending the University of Hawai`i at Hilo or Hawai`i Community College on a part-time or full-time basis are eligible to apply for the County of Hawai`i Police Cadet Tuition Reimbursement Program for tuition, books, and fees reimbursement.
To apply for the Police Cadet recruitment, call the County of Hawaii job hotline at (808) 961-8618 or visit www.co.hawaii.hi.us to download an application packet.
Deadline to apply: This recruitment closes on February 29, 2008.
The County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD
Talk Story Meetings on Queen Ka`ahumanu Hwy Project Start Feb 12
The public is cordially invited to a twice-monthly update on the Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway widening project every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month beginning on February 12 at 7:30 a.m. at the Kona Mayor’s West Hawai`i Office conference room at Hanama Place. Light refreshments will be served.
WHEN: Starting Tuesday, February 12, 2008, 7:30 a.m. Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month thereafter.
WHERE: Kona Mayor’s West Hawai`i Office conference room, Hanama Place.
Representatives from the contractor, Hawaiian Dredging, the State Department of Transportation and the County of Hawai`i will be available at the meetings. Everyone is welcome at these informal "talk story" sessions.
For more information, please contact Dennis Lee, Resident Engineer at the M&E Pacific Corporation field office at 326-2035 or Sterling Chow, State Dept. of Transportation construction engineer at 933-8866.
Open Space Commission’s 2007 Annual Report to Mayor Now Available
The Hawai`i County Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission’s 2007 Annual Report to the Mayor is now available to the public online.
The commission’s 2007 annual report is available at www.co.hawaii.hi.us/finance/ponc.htm . Click on 2007 Report to the Mayor. If you do not have Internet access, hard copies are available from the County Department of Finance at 891 Ululani Street, Hilo for $7.30 per copy.
The 64-page report contains a priority list of properties deemed worthy of preservation by the Commission. Every year by December 31 the Commission is charged with sending to the Mayor a priority list of recommended purchases.
Properties on the list may be acquired through the County’s Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund, established in December 2005 to acquire lands deemed worthy of preservation.
In October 2007, the County of Hawai`i purchased an approximately 1.804 acre parcel of land at Waipi`o Lookout Point for $900,000 as its first purchase of qualified lands through the Public Access funds.
For further information, please contact Harry Yada, Department of Finance at 961-8009.
Auto Registration 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 office 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. For further information, please call 961-8351 in Hilo and 327-3543 in Kona.
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.
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, REVISED bid opening 01/29/08 |
Ka`auhuhu Transfer Station |
9 | Glasscrete Pad, work completed 01/25/08 |
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: Vacancies in District 1 (represented by Council member Dominic Yagong) and 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).
13. Fire Commission: Two vacancies; Council Districts 3 and 5.
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:
Parks and Recreation has just received the pre-final drawings for Phase II from our architect via email and will now review them. Every effort will be made to get the plans reviewed and returned to the architect for completion of the final plans in an expeditious manner.
On Phase I, the apparent low bidder's bid was accepted by the County and the contract was forwarded to Constructors Hawaii, Inc. on January 8, 2008 for review and signature. Upon return of the signed document, the contract will be executed by the County and a pre-construction meeting must be scheduled and a notice to proceed date determined. Constructors Hawaii, Inc. recently picked up the building permit for the project.
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
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.
Free COMPASS Test Prep Classes at HawCC Feb 5 through March 13
The County of Hawai`i and Hawai`i Community College, in collaboration with College Connections, announces free COMPASS Test Prep classes designed to improve your math and verbal scores for Civil Service police and fire tests. Boost your confidence in your test-taking skills.
The classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays, and run for six weeks from February 5 through March 13.
WHEN: Tuesdays/Thursdays 5:00 pm – 7:00 p.m. February 5 through March 13
WHERE: OCET Computer Learning Center, Building CYE 380, Room 39, Manono Campus of Hawai`i Community College.
To register online, go to www.collegeconnections.org or call for more information toll-free at 1-866-233-0777.
COMMUNITIES IN ACTION
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 .
