6/27/08 Weekly Report: Kona Celebrates July 4 with Parade and Fireworks; User’s Guide to a Fun, Safe July 4, 2008 Celebration in Hilo

The 4^th of July parade and fireworks in Kailua-Kona is a wonderful event that has been a tradition for many families. Plans have been made that will provide great parade and fireworks viewing again this year.

The Kona parade route

The parade begins at 5:30 p.m., starting at the Kona Kekua’okalani Gym, near Old Airport, and goes south on Kuakini Highway, down Palani Road to the Kailua Pier, and then along Alii Drive to Walua Road, just past Coconut Grove Marketplace.

Fireworks follow the parade – Terrific Viewing Spots

The Kailua-Kona fireworks are scheduled to start at 8:30 p.m. The fireworks will be visible from many places on the West side of the island, with downtown Kailua Village providing a prime viewing spot.

In addition, the soccer field near Old Airport will be available for fireworks viewing, with parking available on streets throughout the Old Industrial Area for those who wish to bring lawn chairs or blankets and walk to the field. Queen Liliuokalani Trust has generously offered another key viewing spot, Makalapua Center (Wallace Theaters, Macy's and KMart area).

Safety precautions

The fireworks will be under the direction of Hawaii Explosives & Pyrotechnics, Inc and will be launched from the runway at Old Airport Park.

To ensure the safety of our community, the runway area will close at midnight July 3rd, and all of Old Airport Park will close at 6 p.m. The Old Airport runway gate will be locked all day on July 4, but foot traffic will be permitted until closure of the entire park at 6 p.m. The park will reopen on Saturday, July 5^th at 8 am.

For more information about the fireworks and the parade, please click on www.konaparades.com or call the Mayor's Kona office at 329-5226.

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User’s Guide to a Fun, Safe July 4, 2008 Celebration in Hilo

The 4^th of July celebration and fireworks in Hilo is a wonderful event that has become a tradition for many families. For the sixth year running, plans have been made that will provide more fireworks viewing area and make it possible for more families to enjoy this day, while addressing safety concerns that have arisen. There has been special concern for children because of excessive drinking, violent behavior, and vehicles driving on the beach and grass areas, especially after dark.

The following public safety agencies have been working together to make this 4^th of July celebration a fun and safe event. These agencies are Civil Defense, Fire Department, Police Department, Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Environmental Management, Mass Transit Agency, State Highways, State Parks and DOCARE.

A plan has been developed that involves designated parking areas, free shuttle services, several large public rest tents and road closures. The public rest tents will include the following: 10 tents on Mooheau Park lawn, 8 tents on the makai soccer field between the two County parking lots on Kamehameha Ave., 4 tents near the restrooms by the canoe sheds and 2 tents near Isles parking lot. This will provide good fireworks viewing as well as address public safety concerns.

The Bayfront Highway will be closed from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. on the evening of the 4^th of July so people can watch the fireworks safely from these areas. Additional parking will be available on the Hamakua side of Kumu Street, where people can then cross Kamehameha Avenue and access Bayfront through gates in the fence. Free shuttles will be available to carry people and their picnic gear from designated parking areas to viewing areas. While Kamehameha Ave. will be open there will be no parking along Kamehameha Ave. or the adjacent open fields. .

Tents, canopies, alcohol and fireworks are prohibited.

We realize that these changes will inconvenience some people who are used to parking on the grass and in the Bayfront area. Please understand that these measures are being taken to make this a safe and fun day for all.

Terrific Evening Fireworks Viewing – Where are the Great Spots?

On and along the Bayfront Highway and beach area. Three pedestrian gates are located along the fence along the Bayfront Highway and will be marked with orange flags.
The soccer fields along Kamehameha Avenue.
Liliuokalani Park

Where Can You Park on July 4^th?

County Building and Aupuni Center parking lots on Pauahi and Aupuni Streets.
Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium parking lots.
Soccer field on the downtown (Hamakua) side of Kumu Street.
Designated disabled parking available in all parking areas, and an area exclusively for disabled parking at the Liliuokalani Park Tea House parking lot.

