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February 29, 2008
Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
FEATURE ARTICLE
· Education for Prospective Home Owners in Hawai`i County
COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD
· County of Hawai`i Issues 2007 Annual Report Highlights as Newspaper Insert March 2
· Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day in Puna Saturday, March 1
· Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day in Waimea Sunday, March 2
· Hawai`i County Offers Property Tax Relief for Flood Victims
· County TV Show Airs in New Time Slot on Tuesdays from March 4
· Lako Street Extension Group to Hold Open House Meeting Wednesday, March 5
· Tsunami Education, Preparation and Recovery Project for Downtown Hilo
· Community Dev. Block Grant/HOME Investment Partnerships Action Plan Available to Public
· Public Welcome to Talk Story Meetings on Queen Ka`ahumanu Hwy Project
· Water Conservation Notice in Hakalau, Wailea Areas
· 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
· Recycle your Old Telephone Books, Help our Schools through Phone Book Recycling Contest
· 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
· Jobs Fair Promotes Individuals with Diverse Abilities Saturday, March 8
· Loving Solutions – 2-Day Facilitator Training in Hilo March 18-19
· Ha`a Koa Conference on Prince Kuhio Day, Wednesday, March 26 in Hilo
· 2008 Big Island Youth Video Contest Submissions Due April 11
· Kamehameha Day Festival on Wednesday, June 11 on Coconut Island
· Waiomina Centennial Celebration Events in Waimea
· 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
· Got Junk Cars? County of Hawai`i Can Help
· Traffic Light Installation at Mohouli and Kumukoa Streets in Hilo Begins March 3
· Repair Scheduled for Tomi Tomi Drive in North Kona March 3-7
· Traffic Pattern Interruptions at Hilo Transfer Station
FEATURE ARTICLES
Education for Prospective Home Owners in Hawai`i County
The following is a brief introduction to the Hawai`i HomeOwnership Center, whose office is located in the state Workforce Development Division offices at 1990 Kinoole Street, Hilo and at the Koloko Branch of the Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union at 73-5611 Olowalu Street, Kailua-Kona (above Costco). This information was provided by the Center’s director, Reina Miyamoto.
What is the Hawai’i HomeOwnership Center?
The Hawaii HomeOwnership Center, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, opened its doors in October of 2003 with a mission to provide education, information and support to create successful first-time homeowners in Hawaii.
By addressing barriers and increasing rates of home ownership, the Center aims to build stronger families and communities throughout the state of Hawaii. Currently, the Center operates on the islands of Oahu, Kauai and Hawai`i, with plans to open an office on Maui later this year.
Its vision is to substantially increase the number of successful homeowners by reaching out to low- and moderate-income families who never believed they would become homeowners.
Successful track record in helping families
In its first four years, the Center has enjoyed huge success: 380 first-time homeowners; 80 more in escrow; 330 mortgage ready or near ready to make their purchase; and more than 1,400 families (4,100 individuals) being educated and counseled. More than 50% of the new homeowners are considered low-income families, earning less than 80% of the area median income.
What does the Hawai’i HomeOwnership Center do for families?
The Center helps to address the challenges prospective buyers face, which often keep them from becoming homeowners, such as: income vs. housing costs; no savings/lack of down payment; no or poor credit/too much debt; lack of information; and hopelessness.
Many families in Hawai’i experience one or more obstacles to becoming homeowners. Which ones affect you?
- My income is too low compared to the high cost of housing.
- I have too much debt, credit problems.
- I don’t have the money for a down payment.
- I don’t know where to get accurate and reliable information.
- It feels hopeless – I can’t imagine ever becoming a homeowner.
The Hawai’i HomeOwnership Center offers services to all interested home buyers in Hawai’i.
Why should you come to Hawai’i HomeOwnership Center?
At the Center, we will provide you with all the information and services you need to become a homeowner – all in one place.
You will attend a free, one-hour orientation class to get information on what it takes to become a homeowner.
The orientation class will give you an introduction to home ownership, and describe how our services help our clients.
Our clients have purchased single-family, multi-family, condominium and townhouse units. Families planning to build a home can also use our services.
What services are offered by the Center?
- Home buyer education
- One-on-one counseling
- Financial literacy training
- Referrals to professional services (realtors, lenders, insurance)
- Post-purchase workshop & counseling
How much will these services cost?
