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February 15, 2008
Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
FEATURE ARTICLE
· Hawai`i County Offers Property Tax Relief for Flood Victims
· County Buys Kawa`a Property under Open Space Commission
COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD
· County of Hawai`i Named Tree City USA for 3rd Year in a Row
· Sale of Special License Plates to Benefit Hawai`i Native Species
· Public Welcome to Talk Story Meetings on Queen Ka`ahumanu Hwy Project
· 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
· Dept of Environmental Management Solid Waste Projects Update
· County Seeks Applicants for Public Access, Salary Commission Vacancies
· 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
· West Hawai`i Fisheries Council Meets in Kona on Thursday, February 21
· Hawai`i HomeOwnership Center Holds Free Orientations in Hilo and Kona
· 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
· Loving Solutions – 2-Day Facilitator Training in Hilo March 18-19
· Ha`a Koa Conference on Prince Kuhio Day, Wednesday, March 26 in Hilo
· Kamehameha Day Festival on Wednesday, June 11 on Coconut Island
· 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
· 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
Hawai`i County Offers Property Tax Relief for Flood Victims
Property owners with damages caused by the recent floods in November and December of 2007 and February of 2008 should contact the County’s Real Property Tax Division to apply for real property tax relief.
Who is eligible? Property owners with damage to their homes or other buildings or whose land was severely damaged by the recent floods can apply for relief. However, taxpayers currently paying the minimum tax ($100) are not eligible.
What kind of damages do not qualify for a tax reduction? Damage to items that are not now taxed, such as retaining walls, fences, landscaping and driveways does not qualify. Also, land that is not severely damaged will not be eligible.
How to apply: Application forms are available on the Real Property Tax Division website at www.hawaiipropertytax.com or at property tax offices in Hilo and Kailua-Kona. Although it is not required, applicants may submit documentation of damages with their applications. This can include photographs, contractor’s quotations, or appraisals.
What is the deadline to apply? The deadline to apply is June 30, 2008.
What happens to an application? When an application is received, property tax appraisers will visit the property to determine the extent of damages to the home and/or land. A tax adjustment for the period will then be prepared. The amount of the adjustment will be based on the reduced value from the date of the flood damage to the end of the tax year, which is June 30, 2008.
For more information: Please contact the Real Property Tax Division at:
Hilo: Aupuni Center Kona: Hanama Place
101 Aupuni Street, Suite 4 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Suite 112
Helpline: 961-8201 Helpline: 327-3540
County Buys Kawa`a Property under Open Space Commission
The County of Hawai`i has purchased an approximately 234-acre parcel of land at Kawa`a as its second purchase of qualified lands on a prioritized list for preservation by the Hawai`i County Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission.
The County has bought the culturally and historically important property for $1.92 million from Waihinou Dreams, LLC. and the John M. Katchmar Trust effective January 24, 2008.
The Kawa`a property is located on Kawa`a Bay in Ka`u, which comprises ancient Hawaiian hiking trails and other culturally significant features.
In October 2007, the County acquired an approximately 1.804 acre parcel of land at Waipi`o Lookout Point for $900,000 as its first purchase through the County’s Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund. The fund was established in December 2005 to acquire lands deemed worthy of preservation.
The Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission is charged with sending to the Mayor a priority list of recommended purchases every year by December 31.
The County Council in Resolution 451-06 dated October 16, 2006 requested that Mayor Harry Kim enter into negotiations for the acquisition of the Kawa`a property.
COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD
County of Hawai`i Named Tree City USA for 3rd Year in a Row
The County of Hawai`i has been named a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to community forestry. It is the third year the County of Hawai`i has received this national recognition.
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.
The County of Hawai`i has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance.
“Trees in our cities and towns help clean the air, conserve soil and water, moderate temperature and bring nature into our daily lives,” said John Rosenow, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Tree City USA designation recognizes the work of elected officials, staff and citizens who plant and care for the community forest.”
Trees are a vital component of the infrastructure in our cities and towns, and provide environmental and economic benefits, Rosenow noted in a press release. “A community and its citizens that recognize these benefits and provide needed care for its trees deserve recognition and thanks,” Rosenow said.
For more information about the Tree City USA program, visit www.arborday.org .
Sale of Special License Plates to Benefit Hawai`i Native Species
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announces that new specialty license plates developed by its Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) are now available at all county motor vehicle licensing locations statewide.
