8/15/08 Weekly Report: Elections 2008

This year we will be voting to decide the next President of the United States, the U.S. Representative to Congress, two State Senate seats for Districts 1 & 3, all State House seats, one Board of Education Member, one Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee, the Mayor, County Council and Prosecuting Attorney.

This article is aimed at answering some of the questions our Hawai`i County voters may have concerning the upcoming elections.

Why is the primary election on September 20, 2008 so important?

All County electoral races are nonpartisan. Some of these races may be decided in the primary election. Any candidate who receives a majority of the votes cast (50 percent, plus one vote) is elected outright.

That means the primary could be the deciding election for the mayoral or County Council races. If a voter chooses to vote in the general election only, it may be too late to have a say in who will represent them at the County level.

Some voters are unaware that the mayoral election and County Council elections are nonpartisan. What does that mean?

Candidates for mayor and County Council no longer declare their party affiliation at the time of filing their nomination papers. Their party affiliation doesn’t appear on the ballots, and the candidates’ names appear on a special nonpartisan ballot. This change was mandated by a County Charter amendment adopted by voters in the 2000 election.

You must be registered in order to vote

The County Elections Division urges you to be sure you are properly registered to vote, and that the division has your most current information. If you have moved or changed your name since the last election, you must re-register.

If you did not receive a yellow voter notification card in the mail, please call the Elections Division at 961-8277. This is so you will not experience delays on Election Day.

The deadline to register for the primary is Thursday, August 21.

The deadline to register for the general election is Monday, October 6.

Who May Register to Vote?

You may register to vote if you are:

A citizen of the United States of America;
A legal resident of Hawaii; and
At least 18 years of age.

Pre-registration: Hawai`i laws allow U.S. citizens to pre-register at age sixteen (16), but must be eighteen (18) years old by Election Day to vote.

How can voters register for the September 20 primary and the general election coming up on Tuesday, November 4?

You can pick up voter registration forms at the Hawaii County Elections Office, Hilo Ironworks Building, 1266 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo, HI 96720. Call: Toll Free: 1-800-345-5915 or 961-8277.

Also at:

Kona Mayor’s Office, Hanama Place 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Ste. 103, Kailua-Kona 329-5226
U.S. Post Offices
All public libraries
All state agencies

There are satellite voter registration stations around the island. Voters may call the Elections Division at 961-8277 to find out the most convenient location for them.

You can also get a voter registration form from the Hawaiian Telcom phone directory.

Or you can download a voter registration form by going to www.hawaii.gov/elections .

Do You Need to Re-Register?

You must re-register if you have changed your address or changed your name.

Complete an Affidavit on Application for Voter Registration by mail or in-person at your City or County Clerk.
Your voter registration record will be updated upon receipt of a properly completed affidavit.

For further information on elections, call 961-8277. Or visit the Elections Division webpage by going to www.co.hawaii.hi.us . Click on Elections.

(go to Contents)

What’s Involved in Building your Own Home -- County Brochure

A new brochure and upgraded online services by the Department of Public Works make it a bit easier for anyone interested in knowing what’s involved in building their own home.

The brochure is a quick read. Bullet points list the steps the homeowner must take, from submitting house plans to the required inspections and when to call to request an inspection.

The brochure is available at hardware stores around the island as well as the Public Works Kona and Hilo offices. This Guide to Building a House is available at: Ikeuchi B & Sons in Honoka’a; J&J Hardware, Trojan Lumber, Home Depot stores, HPM stores, Ace Hardware stores, and at Hawaii True Value in Volcano Village, and the General Store in Kea’au.

Downloadable building permit worksheets are available online and help to make the permit process a bit simpler, and online answers to frequently asked questions guide the user through the application process. To download the worksheet, County building codes and other permit information go to http://co.hawaii.hi.us/permits/permits.htm .

The Building Division also offers an online service to access building, plumbing, and electrical permit information for active and completed permits from 1980 to today. Details such as the date the permit was issued, the contractor’s name and the description of the work performed appear in the report. Information is updated weekly.