The one-hour home buyer orientation class is free to all interested home buyers.
If you are interested in taking the next step, you will be asked to fill out an application form and pay the $100 lifetime membership fee (payment plans are available). $50 will be refunded to you when you become a homeowner. All classes and one-on-one counseling are included at no additional charge.
The lifetime membership offers post-purchase services including counseling and workshops to promote sustained homeownership for our families.
Showing how home ownership is possible through classes, counseling
While it cannot dictate market forces, the Center helps to overcome affordability barriers by helping members learn about and access financial resources that they may be eligible to receive (i.e. grant funds, low- or no-cost loans, matching funds, tax credit programs, etc.).
By attending educational classes and confidential individualized counseling services, members of the Center gain all the information they need to successfully navigate their way through the home buying process and more importantly, restore hope in their dream of homeownership.
Free orientation sessions in Hilo and Kona
All interested people must attend a one-hour free orientation to learn about the Center and the services that are provided.
The next sessions are as follows:
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).
The orientation schedule can be located on the Center’s website www.hihomeownership.org or by phone at 877-523-9503 (toll free).
COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD
County of Hawai`i Issues 2007 Highlights as Newspaper Insert March 2
The County of Hawai`i is publishing the Annual Report Highlights of 2007 as a newspaper insert on Sunday, March 2 in four island publications.
The eight-page insert will feature the main activities and developments of County government during 2007. The insert will appear in the March 2 editions of the Hawaii Tribune-Herald and the West Hawai`i Today, as well as the concurrent issues of the weekly Hawai`i Island Journal and the Big Island Weekly.
Extra copies are available at the RSVP counter at the County building at 101 Pauahi Street, Hilo and the Kona Mayor’s Office at Hanama Place in Kailua-Kona.
The report will also be posted along with previous years’ annual reports on the County website at www.co.hawaii.hi.us . Click on County of Hawaii A-Z Index, then click on Annual Report 06-07. Or click on http://co.hawaii.hi.us/annual_reports/annual2007/toc.htm . There is also a link to the pdf file of the Annual Report :http://co.hawaii.hi.us/annual_reports/annual2007/ar0607.pdf .
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day in Puna March 1
The County of Hawai`i, Department of Environmental Management announces a Household Hazardous Waste Collection event in Pahoa on Saturday, March 1, 2008, an opportunity for Puna residents to safety dispose of their household hazardous waste.
This one day event is free for residents only and will be held from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm at the Pahoa Transfer Station/Recycling Center.
Materials accepted include automotive fluids, antifreeze, used motor oil, corrosives, and all types of batteries, fluorescent ballasts, CFL’s (compact fluorescent lights), mercury thermometers, compressed gas cylinders, oil-based paints, toxic garden supplies, poisons & unused or outdated prescription medications (except controlled substances or needles) and miscellaneous household products.
PLEASE, NO business waste, electronic waste, latex paint, explosives, flares, biological or infectious waste, radioactive & shock sensitive materials, fire extinguishers, detergents and non-hazardous materials.
If you do not have household hazardous waste to dispose of, please use the Transfer Station/Recycling Center on an alternative day to avoid possible delays.
For more information on Recycling in Hawai’i County, call our infoline at 961-5044.
Special Notice: This project is funded in whole or in part with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Mahalo for your cooperation and for helping protect our environment.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day in Waimea Sunday, March 2
The County of Hawai`i, Department of Environmental Management announces a Household Hazardous Waste Collection event in Waimea, Sunday March 2, 2008. Safely Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste in Waimea. This is an opportunity for Waimea residents to safety dispose of their household hazardous waste.
This one day event is free for residents only and will be held from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm at the Waimea Transfer Station/Recycling Center.
Materials accepted include automotive fluids, antifreeze, used motor oil, corrosives, and all types of batteries, fluorescent ballasts, CFL’s (compact fluorescent lights), mercury thermometers, compressed gas cylinders, oil-based paints, toxic garden supplies, poisons & unused or outdated prescription medications (except controlled substances or needles) and miscellaneous household products.
PLEASE, NO business waste, electronic waste, latex paint, explosives, flares, biological or infectious waste, radioactive & shock sensitive materials, fire extinguishers, detergents and non-hazardous materials.