Kona Town Meeting Features Vision for Old Kona Airport Park February 12
Our community’s vision for the old Kona airport park is the subject of the Kona Town Meeting on Tuesday, February 1 at 6:00 pm. Now that the State of Hawai`i has transferred the old Kona airport land over to Hawai`i County, the question is: what should be done with the land to create a recreational park that everyone can enjoy?
Please come listen and participate in the discussion of how the old Kona airport land can be transformed into a wonderful park with facilities for all interests at the upcoming Kona Town Meeting on Tuesday, February 12 at the Makaeo Pavilion at the old Kona airport.
WHEN:` Tuesday, February 12 at 6:00 pm.
WHERE: Makaeo Events Pavilion, at the old Kona airport.
Speakers will include Maryanne Maigret, DLNR archaeologist; Elaine Watai, Kealakehe Neighborhood Watch; Betty DeRoy, Friends of Fitness; Jerry Halverson, Kai'opua Canoe Club; Tim Rude, West Hawaii Inline Hockey; Pat Engelhard, Director of Parks and Recreation of Hawai`i County with Deac de Camp, Maintenance Division Superintendent for West Hawai`i; Bobby Command of West Hawai`i Today regarding volleyball; Kelly Drysdale and Sandy Caldwell, Kona Community Tennis Center; Jesse Wheeler, Bill Hensley, Chris Senn --Skateboard Park and Pavilion Restoration; Fred Housel for Community Enterprises.
Councilmember Angel Pilago will provide a Council update.
Kona Town meetings are presented by Community Enterprises, a non-partisan, non-profit organization, to provide vital information on community concerns to Kona residents.
Light refreshments will be served.
For more information, please contact Denny Coffman at 322-5076 or Fred Housel at 331-8602.
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: 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
- HILO: UH Hilo, Room to be determined (TBD)
- Date/Time: March 3, 2008, 12:00 - 1:30 pm
Speaker: JONATHAN OSORIO
Topic: Kauikeaouli, Kamehameha III
- KONA: Outrigger Keauhou Beach Hotel, Kahaluu Ballroom
- Date/Time: March 14, 2008, 5:00 - 6:30 pm
- HILO: UH Hilo, Room to be determined (TBD)
- Date/Time: March 17, 2008, 12:00 - 1:30 pm
Speaker: KEPA MALY
Topic: Historical Maps, Documents & Images
- KONA: Outrigger Keauhou Beach Hotel, Kahaluu Ballroom
- Date/Time: April 18, 2008, 5:00 - 6:30 pm
- HILO: UH Hilo, Room to be determined (TBD)
- Date/Time: April 21, 2008, 12:00 - 1:30 pm
These lectures are part of the Puana Ka 'Ike (Imparting Knowledge) Lecture Series sponsored by Bishop Holdings Corporation/Kamehameha Investment Corporation, The Kohala Center, Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort, Hawaii Tourism Authority, the University of Hawaii at Hilo Kipuka Hawaiian Student Center, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and The University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program.
For more information, visit http://learning.kohalacenter.org/?page=Puanaka or contact Joy Cunefare at 322-0088, ext. 106.
AARP Offers Free Tax Help in West Hawai`i for Low Middle-Income Seniors
AARP is offering free tax jelp for taxpayers with low- and middle-income, with special attention to people age 60 and older from February 4 through April 14.
KAILUA-KONA Free E-File:
Mondays: St. Michael's Church ~ 1 pm - 5 pm (By appointment only)
Wednesdays: St. Michael's Church ~ 1 pm - 5 pm (By appointment only)
Thursdays: Hale Halawai, 8:30 am - Noon (Walk-in)
CAPTAIN COOK Free E-File:
Wednesdatys: Yano Hall, 9 am – Noon (Walk-in)
For information, -please call AARP at 334-1212 and leave a message.
Shakuhachi Grand Master to Perform at Event Honoring the Jizo in Hawai`i
Grand Master Riley Lee and author John R. K. Clark will be the featured at a performance of ancient shakuhachi (bamboo flute) melodies and re-enacted stories of Hawaii’s “Issei” (first generation) Japanese fishermen and their guardian protector Jizo on Saturday, March 1 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
The Jizo statue which stands in front of Akiko’s Buddhist B&B in Wailea Village was once vandalized and has now been restored by sculptor Fred Soriano.
