4/4/08 Weekly Report: County to Hold Open House Informational Meetings on Waste-To-Energy Proposal; Updated Brochure on Emissions from Kilauea Volcano Available Online

The County of Hawai`i Department of Environmental Management cordially invites the community to a series of open house informational meetings on the Waste-to-Energy proposal.

The open house format will allow the public to ask questions about the current proposal to build a Waste-to-Energy facility next to the current Hilo landfill. The Waste-to-Energy process will be explained, along with the proposed contract with vendor Wheelabrator. The County’s recycling coordinator will be on hand to explain how recycling would work together with the Waste-to-Energy process.

The open house meetings will be held at the following locations:

· April 8 (Tues) 6:00-7:30 Pahoa Neighborhood Facility

· April 14 (Mon) 6:00-7:30 Old Kona Airport Events Pavilion, Kona

· April 16 (Wed) 6:00-7:30 Aupuni Center, Hilo

· April 23 (Wed) 6:00-7:30 Waimea Community Center

Please come and learn more about the Waste-to-Energy project that is before the County Council. These Open House meetings are being held to provide you with an opportunity to ask and learn about the Waste-to-Energy proposal.

The personnel on hand at the Open House meetings are there to answer questions, and not to defend or debate the project.

For further information, please call Rene Dela Cruz at the Mayor’s Office at 961-8508.

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Updated Brochure on Emissions from Kilauea Volcano Available Online

An updated version of the County’s brochure on Emissions from Kilauea Volcano, dated April 2008, is now available online. It was emailed to all County Newsletter subscribers earlier this week.

The link to the brochure, which gives a brief summary of hazards and protective measures regarding sulfur dioxide (SO2) and volcanic ash emissions can be found on the lava information webpage at www.lavainfo.us . Scroll down and click on Emissions from Kilauea Volcano Brochure.

The brochure gives color-coded levels of sulfur dioxide conditions, ranging from green (trace) to purple (extreme), with recommended responses accordingly.

The volcanic conditions are being closely monitored and if any changes occur that might affect your safety, you will be informed. For further information, please call Hawai`i County Civil Defense at 935-0031 or visit the Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory’s eruption updates online, please click on http://lavainfo.us/ .

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COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

Hilo Bayfront Trails Phase I Planning: Public Meeting April 16

The County of Hawai`i has initiated a planning process for a comprehensive system of connected trails and parks along the Hilo Bayfront and seeks your input at the second of three open public meetings:

WHEN: Wednesday, April 16, 2008, 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm (Registration begins at 4:00 pm)

WHERE: Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale, 799 Pi‘ilani Street, Hilo

The project planning team, led by Helber Hastert & Fee, Planners, Inc., will present conceptual trail alignments based on community input from Public Meeting 1 (October 9, 2007) and user survey responses; site studies; and stakeholder committee advisement. This is the community’s opportunity to provide comments and ideas for further refinement and development in this planning process.

Technical staff from various County and State agencies are also being invited to offer input on the project and to respond to project-related concerns or questions that may arise during the meeting.

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 Beth Dykstra in the Department of Research and Development at 961-8035 or edykstra@co.hawaii.hi.us 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.

If you cannot attend this meeting but would like to be notified about the third and final meeting, please contact public outreach manager Alice Moon & Company at (808) 933-9772.

For additional project information, please contact Robyn Sweesy, Project Manager, Helber Hastert & Fee, Planners, Inc., by e-mail at info@hhf.com or at (808) 545-2055.

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Water Dept to Do Exploratory Well Pump Testing in South Kona Week of April 21

The County of Hawai‘i Department of Water Supply (DWS) would like to inform the community that the Kalukalu exploratory well drilling has been completed and the well is now ready for pump-testing. The well site is located in Kealakekua, South Kona at approximately the 1750’ elevation. Once fully developed and dedicated to DWS, this well is expected to provide an additional source of high quality water for the South Kona community and to further improve the reliability of the Department of Water Supply’s current water system.

The well project is being initiated by private development but it is being designed to DWS standards and with regard to the county’s existing water system infrastructure. The project will provide significant interim water capacity and fire protection beyond the needs of the private developer which will benefit the general community.

Now that the drilling of the exploratory well is complete, a continuous pump-test needs to be performed to determine the well’s safe yield. The pump-test is expected to occur sometime around the week of April 21, 2008. Hours of operation for the pump-test will be for a minimum of 96 continuous hours. The equipment that will be used at the site is designed to minimize noise, such as sound-attenuated compressors and engines equipped with industrial silencers.

