7/25/08 Weekly Report: Pana`ewa Zoo & Gardens Celebrates 30th Anniversary Saturday, July 26

Hilo’s County-operated zoo is one of many special recreation areas on the Island of Hawai`i. You are cordially invited to visit the zoo, where admission is free and there’s so much to explore and enjoy.

The Pana`ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens will be celebrating its 30^th anniversary on Saturday July 26, 2008 with music, food, games, crafts and prizes. Come to the Zoo for a wonderful family day with our unique collection of animals and plants.

Did you know…?

The precursor to the Pana`ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens was the Hawai`i County Zoo in Keaukaha’s Onekahakaha Park. This small zoo was in operation right by the ocean from 1969 to 1978.

The animals were donated to the County from the Honolulu Municipal Zoo to create a temporary petting zoo: goats, donkeys, peacocks, pigs, turtles, raccoon, gibbon, “Tuffy” the lion and “Rambo” the Shetland pony.

30 years ago…

The Pana`ewa Rainforest Zoo opened at its current location in September 1978, with Dr. Jim Juvik (now of University of Hawai`i at Hilo) as its first director.

The zoo covers 12 acres, and is home to more than 80 species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds from the rainforest areas of Central and South America, Asia and Africa as well as Hawaiian native birds.

The other rare creatures include Sloths, whistling tree ducks, toucans, lemurs and a pair of giant anteaters, Spike and his girlfriend Penny Ant-E.

In addition to exotic animals the Zoo has native Hawaiian creatures. Hawaiian Gallinules, Hawaiian Hawk and Nene (Hawai`i’s state bird) are on exhibit.

The Hawaiian Forest Bird Aviary was completed in January 2007 and has a pair of `i`iwi, an `apapane, and will soon have an `amakahi flying around the tree ferns and `ohia. It may be a little hard to see them through the protective netting which protects the birds from mosquitoes carrying avian malaria. But this may be most people’s best opportunity to see these endemic birds.

What makes it unique?

It is the only natural tropical rainforest zoo in the United States.

Rainforests are the oldest ecosystem on earth and each animal or plant has developed unique methods of survival. For example, tiny dart frogs are able to survive as their bright colors warn other animals that they are poisonous. And although Sloths are slow moving mammals in the forest canopy they are camouflaged with algae to blend in with the green leaves.

“& Gardens” added to the zoo’s name

In 2006, the name was changed to “Pana`ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens.” This reflects the extensive plant collection, which includes bamboos, palms, Vireyas (tropical rhododendrons), orchids and the water garden with its water lilies.

Namaste the tiger’s arrival

One of the milestones of the zoo’s history was the arrival in 1999 of Namaste the white Bengal tiger, donated to the zoo by a Las Vegas magician.

Namaste holds court in his own 1.5-acre enclosure which features a swamp where he loves to swim, scratching posts and a tetherball. He currently weighs in at over 500 pounds. He marks his 10^th birthday on October 4.

If you visit at 3:30 p. m. you can watch Namaste feeding on his dinner.

Petting Zoo barn

Ka Hale Holoholona, the Petting Zoo barn, opened in 2001 for the first of its weekly Saturday sessions.

A Petting Zoo is open on Saturdays from 1:30 to 2:30 pm. In addition to farm animals, Hawaiian Hawk, a Nene, Mongoose and Jill the Black Swan are part of the Petting Zoo.

Primadome makes debut

The zoo’s open-air domed enclosure, the Primadome, was opened in 2004. This very popular attraction is the daytime playground for four Black-handed Spider Monkeys. The Primadome is complete with a tree and swinging vines. (They are really used fire hoses and the monkeys love them).

When is a good time to check out the Primadome?

The monkeys happily enter the dome at 9:30 and return to their night house at 3:15, much to the delight of visitors. Other primates include Capuchins, Lemurs and Squirrel monkeys.

Free admission to the zoo all year round

Admission to our zoo is free. The zoo is a public facility under the administration of the County of Hawai`i’s Department of Parks and Recreation. We get a lot of help from our volunteer friends, The Friends of the Zoo.