To generate a permit inquiry, go to www.co.hawaii.hi.us , click on Real Property Tax, then click on Real Property Tax Site.

Once you’re there, click on Property Search, then click on Parcel Number. Type in the TMK number and click “Search.”

Click on the parcel ID #, then on the icon Generate a Permit Report. Details and a summary of permits that pertain to this TMK will appear. (The information takes a few minutes to download.)

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., or after hours at (808) 557-6437.

(go to Contents)

COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

Apply for Mail-In Absentee Ballot for Primary by Sept. 13

One of the most convenient ways to cast your vote in the upcoming Primary and General Elections is by absentee voting. Registered voters in Hawai`i may apply for a mail-in absentee ballot now. Please note that the deadline to apply for a mail-in absentee ballot for the Primary Election is Saturday, September 13 at 4:30 pm.

Please remember, you must be registered to be allowed to vote. Here are two more key deadlines:

2008 Primary Election Voter Registration Deadline: August 21, 2008.
2008 General Election Voter Registration Deadline: October 6, 2008.

What is absentee voting?

Absentee voting is designed to make voting more convenient for voters. Any registered voter may request to vote absentee, either:

In person
or By mail

How do I vote by absentee ballot?

In Person

Walk-in absentee polling places in Hawai`i County are located at:

Hilo -The Elections Division in the Hilo Iron Works Building
Kona - The Elections Satellite Office in the Ali`i Plaza (at the corner Hualalai and Kuakini across from Union 76 station)
Pahoa – The Pahoa Market Place
Kohala – The North Kohala District Courthouse
Waimea – The Waimea Community Center
Pahala – The Pahala Community Center

Please contact the Hawai`i County Elections Office at 961-8277 to find your nearest Walk-In Absentee Polling place.

When does in-person absentee voting take place this year?

2008 Primary Election: from September 8 through September 18, 2008

2008 General Election: from October 21 through November 1, 2008

What should I do to get an absentee ballot by mail?

To vote an absentee ballot by mail you may do one of the following:

Write to request an Application for Absentee Ballot:

Hawaii County Elections Office

Hilo Ironworks Building, 1266 Kamehameha Ave., A-1, Hilo, HI 96720

Or call: 961-8277 (or the Neighbor Islands toll-free number: 1-800-345-5915)

Note: This information is available in alternate formats. If you require special assistance (i.e., large print, taped materials, etc.) please call 961-8277 (or the Neighbor Islands toll-free number: 1-800-345-5915).

Write a letter of request to Hawaii County Elections Office your request must include the following information:

Name under which you are registered to vote
Address as registered
Birth Date
Social Security Number
Election(s) in which you intend to vote absentee: Primary, General or both elections.
Address to which your ballot should be mailed (for each election you are requesting an absentee ballot), if different from registered address.
Your signature

Applications for Absentee Ballots shall be mailed to: Hawaii County Elections Office, Hilo Ironworks Building, 1266 Kamehameha Ave., A-1, Hilo, HI 96720

Applications are also available at the following locations:

Hawaii State Libraries
Office of Election’s website at www.hawaii.gov/elections .
At 23 Satellite locations islandwide. Please see www.co.hawaii.hi.us/elections/Satellite_VR_Locations.html
U. S. Post Offices

And you can go online to download an Absentee Ballot application at http://hawaii.gov/elections/voters/voteabsentee.htm .

What are the deadlines for Absentee Ballot applications/requests?

Absentee Applications/requests will be accepted:

2008 Primary Election: from July 22, 2008 through Saturday, September 13, 2008

2008 General Election: from October 2, 2008 through Tuesday, October 28, 2008

All absentee ballots must be received by the clerk issuing the ballots no later than the close of polls on Election Day.