The Department of Water Supply is coordinating multiple projects to be completed over the next five years. DWS hopes to make great strides in improving the water system infrastructure to better meet the current and future needs of West Hawai'i. With the cooperation, understanding, and support of the public, DWS may continue to provide safe, reliable, good tasting water meeting all EPA standards at the lowest rates possible.

Should you have any questions, please contact Lawrence Beck of our Water Resources and Planning branch at (808) 961-8070, ext. 260, or by email at lbeck@hawaiidws.org . .

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April is Fair Housing Month; Seminars in Hilo April 24 and Kona April 25

To commemorate April as National Fair Housing Education Month, the County of Hawai`i Office of Housing and Community Development in cooperation with the Hawaii Island Board of Realtors©, along with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Hawai`i Civil Rights Commission, the Hawai`i Public Housing Authority and the Legal Aid Society of Hawai`i, will be sponsoring Fair Housing Seminars in East and West Hawai`i.

The seminars will be designed to increase knowledge of:

· General Federal & State Fair Housing Law

· Reasonable Accommodation

· Service Animals

· Local Case Studies

Hilo Fair Housing Seminar

WHEN: Thursday, April 24 Registration: 8:00 am, Training: 8:30 am- 4:00 pm

WHERE: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Mokuola Room 2

Kona Fair Housing Seminar

WHEN: Friday, April 25, Registration: 8:00 am, Training: 8:30 am- 4:00 pm

WHERE: King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, Ballroom 1

Parking: $4 for validated parking

Reservations are required, as seating is limited. To register, please contact Hawaii Island Board of Realtors® at 935-0827 by April 18, 2008.

This workshop is accessible for persons with disabilities. To request an auxiliary aid or service (e.g. sign language interpreter), contact Alan Rudo at Voice (808) 961-8379; Fax (808) 961-8685 by April 11, 2008.

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Kalapana Safe Viewing Program Has Daily Telephone Hotline Updates

Hawai`i County Civil Defense has set up a new telephone hotline to provide daily updates on viewing at the Kalapana Safe Viewing site.

The lava hotline phone number is 961-8093, which lets you know the lava viewing hours for the day ahead. The lava hotline automated message is updated every day at 10 a.m.

The Kalapana Safe Viewing program at the volcanic eruption site is a wonderful natural attraction, and the County Civil Defense Agency wants all visitors to enjoy the experience in safety and comfort.

With that in mind, we encourage visitors to prepare not only for sunny days at the lava viewing sight but also for rain. Please note that there are no shelters at the site in case of rain.

For your comfort and convenience, please prepare for rain keeping in mind any trip hazard:

· An umbrella and/or

· Windbreaker or raincoat

Visitors are also strongly advised to take the following gear for both safety and comfort:

· Bottled water (2-3 quarts or liters per person)

· Sturdy closed boots or shoes and socks

· Flashlight (1 per person) and fresh batteries

· Long pants

· Sun hat and sunscreen

· Binoculars (optional)

Visitors are allowed entry to the viewing area every day from 2 p.m., with the last vehicles admitted at 8:00 p.m. This will allow officials to ensure that everybody is out of the area by 10 p.m. The viewing area is closed between 10 pm and 2 pm. This schedule is subject to change; hazardous conditions may require changes to the schedule or closure.

Visitors are reminded to obey all the warning signs and stay within the allowed areas to ensure their safety. The newly formed lava and black sand beach are extremely unstable, and can collapse into the ocean at any time. Visitors must stay well away from the volcanic steam clouds which contain hydrochloric acid and glass particles.

Please note: There is no cell phone coverage in the viewing area.

We ask that visitors show the greatest courtesy and respect to the local residents and property owners. Please remember never to go off the road or trail, and please dispose of all trash in the garbage cans provided. Guide/interpreters will be on hand in the viewing area to provide information and assistance. For more information, please call Civil Defense at 935-0031.

For the Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory’s eruption updates online, please click on http://lavainfo.us/ .

The Big Island Visitors Bureau has created a new section of its website with all of the information we've been trying to get out to the public. Click on http://www.bigisland.org/parks/939/volcano-eruption-update .

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County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee 2007 Annual Report Online

The Hawai`i County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee invites the public to read its 2007 Annual Report to the Mayor, which is now available online.