Where is the zoo and when can I visit?

The zoo is located off the Volcano-bound side of Highway 11, about four miles from downtown Hilo. Follow the signs saying Pana’ewa Zoo and Gardens.

The zoo is open every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Christmas and New Year’s Day.

The zoo is very user friendly

We know that because the guest book at the zoo gates is full of positive feedback from visitors, who hail from near and far.

Bring a picnic lunch and relax in the tranquil beauty of the gardens.

If it rains, no worries. Bring an umbrella and enjoy. After all, it is a Rainforest.

Make sure you come to celebrate the 30^th anniversary of our wonderful zoo!

To get information on the fun things to do at the zoo? Check out www.hilozoo.com and click on the Zoo Calendar.

For further information, call the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens at 959-9233 or check out www.hilozoo.com .

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COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

Community Emergency Response Team Training Aug 2, 9, 23, 30

The communities of Waimea and North Hawaii are invited to attend an upcoming series of Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) trainings in Waimea. This series of workshops will be offered on four Saturdays, August 2, 9, 23, and 30th.

CERT Training consists of 27 hours of training in which participants learn about emergency response procedures and understand their roles and functions in the event of a major disaster that affects their community.

The goal of CERT Training is for emergency personnel to train residents, community organizations or workplaces in basic response skills: how to assess damage after a disaster, effectively work as team with other community members, extinguish small fires, and perform basic rescue operations and first aid.

WHEN AND WHERE:

Four Saturdays, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Waimea Civic Center, 67-5189 Kamamalu Street.

Trained individuals may choose to form a Community Emergency Response Team in their neighborhood or workplace. After completing CERT requirements, Team members are recognized as an official CERT, and will be activated by the Hawaii County Civil Defense agency in the event of a disaster.

These hands-on workshops will be conducted by certified CERT instructors of the Hawaii Fire Department. Registration is limited to 30 participants. The program fee is sponsored by the County of Hawaii, which covers the workshops and CERT Training manual.

To register for the training workshops, visit www.hcrc.info/disaster-preparedness, or contact Frecia Basilio, Hawaii County Resource Center at 961-8085.

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Affordable Workforce Housing at Kamakoa -- Home Applications Available

Work is underway at Kamakoa at Waikoloa, the new affordable workforce housing project in West Hawai`i. Preliminary home applications are now available for island residents interested in owning a home at Kamakoa.

Isemoto Contracting began work on June 13 at the site which is located north of and adjacent to Waikoloa Village in South Kohala.

Phase 1A of Kamakoa is expected to include 65 single family homes, 50 townhouses, 23 bungalows and a community center. Models of the homes are expected to be ready in mid-2009.

Around 1,200 units – for-sale and rentals – are planned over a five to seven year time frame as part of this new West Hawaii community.

This spring WWH held several informational meetings with resort workers to pre-qualify them for home sales. Preliminary home applications for Kamakoa are available at the Waikoloa Workforce Housing office in Hilo at 56 Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720. Please call 935-7755 or go online at www.Kamakoa.com .

Initiated by the County of Hawai`i, Kamakoa at Waikoloa is being developed by Waikoloa Workforce Housing (WWH), LLC. WWH is a non-profit organization established by the Hawai`i Island Housing Trust for the planning, financing, development, and management of the Kamakoa project.

WHH’s mission for Kamakoa is to create a sustainable community that responds to the affordable housing needs of the West Hawai`i workforce community. Its goal is to provide a varied selection of housing at below market prices, while maintaining the highest quality of design and construction. Waikoloa area resort employees and public sector workers will be given highest consideration for this housing.

WWH is being assisted in the development of Kamakoa by UniDev Hawai`i, LLC, a company that has assisted other states, counties, and universities in meeting their workforce housing needs through the development of exemplary communities.

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Kokua Kailua – Enjoy Concerts and Shop, Dine, Buy Local in Kailua Village

The community is cordially invited to support our Kailua Village merchants and neighbors by shopping, dining and buying local products in Kailua Village, while enjoying the unique ambience of our West Hawai`i town by the sea. Kokua Kailua!