“We appreciate the support and cooperation of the county departments of motor vehicle registration in this new undertaking. These specialty license plates feature the native ‘ohi‘a lehua blossom with an ‘i‘iwi, or Hawaiian honeycreeper, and the words “Protect Our Native Species,” said DLNR chairperson Laura H. Thielen.
Proceeds from the sale of these license plates will go to projects that will help Hawai‘i’s native and endangered species with the greatest need of conservation, and their affiliated habitats, said Thielen. The Division of Forestry and Wildlife will receive $20 for each plate/decal sold.
Former DOFAW administrator Ronald Walker created the decal art on the license plate. Walker retired from the division in 1994 after serving 37 years as a wildlife biologist, program manager, and administrator.
Anyone interested in purchasing a “DLNR/Division of Forestry and Wildlife” specialty license plate can go to the Hawai`i County motor vehicle registration agency, complete the application form and surrender your certificate of registration for your vehicle. The cost for the new plate is $30.50 and includes: (1) the new plate fee ($25.00), (2) a plate replacement fee ($5.00), and (3) registration emblem replacement fee (50 cents).
Annual vehicle registration will cost an additional $25.00, of which $20.00 will again go to support the protection of Hawai‘i’s native species.
If a vehicle registration has expired or will expire within 45 days of the processing of the special license plate replacement, the applicable renewal fees and taxes will be assessed at that time. For more information call your county motor vehicle registration office: East Hawai‘i: (808) 961-8351, or West Hawai‘i: (808) 327-3543.
Public Welcome to Talk Story Meetings on Queen Ka`ahumanu Hwy Project
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 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: 7:30 a.m. Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.
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 .
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 |
Hilo Transfer Station |
2 | Contractor installing new water main for East Hawai`i Sort Station 02/08 |
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 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:
The County Department of Parks and Recreation announces that Phase 1 of the repairs to Ikuo Hisaoka Gymnasium at Kamehameha Park in Kapa‘au has been contracted to Constructors Hawaii, Inc. Repairs are expected to begin in mid-March, 2008.
The gym will remain closed during this phase of the repairs, which are expected to take 60 days and are scheduled to be completed in mid-May.
This is the first of two phases of repairs. Phase 1 will consist of removing debris from the October 2006 earthquake, clearing out the remaining ceiling tiles and light fixtures, and ensuring that the bleacher system is functioning properly. The major structural cracks and truss connections between the walls and columns in the gym as well as the kitchen and meeting rooms will be repaired. Phase 1 will restore the building to a safe condition so that further architectural and electrical work can occur during Phase 2.
Phase 1 is estimated to cost $351,000.
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
West Hawai`i Fisheries Council Meets in Kona on Thursday, February 21
The West Hawai`i Fisheries Council (WHFC), a community-based marine advisory organization, will hold their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, February 21, 2008, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Hawaii Big Game Fishing Club at Honokohau Harbor.
The Council will hear a presentation by Sara Peck, UH Sea Grant Extension Agent, on “Warm and cold Seawater Applications at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai`i Authority (NELHA).
The West Hawai`i Fisheries Council will also be asked to accept the recommendations of the Membership Committee for the applications of four additional members. WHFC is always 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 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 created 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 .
Hawaii HomeOwnership Center Holds Free Orientations in Hilo and Kona
The Hawaii HomeOwnership Center is a non-profit organization that provides homebuyer education and counseling to help people prepare to buy a home. Our services are available to anyone interested.
Come to a free orientation and learn more about us.
Office of Housing & Community Development
1990 Kinoole Street, Suite 104, Hilo
- March 12 or 27, 6:00 p.m.
Mayor’s Office (West Hawai`i)
75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Suite 103, Kailua-Kona
- March 4 or 19, 6:00 p.m.
Please call to reserve a space: 1-877-523-9503 (toll free).
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 help 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:
Wednesdays: 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.
Loving Solutions 2-Day Facilitator Training March 18-19
Educators, counselors and parents are cordially invited to a free two-day facilitator training entitled “Loving Solutions”, aimed at enhancing parenting skills.
If you are interested in helping parents learn skills and strategies to help their difficult children age 5 to10, this training will provide you with the experience to facilitate and implement the award-winning “Loving Solutions” curriculum. This program will help parents to develop skills that will promote academic and social success for their child.
Desired Outcomes: Participants will:
- Day 1 - experience the Loving Solutions curriculum as parents on and learn program implementation.
- Day 2 - practice curriculum delivery and received certification as a facilitator/trainer.