For those parking at Wailoa Center, the State Building, the County Buildings and on nearby mauka streets, please access the viewing area through the crosswalk at Pauahi Street.

How Can You Get To and From the Parking and Viewing Areas?

Free round trip shuttles will run to and from designated parking and viewing areas from 3:00pm to 10:00pm on July 4^th.

Shuttles are equipped with lifts to accommodate persons with disabilities.

Closures:

Roads:

· Lihiwai Street from Banyan Drive near Coconut Island to Old Isles parking lot, 2:00 am on July 4 to 10:00 a.m. on July 5.

· Bayfront Highway from Waianuenue Avenue to Wailoa Bridge, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on July 4. (No parking allowed all day.)

· Pauahi Street from Kamehameha Ave. to Bayfront Highway, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on July 4.

· Access will be restricted to Bishop Street and Piopio Street July 4, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Why Are We Closing Bayfront Highway to Vehicle Traffic from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. on July 4^th?

To allow for better fireworks viewing and more viewing area on the roadways.
To ensure the safety of viewers/pedestrians by eliminating traffic.

Tents, canopies, alcohol and fireworks are prohibited.

Why No Tents or Canopies?

To prevent accidents and injuries due to fire.
To create safer and better fireworks viewing.
To allow emergency responders to reach people needing assistance.
Tents and canopies are prohibited in state parks.

Note: Several large public rest tents will be available in designated areas.

What About Restrooms? Along with permanent facilities, portable toilets will be located throughout the areas.

Please Keep Our Hilo Town Clean: In past years, over 11 tons of litter were left by people and volunteers pitched in to pick it up.

Trash bags will be distributed by Parks and Recreation personnel on July 4^th.
Dumpsters will be located throughout the areas. Please use them.

Contact List for Further Information:

For Traffic Closures and Parking questions: For Questions about County Park Activities:

Call: Community Policing at 961-8121 Call Roxcie Waltjen at 961-8706

For Questions about Tents and Canopies: For Questions about Shuttle Services:

Call Wayde Young at 974 6208 Call Tom Brown at 961-8343

Call Glenn Taguchi 974-6200

For Questions about Fireworks Rules:

Call Fire Inspector Jack Pacleb at 981-8370.

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COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

Driver’s Licensing, Vehicle Inspection Move to County Finance Dept July 1

Effective July 1, 2008, the Driver’s License and Periodic Motor Vehicle Inspection Sections of the Hawai`i County Police Department will be transferred to the Finance Department.

This move will enable police officers to focus more on law enforcement issues and other police duties, while providing the public with more convenient access to licensing and vehicle registration services.

Driver’s License and Periodic Motor Vehicle Inspections have joined forces with Vehicle Registration to create the new Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division. This division is not only responsible for the day-to-day activities of vehicle registrations, driver’s license and periodic motor vehicle inspections, but is also responsible for dog, bicycle and a few select business licenses.

Along with the main offices located in Hilo and Kailua-Kona, plans include opening “one-stop shops” in Pahoa and Waimea that will offer vehicle registration and driver’s license services. Citizens will be able to complete a driver license transaction and register a motor vehicle at these Pahoa and Waimea one-stop shops without travelling to Hilo or Kailua-Kona.

The Pahoa office will be part of the new Pahoa Police Station, but will have a separate entrance for the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division. In Waimea renovations are underway at the Parker Ranch Shopping Center for the new office. The opening dates for the “one-stop shops” are to be announced in the near future.

Limited driver licensing services will continue at the following locations: in North Kohala at the North Kohala Police Station, in Laupahoehoe at the Old Infirmary Building (at the other end of the building from the Marimed offices), and in Ka’u at the Na’alehu Police Station. Renewals, duplicates, written tests, permits, out-of-state transfers and road tests will be offered by appointment only. Phone numbers to schedule appointments will be posted at the offices and on the county website at www.co.hawaii.hi.us .

Ka`u Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning July 7, 2008 327-3580

Laupahoehoe Wednesdays beginning July 8, 2008 961-2323

North Kohala Fridays beginning July 11, 2008 887-3087

For further information, please contact Lee Lord, Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division at 961-8021.

