4/18/08 Weekly Report: Take It Off Hawai`i – Keeping in Shape Community Initiative

The following article is courtesy of Carrie Kuwada Phipps of the State Department of Health, based in Kona. (This article is to appear in slightly different form in West Hawai`i Today. Ms. Kuwada Phipps obtained permission from WHT to offer this to the County newsletter as a public service.)

Jump on board Hawai`i Island’s new health initiative, Take It Off Hawai`i, a major fitness drive to help all of get fitter and healthier.

Who’s participating?

Take It Off Hawai`i is a collaboration of agencies and individuals on Hawai`i Island whose motto is a “Healthy Community Starts with Healthy People”.

The 2008 Take It Off Hawai`i partners include: the American Cancer Society; the American Heart Association; the American Lung Association of Hawai`i; Bay Clinic, Inc.; Big Island Toyota; County of Hawai`i Office of the Prosecuting Attorney; Five Mountains Hawai`i, Inc.; Hamakua Health Center; Hawai`i Electric Light Company; Hawai`i State Department of Health; HMSA; Hilo Medical Center; Hui Malama Na ‘Oiwi; North Hawai`i Community Hospital; Ms. Charlene Prickett; Tobacco-Free Big Island; Tutu’s House; West Hawai`i Community Health Center.

What’s the goal?

The goal of Take It Off Hawai`i is to reduce the incidence of chronic disease such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer for Hawai`i Island residents.

Community participation in nutrition education and physical activity events will help to accomplish this goal.

Take It Off Hawai`i encourages our community members to set the following as our health goals:

· If you use tobacco, quit;

· Eat a minimum of 5 servings of fruits and veggies daily;

· Get regular exercise (30 minutes a day, 5 days a week).

Take It Off Hawai`i goes islandwide this year

Initially piloted last year in East Hawai`i, Take It Off Hawai`i is going islandwide this year. It was a great success in 2007 with a higher-than-expected number of participants and surprising results. East Hawai`i residents were challenged to lose weight, lower blood pressure and/or quit smoking.

A total of 26 teams with 164 participants lost a total of over 381 pounds. Now, that’s impressive.

How to make positive lifestyle changes

Take It Off Hawai`i can give you the tools and incentives to make positive lifestyle changes.

By committing to this initiative, you will not only join a growing nationwide trend of communities working to reduce chronic disease and improve quality of life but you will also reap the personal benefits of doing so.

Why bother?

You owe it to yourself and to your loved ones to make wise nutrition and physical activity choices that will improve your health now and in the future. Your journey to wellness begins with one step at a time.

Teamwork Works

Gather your friends, co-workers and ohana together for this team effort.

It’s a well-known fact that people do better when making these kinds of changes with group support.

What’s the timeframe? How does this initiative work?

Take It Off Hawai`i will run for 12 weeks where teams consisting of five or more members will compete against other teams to earn “lifestyle points” for prizes (team and individual prizes) while improving their lifestyle.

There will be some regional competition going on here which will add to the motivation and fun.

Points will be awarded to teams/participants for activities with the top 3 highest accumulation of lifestyle points in each region: East Hawai`i, West Hawai`i and North Hawai`i. Beyond this, there will be a Grand Prize awarded to an islandwide team and participant.

Step up to the plate, lose weight, feel great

Time to get off the couch. Take this challenge to lose weight and make positive lifestyle changes. Weigh-ins will be held island wide from May 1–9 at venues throughout Hawai`i County.

Blood pressure screenings will also be available at the same time. Final weigh-ins and blood pressure checks will be between August 1–9.

How does my team qualify for the Take It Off Hawai`i Challenge?

To qualify, teams have their weight and blood pressure taken at the beginning and end of the event. Members track their points daily. Results are self-reported and team captains help to monitor the successes of their team members. Newsletters will be sent to all participants with tips for staying on track, healthy recipes to try, and exercise options.

For more information and/or to sign your team up for the TIOH Challenge, contact the following regional coordinators: West Hawai`i: Caroline Teruya at 782-2150; North Hawai`i:-Laura Seurynck, Five Mountains Hawaii at 887-1284; and East Hawai`i: Cecily Nago, American Cancer Society EH at 935-9763.

Take It Off Hawaii and put yourself on The Way to Wellness!

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COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

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 http://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: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/mayor/Waste_to_Energy_Brochure.pdf .

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: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/mayor/Waste_to_Energy_Brochure.pdf .

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

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County Holds Open House Meeting on Waste-to-Energy Proposal

The County of Hawai`i Department of Environmental Management cordially invites the community an open house informational meeting Wednesday, April 23 in Waimea 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 meeting will be held at the following location:

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

(Open House meetings were held on April 8 at the Pahoa Neighborhood Facility, April 14 at Old Kona Airport Events Pavilion, and on April 16 at Aupuni Center, Hilo.)

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.

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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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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 ).