If you do not have household hazardous waste to dispose of, please use the Transfer Station/Recycling Center on an alternative day to avoid possible delays.
For more information on Recycling in Hawai’i County, call our infoline at 961-5044.
Mahalo for your cooperation and for helping protect our environment.
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 TV Show Airs in New Time Slot on Tuesdays from March 4
The weekly County of Hawai`i public affairs television show “What’s Up in the County?” will move to a new time slot on Tuesdays, beginning March 4. The new Tuesday time slot on cable access Channel 52 will be 6:00 pm.
The 30-minute program will continue to air as a rebroadcast on Thursdays at its usual time slot of 8:00 pm.
The new Tuesday time slot has been arranged to make room for the County Council’s televised committee meetings followed by County Council meetings, which will air from 6:30 pm Tuesdays.
Lako Street Extension Group to Hold Open House Wed, March 5
The County of Hawai`i and the Lako Street Extension Advisory Group invite the public to an open house meeting from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, in the Kahalu`u Conference Room of the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort on Ali`i Drive.
The County’s project consultant will present information on the Lako Street extension project and alternatives being considered for the various segments of the project. County staff, along with consultant staff, will discuss project issues and answer questions related to the project. Public input is encouraged.
The meeting will begin as an open house from 6–6:30 p.m. followed by a 30-minute project presentation. After the presentation, the County/consultant team will be available for discussion and to answer any questions.
The planned Lako Street Extension is expected to distribute and ease traffic along Royal Poinciana Drive and between Kailua and Keauhou. It will become a mauka-makai connector road from Ali`i Drive to Kuakini Highway serving as a planned emergency route in the event of a natural disaster, and accommodate the residents of Komohana Kai subdivision. The design of the project is scheduled to begin later this year.
The Lako Street advisory group consists of people representing a wide range of goals and desires for the Lako Street extension. Members include people who reside or work in the area as well as individuals who work for affected governments, organizations and agencies. The group is actively working with the County to ensure that the goals and values of the community are incorporated into the proposed extension and improvements.
For more information, you may e-mail Cheryl Yoshida at cyoshida@ch2m.com , or go to the County of Hawai`i website at www.co.hawaii.hi.us , click on Project Updates and Lako Street Project.
Tsunami Education, Preparation and Recovery Project for Downtown Hilo
The Pacific Tsunami Museum, in partnership with the County of Hawai‘i Planning Department announces the launch of a Tsunami Education, Preparation and Recovery Project for Downtown Hilo.
This project was designed to give a voice to the Downtown Hilo community on tsunami awareness and preparedness. We will do this through a series of small ‘talk story’ sessions where participants will form “think tanks” to voice concerns about tsunami preparedness and recovery. These sessions will help us tailor our education efforts to community needs. We plan on holding several one hour ‘talk story’ sessions throughout February, March and April. In addition, we will be providing tsunami awareness materials, refreshments, and hold a drawing for a tsunami disaster preparedness kit at each session.
Please attend one of the following sessions:
Friday, February 29 4:30- 5:30 |
Pacific Tsunami Museum |
Thursday, March 6 11:00-12:00 |
Hawai‘i Island Board of Realtors |
Thursday, March 13 9:00-10:00 |
Hawai‘i Island Board of Realtors |
Tuesday, March 18 5:00-6:00 |
Mokupapapa Discovery Center |
Wednesday, March 19 4:30-5:30 |
Pacific Tsunami Museum |
Thursday, March 27 4:30-5:30 |
Pacific Tsunami Museum |
Tuesday, April 1 4:30-5:30 |
Pacific Tsunami Museum |
At the same time, the Pacific Tsunami Museum will be conducting surveys in the downtown area to gauge public awareness of tsunami hazards. The survey team will be going on foot to the businesses stretching from Wailuku Drive to Mamo Street and back to Keawe Street. The survey team will also be surveying downtown residents so please look for us starting in early March.
The culmination of these ‘talk story’ sessions will be an all-day Tsunami Safe Disaster Fair on Saturday, April 19, 2008 at Connections Public Charter School (Kress building).