WHEN: Tuesday, March 18 and Wednesday, March 19, 2008, 8:00 am - 2:30 pm
WHERE: DOE- Hawaii District Annex, Conf. Rm. 2, 450 Waianuenue Ave. Hilo.
PARTICIPANTS: PCNC, PSAP, ESL, SBBH, CSSS RTs, Counselors, SSCs, Vice - Principals, Community Partners.
COST: Free (Lunch on your own . Please bring a snack to share.)
For more information or to RSVP, please call Rosie Ranne, Hawaii District PCNC at 933-0938 by March 10, 2008.
Ha’a Koa Conference on Prince Kuhio Day, Wednesday, March 26 in Hilo
The Ha’a Koa is a contemporary response to a perceived need for a strong formal kane protocol that may be utilized by today’s Hawaiian community. Reflecting traditional practices found in the lua (Hawaiian martial art), ‘ai ha’a (ancient dance) and hula (dance/chant), the Ha’a Koa may include the use of musical instruments such as the ipu and pahu (percussion instruments) as well as mea kaua (war implements).
The essence of the Ha’a Koa celebrates Hawaii’s proud warrior heritage and the virtues of strength, courage, loyalty, and dignity. In application, it is intended to unify and empower a hui, honor an esteemed guest, or challenge an opponent in an athletic setting.
A small group of recognized and respected cultural practitioners including olohe lua, kumu hula, navigators, and kupuna have been invited to share their mana’o on various aspects related to the Ha’a Koa. A portion of the conference will also be dedicated to the teaching and learning of a traditional ha’a (Ku’i Moloka’i).
Presented by the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, Mamala Hoa, the Conference will take place on March 26, 2008 (Prince Kuhio Day) from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, UCB Conference Room.
Free and open to the public, seating is limited and registration is required.
Please note: The Ha’a Koa conference precedes the first annual Ha’a Koa Ho‘ike that will take place at the Kamehameha Festival on June 11, 2008 (Kamehameha Day). The Ho’ike will provide groups with a venue to share their respective Ha’a Koa with the community.
WHEN: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 (Prince Kuhio Day), 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
WHERE: University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, UCB Conference Room, 200 W. Kawili St.
Sponsors: Presented by: The Royal Order of Kamehameha I, Mamala Hoa. Sponsored by: Kahua Ola–Student Life Center, Hawaii Community College, Queen Lili‘uokalani Children's Center, Hale Mua Cultural Group, Kahu O Ka Ula Ahi.
For more information, please contact Pua Ishibashi, Co-Chair, Ha’a Koa Conference, at 691 Ainako Ave. Hilo, Hawaii 96720. Phone: (808) 989-4844. Email: hpij@aol.com . Visit our website at www.MamalaHoa.org (Launch 02/26/08).
Kamehameha Festival 2008 on Wednesday, June 11 on Coconut Island
The annual Kamehameha Festival is a historic and culturally significant event that honors the memory of Kamehameha. The event will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 (Kamehameha Day) and feature Hawaii’s only Ha’a Koa (Dance of the Warrior) Ho’ike (exhibition/competition), some of Hawaii’s top recording artist including Na Hoku Hanohano award winners Ledward Kaapana, Diana Aki, and Darren Benitez, award winning hula halu, an oli (chant) ho’ike, cultural presentations booths, ono (delicious) food, art and craft booths, and more.
Proudly presented by the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, Mamala Hoa, the festival will take place on Moku Ola (Coconut Island) beginning at 10:00 am and end at 5:30 pm. Free and open to the public, the Festival will be an alcohol, smoke, and drug free event.
WHEN: Wednesday, June 11, 2008 (Kamehameha Day), 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
WHERE: Moku Ola (Coconut Island) Hilo
For further information, please contact: Pua Ishibashi, Co-Chair, Kamehameha Festival at 691 Ainako Ave.,Hilo, Hawaii 96720. Phone: (808) 989-4844, email: hpij@aol.com . From March 11 visit our website: www.KamehamehaFestival.org .
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 18, 2008 Monday (Presidents Day holiday) |
What: No work scheduled |
February 19, 2008 Tuesday |
Where/Location: S. Hilo District: Ainaola Dr. (South side of Malaai Rd approx 0.4 mile) |
What: Install Type D raised-pavement markers |
February 20, 2008 Wednesday |
Where/Location: S. Hilo District: Ululani St. (Hualalai St to Haili St) |
What: Redo centerline |