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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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Lako Street Extension Advisory Group Meeting on Wed, April 23

The Lako Street advisory group will meet from 6–8 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, in the Kahalu`u Conference Room of the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort on Ali`i Drive.

The public is welcome to observe the meeting and will have an opportunity for one-on-one discussions following the meeting. The advisory group is facilitated through discussions to review and develop preferred alternatives to the Lako Street corridor design.

The planned Lako Street Extension is expected to 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, serve as an emergency route in the event of a natural disaster, and accommodate the residents of Komohana Kai subdivision.

Feedback from this meeting, as well as from all previous advisory group and public meetings, will allow the County of Hawai`i to decide on the recommended corridor improvements. These recommendations will be presented and discussed at the fifth Advisory Group meeting on May 21, and the design of the project is scheduled to begin this summer.

The 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 actively works with the County to ensure that the goals and values of the community are incorporated into the proposed extension and improvements.

Please e-mail any questions to Cheryl Yoshida at cyoshida@ch2m.com . For more information, please go to http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/lako/Lako%20Street%20Project%20Page.pdf

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Update on Safety of Old Laupahoehoe Road by Public Works April 25

Is the Old Laupahoehoe Road safe for pedestrian use? Bruce McClure, director of the County Department of Public Works, will address this question in a public meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25 at the Laupahoehoe School cafeteria.

Closed to vehicle traffic for more than 20 years, the Old Laupahoehoe Road has become an unofficial scenic trail for pedestrians in recent years.

The October 2006 earthquakes caused extensive landslides covering major portions of the one-mile stretch. Debris has been cleared, allowing the County to assess the condition and stability of the road and adjacent slopes.

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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 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 http://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.

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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: Roads In Limbo .

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Fire Dept Sponsors Annual EMS Family Run/Walk Event on Sunday, May 25

In celebration of Emergency Medical Services Week, the Hawaii Fire Department is sponsoring their 8th annual EMS 5K Family Run/2 Mile-Walk/Keiki Fun Run on Sunday, May 25, 2008. The event will take place at Liliuokalani Park, and the public is invited to participate.

This year’s proceeds will benefit the Aloha Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, whose vision is a world without Alzheimer’s disease, and the Big Island’s Project Lifesaver, a program that protects the wandering and brings peace of mind to families, caregivers, and communities.

The 5K Family Run and 2-Mile Walk begins and ends at Liliuokalani Park in Hilo. The route proceeds from Lihiwai Street to the lighthouse tower at Bayfront Highway, then back along the same route to the park. The 2-mile walk also begins at the park to a shorter turn-around point and back. Both events will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 25th. A Keiki Fun Run, a non-competitive event for children ages 3 to 10, will be held within Liliuokalani Park following the 5K run.

Applications may be obtained at the Spencer Health and Fitness Center, the Fire Administration office located at Puainako Center, 2100 Kanoelehua Avenue C-5, at any district fire station, or by calling 981-8394 during normal business hours.

The entrance fee is $20 for adults, and $10 for youth, students & seniors (60+). Deadline to guarantee a shirt is May 19.

Awards will be presented following the completion of the event. All participants will also become eligible to receive random drawing prizes. Spencer Health and Fitness Center and HMSA are major corporate sponsors of the event.

The family fun run/walk will also kick off various events and displays that will continue throughout the day. The American Heart Association (blood pressure screening), Ululani Pharmacy (blood sugar/cholesterol screening), Big Island Asthma Coalition-East Hawaii (asthma awareness and education), Hospice of Hilo, Hawaii Bone Marrow, and the County of Hawaii Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (Keiki ID) will provide their services to the public.

The Aloha Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association volunteers and staff will also be on hand to assist with the event as well as to provide information about their services. For more information on the Alzheimer’s Association, please call 981-2111.

EMS Week, which is celebrated nationwide, will bring together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety, and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of the medical front line. This year’s theme, “EMS: Your Life is Our Mission,” underscores the commitment and dedication of the 750,000 EMS personnel who provide an essential community service every day.

The Emergency Medical Services Week coordinators are Fire Equipment Operator /Mobile Intensive Care Technician Lance Uchida at Central Fire Station, phone: 961-8325) and Battalion Chief Jerry Lum at 883-6103.

The fun run/walk race director is Firefighter/Mobile Intensive Care Technician Jesse Ebersole at Kawailani Fire Station, phone: 959-7012.

The County of Hawaii’s Emergency Medical Services Division, a State-funded program, provides 24-hour quality pre-hospital emergency medical care and services to the residents and visitors on Hawaii. Last year, EMS responded to 15,670 calls for assistance islandwide.

To learn more about your local EMS Division, please call 961-8319.

Event organizers welcome your support of EMS. Please join this fun event with your Fire Department on May 25th.

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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 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.

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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, 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.

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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: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/mayor/boards_&_commissions.htm

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 .