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Computer/E-Waste Collection Day in Waiohinu Saturday, June 28

The County of Hawai‘i Department of Environmental Management announces a Computer/E-Waste Collection event in Waiohinu on Saturday, June 28, 2008, to help residents safely dispose of household generated electronic waste in Ka‘u.

This one-day event is free for residents only and will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Waiohinu Transfer Station/Recycling Center.

Materials accepted include:

Televisions
Computer Monitors
Computer Peripherals
Cell phones & Telephones
DVD players/VCRs
Inkjet, Laser & Toner Cartridges
Microwave Ovens
Fax Machines & Copiers
Digital Cameras
Printers
Laptops

PLEASE, NO business or agency generated electronic waste; these materials may be taken to our permanent e-waste collection sites. All electronics collected will be recycled in an environmentally friendly method. Call 969-2012 for more information.

Brought to you by the County of Hawai‘i Department of Environmental Management, Recycle Hawai‘i and Bayside Computer Shop. Mahalo for your cooperation and for helping protect our environment.

For more information on Recycling in Hawai’i County, call our infoline at 961-5044.

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Fireworks Permits to be Issued Beginning June 29

Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira announced that fireworks permits will be issued beginning Sunday, June 29, at various locations island-wide for the upcoming 4^th of July celebration.

The sites are:

· Fire Administration Office located at the Puainako Center, 2100 Kanoelehua Avenue, Room C-5 (next to Checkers) in Hilo, between June 30 and July 3 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily; and

· Kona Fire Prevention Bureau office at the Kona Service Center, Hanama Place, 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 109, Kailua-Kona (between June 30 and July 3 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily).

Firecracker permits will also be sold beginning Sunday, June 29^th at:

Pinky’s
Puna Fresh Foods

For updated permit sales locations, call 981-8320.

Each permit, which costs $25.00, will entitle the holder to purchase 5,000 count firecrackers. Permits will be issued to a person 18 years of age or older and are non-transferable and non-refundable. Setting off of fireworks is allowable only between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on July 4^th. Permits should be visibly displayed at the site of use on the day at the time of the firing.

Persons who fail to follow all rules and regulations may have their permit revoked.

Chief Oliveira reminds the public that it is illegal for anyone to:

Remove the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any fireworks;
Throw fireworks from a moving vehicle;
Set off any fireworks:

At any time not within the time periods as permitted;
Within 1,000 feet of any operating hospital, nursing home, home for the elderly or animal hospital;
In any school building or on any school grounds and yards on any occasion; and
On any highway, alley, street, sidewalk or other public way; in any park, or within 1,000 feet of a church during the periods when services are held.

It is illegal for any person to offer for sale, sell, or give any fireworks to minors, and for any minor to possess, purchase, sell, or set off, ignite, or otherwise cause to explode any fireworks, except under the immediate supervision of an adult.

The Hawaii Fire Department also asks everyone to do their part to prevent fires and injuries caused by fireworks:

Please use care when setting off fireworks.
Children playing with fireworks must be under adult supervision. Even the smallest of fireworks can cause serious injuries.
Fireworks should be set off in a safe area away from any dry grass or flammable materials.
Dispose of used fireworks properly, and have water or a fire extinguisher on hand in case of a fire.

Permits are not required for novelties and paperless firecrackers.

Fireworks sales will not begin until June 29, 2008.

There will be July 4 public fireworks displays at:

Coconut Island in Hilo at 8:00 p.m.
Old Kona Airport or Oneo Bay in Kailua-Kona at 8:00 p.m.
Queens Marketplace in Waikoloa at 8:30 p.m.

For more information on purchasing fireworks permits, or the use of fireworks, please call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 981-8370 (Hilo) or 327-3546 (Kona).

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Hilo Bay Water Quality Study Informational Meeting on Wednesday, July 2

The Department of Public Works and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will present their draft report of the Hilo Bay Water Quality Study at a public informational meeting, Wednesday, July 2, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Mokupapapa Discovery Center in the Hata Building in Downtown Hilo.