While you’re in Kailua Village, come to the Hulihe`e Palace Sunday Concert Series, featuring free Hawaiian music concerts featuring local musicians and artists on the Hulihe`e Palace south lawn at 4:00 p.m. the following Sundays:

July 20
August 24
September 21
October 19
November 16
December 21

For your comfort, bring your own beach mat or chair.

After the concert, take a stroll through Kailua Village and enjoy our outdoor cafés and restaurants, with special kama`aina pricing at participating restaurants and merchants.

Kokua Kailua is sponsored by the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Destination Kona Coast, Kailua Village Business Improvement District and Kailua Village Merchants Association.

For more info: www.kvbid.org .

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County Elections Division Seeks Precinct Officials for Primary, General Elections

The County of Hawai`i Elections Division is looking for fellow citizens to act as precinct officials during our upcoming primary and general elections. Assisting your neighbors and fellow citizens to vote 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.

This is an excellent opportunity for your nonprofit organization. Not only does your organization earn money, you are getting involved and participating in the electoral process. Requirements to participate are:

Each participant must meet the minimum qualifications.
Each organization shall not be a political action committee or organized for a political purpose.
A completed Tax Clearance Application for each organization.
A signed Memorandum of Agreement for each organization.
A completed recruitment worksheet for each organization.

When are the elections?

Primary Election: Saturday, September 20, 2008

General Election: Tuesday, November 4, 2008

How long will I be working?

The polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., however precinct officials start at 5:30 a.m. and end at 7:00 p.m.

What are the minimum qualifications?

Each precinct official must meet all of the following requirements:

Be 16 years old on or before June 30, 2008.
Be a registered voter in the State of Hawaii.
Able to read 11 point font and write English.
Able to lift 25-35 pounds.
Attend a training session and pass a certification exam.

What will I Be Doing?

Each polling place consists of a Chairperson, Voter Assistance Official(s) (VAOs), and Precinct Officials (POs).

Precinct Chairperson’s Responsibilities and Duties:

Manages the polling place and is responsible for the security and integrity of ballots issued and votes cast.
Assists voters and administers special procedures.
Organizes and supervises precinct officials and voter activity.
Ensures that all election procedures are correctly followed.
Receives the Supply Box before each election.
Maintains inventory and control of all election materials.
Completes all Election Day documents correctly.

Voter Assistance Official (VAO) Responsibilities and Duties:

Assists the Chairperson in managing the polling place.
Operates the Voter Assistance Station.
Assists voters and administers special procedures.
Assists the Chairperson in completing all Election Day documents.
Assists the Chairperson with miscellaneous duties.

Precinct Official (PO) Responsibilities and Duties:

Operates the following stations at the polling place:
- Information and Ballot Demonstration Station
- Poll Book Station
- Ballot Issuing Station
- Ballot Box Station
Assists voters with Election Day questions.
Assists the Chairperson and/or Voter Assistance Official (VAO) with miscellaneous duties.

How will I know what to do on Primary and Election Day?

Everyone is required to attend at least one 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 – Rates are based on the unit size of the polling place. The unit size is based on the registered voter count in each precinct.

• for one-unit precinct..............................$115

• for two-unit precinct...............................$130

• for three-unit precinct............................$145

• for four-unit precinct..............................$160

Voter Assistance Official.....................$100

Precinct Official.......................…...........$85

Please call The Hawaii County Elections Division at 933-1591 for more information.

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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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County Info Meetings on Housing Programs to Boost Home Ownership

The County of Hawaii – Office of Housing and Community Development will be holding informational meetings for 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.

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

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

The meetings are scheduled for:

WHEN: Tuesday, October 7, 2008. Sessions are at 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: Pahoa Community Center.

WHEN: Thursday, October 16, 2008. Sessions are at 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: 1990 Kinoole Street, Ste. 104, Hilo.

WHEN: Monday, October 20, 2008. Sessions are at 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: 1990 Kinoole Street, Ste. 104, Hilo.

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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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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 and 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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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 .