The 11-page report describes top projects that the Committee considers necessary to create and bike and walk friendly Hawai`i Island.

To view the annual report of the http://co.hawaii.hi.us/bc/bapac/main.htm .

This Committee, which advises the Mayor in the encouragement and facilitation of the use of bicycling and walking as a regular means of transportation and recreation, in conformance to the 1979 Big Island Bikeway Plan and the State of Hawai`i Bike Plan. This Committee is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Works.

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Tsunami Education, Preparation and Recovery Project for Downtown Hilo

The following information was provided by Christian Kay, planner with the County Planning Department.

Ten Important Facts about Tsunamis

1. In the last century Hilo has been hit by five tsunamis, four Pacific-wide and one locally-generated.

2. Tsunamis have killed more people in the state of Hawai`i than all other natural disasters combined.

3. Tsunamis can be generated by earthquakes, landslides and volcanic eruptions.

4. The natural warning signs of a tsunami are an earthquake, water receding (or an exposed sea floor or reef), water surging inland or quickly rising above normal sea level, a strange sound out to sea or extremely unusual behavior of animals. If you experience any of these, move to high ground immediately.

5. A tsunami may come ashore as a series of waves; the first wave may not be the largest.

6. Tsunamis can travel across oceans at 450 miles an hour.

7. A tsunami generated in Chile can arrive here in 13 hours; a tsunami from Alaska can arrive here in 5 hours. A tsunami generated just off our coast can arrive in minutes.

8. Tsunami sirens are tested on the first working day of each month in Hawai`i. When you hear sirens you should always turn on your radio, even if you think it is a test.

9. Locally-generated tsunamis have little or no warning. There most likely will not be time to sound the sirens. If you feel an earthquake, move to high ground.

10. Tsunamis can occur at anytime day or night. There is no tsunami season.

Tsunami education is vital for our entire community. Take care of yourself – take care of others.

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:

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:

· 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.

Take care of yourself – take care of others.

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County Public Works Holds Meetings to Discuss Hamakua Road Projects

The County Department of Public Works will hold public meetings in Hamakua to discuss the paving of Ochiro and Papa‘aloa roads and the safety of Old Laupahoehoe Road.

(Public Works Director Bruce McClure discussed plans to pave Ochiro and Papa‘aloa roads at the first meeting on Thursday, March 20 at the Laupahoehoe School cafeteria.)

A second meeting will be at 7:00 p.m., on Friday, April 25, at the Laupahoehoe School cafeteria to discuss the safety of Old Laupahoehoe Road for pedestrian use.

Ochiro and Papa‘aloa roads are “roads in limbo” that the County Highways Division has proposed be repaired or resurfaced, based on whether the road is currently accessible by emergency vehicles. Roads in limbo were built or planned by the State or the Territorial government. They are either existing or paper roads and are typically referred to as “government roads” or “homestead roads.”

Old Laupahoehoe Road has been closed for over ten years. The October 2006 earthquakes caused extensive landslides covering major portions of the one-mile stretch. Debris was cleared, allowing the County to assess whether the road is stable enough to reopen to pedestrian access. Originally a road for vehicle traffic, Old Laupahoehoe Road has been an "unofficial scenic trail" for pedestrians in recent years.

The cleanup cost was $172,000, of which FEMA paid 75% and the County paid 25%. This project is one of many earthquake repair projects undertaken by the County and partially funded by FEMA.

For an extensive list of roads in limbo go to: Road In Limbo .

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County Meetings on Family Self-Sufficiency and Homeownership

The County of Hawaii – Office of Housing and Community Development will be holding informational meetings on the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program and Homeownership Option Program (HOP).

The FSS program is a voluntary, employment-based program which helps Section 8 families obtain the skills they need to achieve financial independence.

Support is offered to participating families through local agencies, case management, education, job training, newsletters, workshops, support meetings and other appropriate services.

A key benefit is that an escrow savings account may be established for the family.

The HOP allows first-time homeowners to use their Section 8 rental subsidy to meet their monthly homeownership expenses. Participants must meet certain eligibility requirements.

Please note: You must call 959-7476 (Glen Shigehara) to reserve a space.

If there is insufficient participation, session times may be cancelled or combined.

The meetings are scheduled for:

· Monday, April 14, 2008 at 1990 Kinoole Street, Suite 104, Hilo

· Session times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

· Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at the Mayor’s Kona office, 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 103, Kailua-Kona

· Session times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

· Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at the Pahoa Community Center

· Session times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

For further information please call Glen Shigehara at 959-7476.