In 2007, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the County of Hawaii held an informational meeting on the Hilo Bay Water Quality Study.

Residents who participated as volunteers and contributed to the Hilo Bay Watershed Public Input in 2003 are encouraged to attend.

Copies of the report will be available when the final report is published.

Milton Yoshimoto, Project Manager and Thomas Smith, Study Technical Manager along with personnel from the USACE Engineering Research and Development Center will be representing USACE and Dr. Tracy Wiegner (Assistant Professor of Marine Science) of the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo.

For details about the informational meeting, contact Milton Yoshimoto, by e-mail at Milton.T.Yoshimoto@usace.army.mil or call Galen Kuba at the Department of Public Works at 961-8422.

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Nominations Sought for 2008 Women’s Hall of Fame – Deadline August 14

The Hawaii County Committee on the Status of Women is seeking nominations for the fifth annual Women’s Hall of Fame awards to be announced at a banquet on September 6, 2008 at the Hilton Waikoloa Village Water’s Edge Ballroom.

Nominees must be a woman residing in the County of Hawaii who has made contributions and is committed to community service, is an outstanding role model to women and children, exemplifies high moral character and conduct and embodies excellence or has made significant contributions in her field of endeavor.

Nominations should be in narrative form no more than two typed pages, describing the nominee and why she should be considered for the County of Hawaii Women’s Hall of Fame. No more than five additional pages of supporting documentation (resume, curriculum vitae, news articles, letters of support) may be submitted.

The deadline for nominations is August 14, 2008.

Please contact Jean Viernes at 961-8211 or Nancy Kelly at 934-3315 for a nomination form or for further information. Completed form and narrative can be mailed to: Jean Viernes, Committee on the Status of Women at 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, HI 96720; dropped off at the Mayor’s Office, 891 Ululani Street, Hilo; or faxed to 961-6553.

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Tire Ban at County Landfills and Transfer Stations

The Department of Environmental Management would like to advise the public that effective Thursday, June 26, 2008, pursuant to County of Hawai`i Ordinance No. 07-182, the County will prohibit the disposal of tires whether whole, cut, sliced, chipped, or shredded at both Sanitary Landfills and Island Wide Transfer Stations.

Please note that the County of Hawai`i is not collecting residential generated tires and is not accepting tires at the scrap metal yards in Hilo and Kona.

Residents needing to dispose of tires should contact Arizumi Tire Disposal or Leo’s Recycle, Inc. For residents purchasing new tires through a retailer, the tires being replaced should be left with the retailer.

For community clean up projects, please submit a request for County assistance to the Director of the Department of Environmental Management, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, HI 96720.

For more information on how you can dispose of tires, please call Mike Dworsky, Solid Waste Division Chief at 961-8515.

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Puapua‘anui Road, a Mauka-Makai Connector in Kona, Opens to the Public

Motorists traveling mauka-makai between Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway and Hualalai Road have an optional route since the opening of Puapua‘anui Road on Wednesday, June 18.

The opening of the road was made possible by grants of easement from two developers, who will dedicate ownership of their respective portions of the road to the County of Hawai`i. The two developers are Schuler Homes, developers of Pualani Estates, the makai portion of the road, and International Development Projects, Ltd., developers of Hualalai Heights, the mauka portion.

This is the second North Kona connector road to open since December 2006. Lako Street is taking some of the traffic burden from the north to south flow on Kuakini Highway.

The mauka-to-makai connectors of Puapua‘anui Road and Lako Street are part of a County plan to ease traffic congestion in Kona. The plan is based on the “Keahole to Honaunau Circulation Plan” study commissioned by the County in 2000.

In November 2006, the County opened Ili‘Ili and Ki‘eki‘e streets connecting Kona Coast View with Kona Palisades. In 2005, Nana and Holoholo streets were opened between these two subdivisions.

The County administration has identified five other connector roads in North Kona, including the Lako Street Extension from Kuakini Highway to Ali‘i Drive and the La‘aloa Avenue Extension from Ali‘i Drive to Kuakini Highway.

