4/11/08 Weekly Report: Waste Reduction Proposal Brochure is Now Available Online

The Mayor’s Office has prepared a brochure to provide information for the community on the County’s Waste-to-Energy proposal, and the brochure is now available online.

The four-page brochure explains the County administration’s long-standing waste management goals as:

· Maximizing recycling;

· Minimizing landfilling;

· Positive and safe use of waste that is not recyclable; and

· Reducing the amount of waste we generate.

The brochure is available by going to the County of Hawai`i’s home page at co.hawaii.hi.us . Scroll down to the Waste Reduction Proposal Brochure and click on the link. The direct link to the pdf file is here: Waste_to_Energy_Brochure .

Background

Due to the work and commitment of the State Legislature, the County Council, the Department of Environmental Management and especially the people of Hawai`i, Hawai`i Island today leads the state in:

· HI5 beverage container redemption -- 80%,

· Renewable energy for electricity generation – 31.3%.

We will continue our vigorous efforts to maximize recycling and reuse, as this can go hand in hand with waste-to-energy, and help us realize the goal of minimizing what goes into our landfills.

Global perspective

In 1999, the European Union issued a directive on landfilling of waste. The emphasis was to get to a point where unprocessed (biodegradable) waste is not allowed in landfills, only residue from incineration, which is today widely used in Europe.

“I so strongly believe in the basic principles of this EU directive,” said Mayor Harry Kim. “The major goal is not only minimizing or eliminating the use of landfills but also controlling what goes into a landfill.”

“I believe this waste-to-energy proposal is a good one for Hawai`i Island and is in full harmony with our established goals,” the mayor said.

This proposal will use our remaining waste, after recycling, in a productive manner that will:

· Reduce our dependence of imported fossil fuel for electricity;

· Help the fight against global warming because methane from landfills is a very potent greenhouse gas; and

· Help carry us to a more sustainable future.

We appreciate our community members taking the time to learn more about the Waste-to-Energy proposal that is before the County Council.

Please find out more by reading the April 2008 brochure entitled Public Information – Waste Reduction Proposal by clicking on this link: Waste_to_Energy_Brochure .

For more information, please contact Rene Dela Cruz at 961-8508.

(go to Contents)

COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

County to Hold Open House Meetings on Waste-to-Energy Proposal

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 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

(An Open House meeting was held on April 8 at the Pahoa Neighborhood Facility.)

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.

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 Rene Dela Cruz at the Mayor’s Office at 961-8508 or rdelacruz@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.

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

(go to Contents)

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 lavainfo.us .

(go to Contents)

Ground Penetrating Radar Survey in Honoka`a to Locate Lava Tubes

The engineering consulting firm for the Honoka`a Large Capacity Cesspool Replacement Project will be performing a Ground Penetrating Radar Survey in the Honoka’a Town area during the period of April 9, 2008 to April 22, 2008 (weather permitting) in an effort to locate existing lava tubes which may be encountered in the area.

Ground Penetrating Radar is a non-intrusive, non-destructive means of locating and mapping underground utilities and also locating anomalies like lava tubes which can interfere with construction of the new County Sewer System to be installed in Honoka`a.

While traffic disruption is expected to be minimal, the survey may require temporary closure of a single lane of traffic and motorists are advised to be on the lookout for the work party.

The general areas to be surveyed are Mamane Street from the Honoka`a Civic Center to Lehua Street; Pakalana Street from the Honoka`a School to Mamane Street, and approximately 500 ft. on Lehua Street below Mamane St.

Should there be any comments or questions on the above please contact Dora Beck, P.E., Technical Services Chief with the Department of Environmental Management at 961-8028 (dbeck@co.hawaii.hi.us ).

(go to Contents)

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.

(go to Contents)

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 . .

(go to Contents)

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.

(go to Contents)

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 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 www.bigisland.org/parks/939/volcano-eruption-update .

(go to Contents)

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 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee .

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.

(go to Contents)

Tsunami Safe Disaster Preparedness Fair Saturday, April 19 in Downtown Hilo

The community is cordially invited to an all-day Tsunami Safe Disaster Fair on Saturday, April 19, 2008 at Connections Public Charter School (Kress building).

WHEN: Saturday, April 19, 2008, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

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.

For further information please visit www.hcrc.info/disaster-preparedness or contact Christian Kay at the Hawai‘i County Planning Department at 808-961-8288 ext. 254.

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

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.

(go to Contents)

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.

(go to Contents)

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

(go to Contents)

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 involves widening 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 completion in December 2008.

The State Department of Transportation 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. Motorists should expect lane detours at Makala Boulevard intersection. Preparation of roadway for paving from Makala Boulevard to Kealakehe Parkway began April 8, 2008.

The opening of the two out-bound lanes from Palani Road to Kealakehe Parkway is expected in early June 2008.

DOT staff, consultants and contractors are providing updates to the public two times a month to address any concerns. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 22 at 7:30 a.m. at the Mayor’s West Hawaii Office at Hanama Place. 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.

(go to Contents)

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.

(go to Contents)

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 Housing .

(go to Contents)

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, completed
Kea`au Transfer Station	5	Emergency Tree Removal, in progress
Hilo Transfer Station	2	Contractor installing new water main for E. Hawai`i Sort Station,completed
Pa`auilo Transfer Station	1	Fence and gates installation, in progress
Waimea Regional Transfer Station	1 and 9	Sign installations, in progress
Laupahoehoe Transfer Station	1	Fence and gate installation, out to bid
Milolii	6	Concrete pad and ramp, bid awarded
Kealakehe Transfer Station	8	HI5 glasscrete pad, out to bid
Puako Transfer Station	9	HI5 glasscrete pad, out to bid

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

(go to Contents)

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 for Hawaii County Boards and Commissions .

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.

(go to Contents)

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: Boards & 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.

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 .

(go to Contents)

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: Boards & 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.

(go to Contents)

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 Boards and Commissions. 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 .

(go to Contents)

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

· &nbs