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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

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Talk Story Meetings on Queen Ka`ahumanu Hwy Project - Update

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.

Phase 1 of the Queen Kaahumanu Highway Widening widens the existing two-lane highway to four-lanes with a median divider from Henry Street to Kealakehe Parkway. The widened highway will alleviate traffic congestion and improve traffic circulation through Kona. The project started July 2005 and is planned for December 2008 completion.

The State Department of Transportation (HDOT) advises Big Island motorists that paving work began Thursday, March 27, and continues through Friday, April 18, from Palani Road to Makala Boulevard in the two out-bound lanes and from Henry Street to Palani Road on the shoulder lane. Motorist should expect lane detours at Makala Boulevard intersection.

Lane detour will also begin at the Palani Road and Kaiwi intersections on Sunday, April 6 from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., during water line connection work.

HDOT staff, consultants and contractors are providing updates to the public two a month to address any concerns. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8 at 7:30 a.m. at the Mayor’s West Hawaii Office at Hanama Place. The general public is welcomed.

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 Mr. Sterling Chow, HDOT Construction Engineer, at 933-8866 or Mr. Dennis Lee, M&E Pacific Resident Engineer, at 326-2035.

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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.

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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 .

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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
Kea`au Transfer Station	5	Emergency Tree Removal, to begin ASAP
Hilo Transfer Station	2	Contractor installing new water main for East Hawai`i Sort Station 02/08
Pa`auilo Transfer Station	1	Fence and gates. Construction begins 4/7
Waimea Regional Transfer Station	1 and 9	Sign installations, Construction begins 4/14

For further information, please contact Terin Gloor, Solid Waste Civil Engineer at 961-8058.

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County Seeks Applicants to Solid Waste Advisory Committee

The Solid Waste Division of the Department of Environmental Management for the County of Hawai`i is updating the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan (ISWMP). Prior to preparing a plan, the county is required by HRS §342G-22, to form a Solid Waste Advisory Committee, appointed by the Mayor.

The Solid Waste Advisory Committee may be composed of representatives from citizen organizations, industry, the private solid waste industry operating within the County, the private recycling or scrap material processing industry operating within the County, the County coordinator, and any other persons deemed appropriate by the Mayor. The SWAC shall review the plan during its preparation, make suggestions, and propose any changes it believes are appropriate.

It is currently planned for the SWAC to meet with the consultants monthly, with meeting scheduled to coincide either the day before or the day after the County Council Committee meets, to minimize consultants travel time and county expenses.

Updating the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan is estimated to take around 18 months. The County’s consultants are recommending that the Solid Waste Advisory Committee should consist of 15-20 people representing County stakeholders.

If you are interested in serving on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, you may download an application from the County website at:

Application Form .

Please fill out the application and submit no later than April 10th to:

Lincoln S. T. Ashida

Attn: SWAC Application

Corporation Counsel, County of Hawai`i

Hilo Lagoon Centre, Suite 325

101 Aupuni Street

Hilo, Hawai`i 96720

Email: Lashida@co.hawaii.hi.us .

We greatly appreciate your interest in serving our community.

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County Seeks Applicants for Arborist Advisory Committee Vacancy

The County of Hawai`i is seeking applicants for a vacancy on the Arborist Advisory Committee.

The County wants to fill the vacancy with someone from the west or north areas of Hawai`i Island who has an interest in community beautification and the protection of island's exceptional trees.

Interested applicants can complete and submit the "Application for Hawaii County Boards and Commissions" found at the following web site: Vacancies - Boards and Commissions

You may also 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 .

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County Seeks Applicants for Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee

The County of Hawai`i is seeking applicants for a vacancy on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

The County wants to fill the vacancy with someone who has an interest in bicycle paths, cycling and pedestrian safety on our island.

Interested applicants can complete and submit the "Application for Hawaii County Boards and Commissions" found at the following web site: Vacancies - Boards and Commissions .

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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.

Interested applicants can complete and submit the "Application for Hawaii County Boards and Commissions" found at the following web site: Vacancies - Boards and Commissions

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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.

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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.

Interested applicants can complete and submit the "Application for Hawaii County Boards and Commissions" found at the following web site: Vacancies - Boards and Commissions

If you have any questions, please call Lincoln Ashida at 961-8251.

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Hisaoka Gym Repairs Update

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.