WHEN: Saturday, March 1, 2008, 7-8:30 pm
WHERE: Akiko’s Buddhist B&B, Wailea Village, Hakalau, Hwy 19, 15 mile marker
Parking at Hakalau Baseball Park
$10 Donation.
For reservations, please call Akiko at 963-6422.
Sponsored by County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development and Wailea Village Historic Preservation Community.
Community Emergency Response Training Course in Kohala Starts March 1st
Learn about emergency response procedures and understand your role and function in the event of a major disaster as a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) participant. A training course in Kohala will take place on four Saturdays starting March 1.
The training is sponsored by the Hawai`i County Fire Department, the Department of Research and Development and the Civil Defense Agency.
WHEN Saturdays: March 1, 8, 15 and 29, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
WHERE Kohala High School Cafeteria
There are practical reasons for taking a CERT training course in your neighborhood:
- Your neighborhood may be on its own during the early stages following a major disaster.
- After a major disaster, citizens will volunteer to help. Without proper training these people can expose themselves to potential injury, and even death.
- Experience has shown that basic training in emergency response and rescue skills improves the ability of citizens to survive until first responders or other assistance arrives.
For more information, please visit www.hcrc.info or contact Frecia Basilio at the Hawaii County Resource Center, Department of Research & Development at:Phone: 808-961-8085, Fax: 808-935-
To register, please email: fbasilio@co.hawaii.hi.us
The County of Hawai`i is committed to providing access to our activities without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, or disability. Please contact HCRC to request a reasonable accommodation. To obtain a sign language interpreter or materials in an alternate format in time for the meeting, please submit your request five working days prior to the meeting.
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
High Quality Mulch at Kealakehe Transfer Station
The County of Hawai’i has free mulch at the public pick-up area of the Kailua-Kona (Kealakehe) Transfer Station available 7 days a week from 6:30 am - 6:30 pm. This mulch is being processed by EKO Systems and is a higher-quality product than previously available.
To inquire about daily mulch availability at the Kealakehe site, please call 929-8200.
Bring a shovel to load your own vehicle or have EKO Systems operators load with a mechanical loader between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. only. Assisted mechanical loading availability is subject to machine operability and time permitting. To inquire about assisted loading, please call 217-1219 or 929-8200. No loading fees.
If you want large loads delivered to your property, please contact a local trucking firm to arrange for delivery of large loads of mulch. Again, no fees are charged to load any truck, regardless of size.
EKO Systems has a second permanent grinder deployed at the Hilo greenwaste site year-round.
We are still accepting untreated/unpainted pallets at both the Kealakehe and Hilo greenwaste sites. For further information, please call the County's Recycling Specialist at 961-8554.
Check out our County’s Community Development Plan Website
All around the island, communities are actively engaging in a monumental planning effort that has the potential of positively affecting the future of Hawai`i Island for generations to come.
Go to the website http://www.hcrc.info/hawai-i-island-plan (note: this is a new website address) to see what is happening in each of our judicial districts as it relates to the Community Development Plan process.
In addition to finding current information about the process, you can also find, among other things, information about past planning efforts.
Water Dept Earthquake Impact Repairs Information Available Online
Regularly updated information on the October 2006 earthquake damage and repairs is now available at the Department of Water Supply website www.hawaiidws.org .
The update provides cost estimates, timelines, status, location, and scope of work.
For further information please call Kanani Aton at Department of Water Supply at (808) 961-8050.
TRAFFIC ALERT
(All project schedules based on weather permitting)
February 11, 2008 Monday |
Where/Location: S. Hilo District: Railroad Ave. (E. Puainako St to Makaala St) |
What: Convert passing to no passing (centerlines) |
February 12, 2008 Tuesday |
Where/Location: S. Hilo District: Railroad Ave. (E. Puainako St. to Leilani/Railroad Ave. Intersection) |
What: Maintain all faded markings |
February 13, 2008 Wednesday |
Where/Location: S. Hilo District: Ululani St. (Hualalai St to Haili St) |
What: Redo centerline markings |
February 14, 2008 Thursday |
Where/Location: S. Hilo District: Ululani St (Hualalai St to Haili St) |
What: Redo centerline markings |
February 15, 2008 Friday |
Where/Location: S. Hilo District: Ululani St (Hualalai St to Haili St) |
What: Install type D raised pavement markers |
Signs and Markings Project by Traffic’s Term Contractor: Central Striping |
(All project schedules based on weather permitting.) |
February 11, 2008 Monday – February 15, 2008 Friday |
Where/Location: S. Hilo District: Kilauea Ave (Hale Manu Dr. to Aupuni St.) |
What: Restore centerlines with thermoplastic, restore raise pavement markers and restore other striping as needed. |
Some of our streetlights are malfunctioning. Please call 961-8341 and report any malfunctions.