For more information, please call the Department of Public Works at (808) 961-8321 Monday-Friday 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After hours, (808) 557-6437. Or visit www.co.hawaii.hi.us . Click on Public Works.

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County of Hawai`i Seeks Citizens to Work as Election Day Officials

Assisting your neighbors and fellow citizens as an Election Day official is a fun, challenging, and rewarding experience. This is your opportunity to volunteer your services to the community, and at the same time gain first-hand knowledge and experience in the electoral process.

Need A Fundraiser?

This is an excellent opportunity for your non-profit organization. Not only does your organization earn money, you are getting involved and participating in the electoral process.

When are the Elections?

2008 Primary Election: Saturday, September 20, 2008
2008 General Election: Tuesday, November 4, 2008

How Long Will I Be Working?

The polls are open from 7am to 6pm; however, precinct officials start at 5:30 am and end at 7 pm.

What Are The Minimum Qualifications?

Each precinct official must meet all of the following requirements:

Be at least 16 years old on or before June 30, 2008.
Be a registered voter in the State of Hawaii.
Able to read and write English.
Able to lift 25-35 pounds.
Attend a training session and pass a certification exam.

Will I Be Paid?

Yes. The compensation rates for each election worked for the 2008 Elections are:

Chairperson $115 - $175
Voter Asst. Official $100
Precinct Official $85
Facility Official $60 - $140

Every Vote Counts and So Does Your Help!

For information or to serve as an Election Day Official, please contact the County of Hawaii Elections Division Precinct Line at 933-1591.

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Hawai`i Island Community Group Collects Backpacks for our Homeless Neighbors

Now that school is ending for the summer, many students will be discarding their backpacks and then purchasing new ones at the start of the next school year. The Hawaii Island Leadership Series (Ulumau), a community group with members islandwide, hopes to take advantage of that with a drive to collect backpacks to donate to the homeless population of our island.

Why does this group want to give backpacks to the homeless?

Backpacks were determined to be among the items homeless individuals need most.

How many homeless people are there on this island?

The state commissioned a study, which found that in 2007 the Island of Hawai`i had 1,290 homeless individuals, including 688 in families with children. While the overall homeless population dropped two percent on the Island of Hawaii between 2005 to 2007, the number of unsheltered chronically homeless rose 25 percent, according to the 2007 Point-in-Time Count, published by the state’s Hawai`i Public Housing Authority Homeless Programs Branch.

Do any of the unsheltered homeless include children?

Yes. The unsheltered individuals in families with children numbered 534, while the number of sheltered individuals in families with children was 154.

How do I donate a backpack?

You may drop it off either with a School Resource Officer at your school or at any police station on the island. The Hawaii Island Leadership Series (Ulumau) is partnering with the Office for Social Ministries, which will distribute the backpacks to homeless persons in need.

What is The Hawaii Island Leadership Series (Ulumau)?

It is an organization of government and community members who work to provide leadership for confronting the needs of the community. For more information please go to www.ulumau.org .

What do I do if I have any questions about this initiative?

You may call Deputy Police Chief Harry Kubojiri at 961-2244 or Brandee Cachola Menino, Homeless Programs Manager for the Office for Social Ministries, at 935-3050, extension 113.

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County Seeks Applicants for Two Vacancies on Ethics Board

The County of Hawai`i is seeking applicants for two immediate vacancies on the Board of Ethics. The Board has a total of five at-large members (not pegged to Council districts), so anyone can apply.

The Board of Ethics is one of the major boards in our County, vested with tremendous responsibility.

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 .

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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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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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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 (HDOT) advises Big Island motorists that paving work continues from Palani Road to Makala Boulevard and next from Makala Boulevard to Police Station Road, in the two out-bound lanes. 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 the summer.

The meeting place is accessible for persons with disabilities. Persons who need special accommodations for this meeting should call 329-5226.

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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Federal Govt Assistance for Consumers to Convert to Digital TV

The following information comes from Mary Lou Kenny, the Partnership Manager for the TV Converter Box Coupon Program being managed by the US Department of Commerce/National Telecommunications & Information Administration.