WHEN: Saturday, April 19, 2008 (Time to be announced)
WHERE: Connections Public Charter School (Kress building), Hilo
This interactive event will feature information, displays, and presentations from the following supporting partners and special guests:
This interactive event will feature information, displays, and presentations from the following supporting partners and special guests:
· Hawai‘i County Police Department
· Hawai‘i County Fire Department
· Hawai‘i County Civil Defense
· Hilo Downtown Improvement Association (HDIA)
· Kanoelehua Industrial Area Association (KIAA)
· Hilo Bay Watershed Advisory Group, and
· Hawai‘i County Research and Development
We warmly invite you share your mana‘o through our ‘talk story’ sessions and to attend the Tsunami Safe Fair on April 19th, 2008.
Scheduling information can be found at http://www.hcrc.info/disaster-preparedness . If you are interested in hosting a ‘talk story’ session (approx. 10-12 people) please contact Christian Kay at the Hawai‘i County Planning Department at 808-961-8288 ext. 254.
Community Dev. Block Grant/Home Investment Partnerships Action Plan Available For Public Comment
The County of Hawai`i’s Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) has developed and published its draft 2008 Action Plan for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2008 CDBG and HOME Programs and is providing affected citizens an opportunity to examine its contents and to submit comments on the draft 2008 Action Plan.
The Action Plan is available for review and public comment by March 28, 2008.
Community Development Block Grant Program
The County of Hawai`i anticipates that the County’s total 2008 CDBG allocation is $2,386,152.00. The County also anticipates receiving $60,000 of additional program income from the Residential Emergency Repair Program for a total of $2,446,152.00 of CDBG monies. To meet the County’s five (5) year Consolidated Plan’s, Priorities and Objectives, the following projects will be included in the 2008 Action Plan, Removal of Architectural Barriers – Various County Facilities $1,041,152.00, Residential Emergency Repair Program $400,000.00, West Hawaii Domestic Abuse Shelter – Emergency Repairs $185,000.00, Hospice of Hilo in-Patient Facility – Site Improvements $500,000.00, and Administration, Planning and Fair Housing $320,000.00.
Home Investment Partnerships Program
The State of Hawai`i is required to submit its 2008 Action Plan to HUD for the 2008 HOME program. It is anticipated that the State will continue to divide the HOME funds among the three neighbor island counties. The County of Hawai`i anticipates it will receive approximately $1,000,000.00 for 2008 HOME program and $4,345.00 for the American Dream Downpayment Initiative Grant. The County also anticipates receiving approximately $25,000 of additional program income for a total of $1,029,345.00.
To prepare for the 2008 HOME program, the County requested project proposals and will submit the following projects to the State’s Hawai`i Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) for approval – Kumakua Mutual Self-Help, Phase 2 $200,000.00, Tenant Based Rental Assistance $715,000.00, American Dream Downpayment Iniative $29,345.00 and Administration, Planning and Fair Housing $85,000.00.
Public Comment Period
The proposed 2008 Action Plan will be available for public review and comment from February 27, 2008 to March 27, 2008 at the Hawai`i State Public Libraries in Honoka’a, Kamuela, Kohala, Pahala, Kailua-Kona, and Pahoa, and also at the following locations, Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on holidays.
Office of Housing and Community Hawai`i County Services
Development (OHCD) (Hanama Place)
50 Wailuku Drive 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy., Ste 103
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i 96740
Phone: 961-8379 Phone: 329-5226
Persons, particularly those who are of low and moderate income, are encouraged to submit their comments regarding the activity or activities that are being proposed in their area.
The OHCD will consider any comments and views expressed by citizens on the proposed 2008 Action Plan and may modify the Plan, if it deems appropriate.
Citizens who wish to comment on the proposed plan must submit their comments in writing or fax (808/961-8685) to the OHCD by March 27, 2008, in order for the Hawai`i County Housing Agency and Hawai`i County Council to consider them in their approval of the final 2008 Action Plan. The Hawai`i County Housing Agency and Hawai`i County Council will be meeting on April 8, 2008 and April 22, 2008 respectively.
As required by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, a Plan to Minimize Displacement and the County’s final Annual Community Assessment Report for its program year 2006 with HUD will also be available for public review at the OHCD, Hawai`i County Services in Kailua-Kona and the libraries listed above.
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.
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.
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, NO BIDS |
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** |