The Traffic Division of Public Works manages 9,246 streetlights operated by individual light sensing cells. If your streetlight stays on all day, or is off all night, please let us know so that we can repair them.
Please call the Traffic Division of Public Works Monday-Friday from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm at 961-8341.
In addition to your name and contact number, please provide the following information:
We need the streetlight pole number. It is easily spotted from a car. It is a large silver number located six to seven feet up on the streetlight pole. If you know the street or highway name and a well-known landmark, it is also helpful.
For more information, please contact Ron Thiel, Traffic Division Chief at 961-8341. Mahalo nui loa.
Need a Pothole Repaired? -- Call Public Works
If you know of a pothole in your street, in your neighborhood or in your travels, please call the County to have it repaired. Public Works personnel repair potholes each Friday between 6:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Please call one of the numbers listed below for the community where you live. Let the staff know you have a pothole that needs repair. The staff will ask you the following questions:
1) General location of the pothole
2) Give a landmark if you can.
3) Your phone number in case they need to contact you.
The office hours for each of the following nine offices are weekdays, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. If you call after hours, please leave a message on the voice mail.
S. Hilo Phone. 961-8636
N. Hilo/Hamakua Phone: 775-7500
Kamuela Phone: 887-3004
Keauhou, N. Kona Phone: 322-2877
N. Kohala Phone: 887-3004
Ka’u, Waiohinu Phone: 939-2500
Puna Phone: 966-5806
Your County Department of Public Works thanks you for your kokua, as always.
Ka‘apahu Road Tree Trimming Work Postponed, Will Start February 4
Tree trimming for Ka‘apahu Road in Kalopa, originally scheduled for January 28 through February 6, has been postponed due to poor weather conditions in the area.
The new date to close Ka‘apahu Road is Monday, February 4. Crews will cut back 16 trees along the hillside and remove debris to prevent this part of the embankment from collapsing. Ka‘apahu Road will remain closed between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Motorists are asked to use alternate routes.
The road is scheduled to reopen at the very latest on Monday, February 11, although it may reopen sooner.
Thank you for your consideration and patience.
For up-to-date information about this project call the 24-hour hotline at 334-9559. For additional information on projects or meetings underway with the Department of Public Works, please go online to http://co.hawaii.hi.us/pubwks/press.htm .
Traffic Pattern Interruptions at Hilo Transfer Station
The Department of Environmental Management would like to advise motorists to slow down, use caution and note traffic revisions while approaching the Hilo Transfer Station.
The Contractor is installing a new water main that will service the East Hawai`i Regional Sort Station. The work is scheduled to begin in February, and anticipated completion is May 2008.
Thank you for your cooperation during this time.
For further information, please contact Bobby Gonsalves, Solid Waste Operations Superintendent at 961-8514.
County Installs Smart Signs in Waikoloa, Kona Palisades
Motorists on Paniolo Drive in Waikoloa and on Kaiminani Drive in Kona are being reminded how fast they are driving and to slow down by flashing "smart signs". Smart signs are informational signs that display either the speed of an approaching vehicle or a reminder for the driver to slow down.
In the initial phase, smart signs will be installed by the County's traffic division at about a dozen locations around the island, in response to complaints about excessive speeding in those particular areas. The smart signs are an alternative to speed humps.
According to Ron Thiel, chief of the County's Traffic Division, there are already reports of a noticeable decline in speeds since these signs were installed on Paniolo Drive in Waikoloa.
When motorists turn onto Paniolo Drive from Waikoloa Road, the smart sign