After February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations will broadcast only in digital. More than 20 million households have a television set receiving over-the-air (analog) signals. About 13.5 million of these households rely on over-the-air broadcast to receive their TV programs while another 9 million households have cable and satellite service but also have at least one broadcast-only television set in the house.

Why is the digital transition happening?

Broadcasters are transitioning to digital to provide important benefits to consumers. Because digital broadcasting is more efficient, broadcasters require less of the airwaves to provide a better television viewing experience.

Once the DTV transition is completed, some television channels will be turned over to fire and police departments for emergency communication and others will be auctioned to companies to provide new wireless services.

Who relies on over-the-air TV?

Individuals who on average are more reliant on over-the-air television include:

Seniors
The economically disadvantaged
Rural residents
Minorities
People with disabilities.

Federal program offers financial assistance to make the conversion to digital TV

There is a Federal Government financial assistance program designed to help consumers make the digital transition.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is operating the TV Converter Box Coupon Program at the direction of Congress.

Since the program began on January 1, 2008 Hawai`i consumers have applied for 13,787 coupons, but that is a small portion of those who need assistance.

What is the DTV Converter Coupon program?

The DTV Converter Coupon Program is the only program designed to ensure that every household continues to receive television service after the conversion to digital transmission.

For many people, television is more than simply entertainment. For seniors and the homebound, it is a social network and in many cases provides lifeline services.

Recent immigrants use it both for education and as a tool to learn English. All of us use it in weather emergencies to plan for the safety of our families and property.

In emergencies and disasters, television is a national unifier. We want the Hawai`i County community to know that financial assistance is available to make the conversion and maintain your existing television service.

February 17, 2009 is when the switchover to digital TV happens

Consumers who use “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna with an analog television need to take action before February 17, 2009, to continue receiving television broadcasts.

Will my TV work after February 17, 2009?

Analog television sets receiving free TV using an antenna will not work after February 17, 2009. Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay TV service will need to take action before February 17, 2009, to ensure their TV sets continue to work.

What is a TV converter box?

A TV converter box is a new product available in early 2008 that plugs into your analog TV and, along with your antenna, will keep your analog set working after February 17, 2009. A TV converter box is a one-time purchase and is expected to cost between $50 and $70. A TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box from this program.

How do I install a TV converter box?

Converter boxes plug into TV sets, either in the back or front, depending on your TV. You will still need your antenna, which works with the TV converter box.

Each TV converter box will come with installation instructions from the manufacturer. You should be able to install the converter box using the instructions provided by the manufacturer. For specific questions, you should ask your retailer or call the manufacturer’s technical support hotline. A generic “Quick Start Guide” and installation video are available at www.DigitalTips.org .

How does the TV Converter Box Coupon program work?

The Federal Government created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009.

The Program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes. Consumers must complete and submit an application to receive the coupons.

Where Can I Apply for the Coupon?

By phone: 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009)

TTY: 1-877-530-2634

Online: www.DTV2009.gov

By mail: DTV-2009, P.O. Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000.

Where can I find the information about applying for the TV converter box coupons?

You can visit the website that includes all the materials you will need to inform your members about the transition and how to apply for the coupon. Please visit the partner section at www.DTV2009.gov .

Or for more information, please contact:

Kathie Klass, Ombudsman

Television Converter Coupon Program

National Telecommunications & Information Administration

Department of Commerce

1-(202) 482-4728

KKlass@ntia.doc.gov

For Frequently Asked Questions about the Coupon Program, visit www.DTV2009.gov .

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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
Laupahoehoe Transfer Station	1	Fence and gate installation, in progress
Hilo Regional Transfer Stations	1,2,3,4,5,6	In progress
Kona Regional Transfer Stations	6,7,8	In progress
Ka`auhuhu Transfer Station	9	Earthquake repairs, contract awarded
Kalapana Transfer Station	5	Fence repair, out to bid
Waimea Transfer Station	9	Kiholo Bay earthquake repairs, out to bid

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

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