For more information, please contact:

Hawaii County Elections Office

Hilo Ironworks Building, 1266 Kamehameha Ave., A-1, Hilo, HI 96720

Call: Toll Free: 1-800-345-5915 or 961-8277

Or you can go to www.hawaii.gov/elections .

(go to Contents)

Hawaii Farmers Urged to Apply for 2008 Crop Year Disaster Assistance

The following information is courtesy of the Hilo branch of the Farm Service Agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This program is geared to help farmers who have sustained crop losses during the 2008 crop year.

Overview of the Buy-In for Disaster Assistance Programs

On June 18, 2008, the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill) was enacted into Public Law 110-246. This Act amended the Trade Act of 1974 to create five new disaster programs, collectively referred to as Supplemental Agriculture Disaster Assistance programs. Those programs include:

Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP)
Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP)
Livestock Indemnity Program* (LIP)
Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE) Program
Tree Assistance Program (TAP)

To be eligible for these programs, producers must purchase at least catastrophic risk protection (CAT) level of crop insurance for all insurable crops and/or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage for non-insurable crops.

For the 2008 crop year only -- how the Buy-In works

For the 2008 crop year only, producers who were eligible to obtain at least CAT level crop insurance or NAP, but did not, can “buy-in” to be eligible to participate in the applicable Supplemental Agriculture Disaster Assistance programs by paying the administrative fee that would have been applicable if the producer had timely applied for CAT or NAP.

Deadline to pay Buy-In fee is September 16, 2008

The 2008 Act allows producers to pay a “buy-in fee” at their administrative county Farm Service Agency office by the deadline date of Sept. 16, 2008.

The buy-in fees do not provide any CAT crop insurance coverage or NAP coverage but do allow producers to gain eligibility to participate in the applicable Supplemental Agriculture Disaster Assistance programs.

How to “Buy-In”

All producers who wish to become eligible in 2008 for the Supplemental Agriculture Disaster Assistance programs must visit their administrative county FSA office and fill out form CCC-752 and/or form CCC-753. The county offices will determine the appropriate buy-in fee required.

The deadline for the buy-in is Sept. 16, 2008.

Call your Farm Service Agency office in Hilo at 933-8340, 933-8341 or 933-8335 for more information.

How much is the Buy-in Fee?

The 2008 Buy-in Fees for CAT and NAP Covered Crops are as follows:

$100 per crop, but not more than $300 per producer per county, or $900 total per producer, for all counties, less any previously paid fees for CAT and/or NAP.

These fees and limits apply separately to both CAT and NAP covered crops.

Therefore, producers may be required to pay buy-in fees under both CAT and NAP to meet whole farm eligibility requirements for the new disaster programs of SURE, ELAP and TAP.

For more information, please call the Farm Service Agency at 933-8340, 933-8341 or 933-8335.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for Supplemental Agriculture Disaster Assistance Programs?

Eligibility for the SURE, (Supplemental Revenue Assistance Programs), TAP (Tree Assistance Programs) and ELAP (Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-Raised Fish):

Producers must obtain a crop insurance policy for each insurable commodity, and Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage for each non-insurable commodity on the farm to be eligible for assistance under SURE, TAP, and ELAP.

What qualifies as a farm under these assistance programs?

In the 2008 Farm Bill; in general, the term “farm” means the sum of all crop acreage in all counties that is planted or intended to be planted for harvest by the eligible producer.

In the case of aquaculture, the term “farm” means all fish being produced in all counties that are intended to be harvested for sale by the eligible producer.

In the case of honey, the term “farm” means all bees and beehives in all counties that are intended to be harvested for a honey crop by the eligible producer.

Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP)

Producers must timely obtain a crop insurance policy for insured crops or timely file the required paperwork for NAP for the grazed land.

Any insurance already purchased to meet the eligibility requirements for these programs must be at a minimum level of 50 percent yield coverage and at 55 percent of the insurable price.

Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP)

The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) is exempt from the risk management purchase requirement and therefore, does not require a waiver.

The background of the Buy-In program

For the 2008 crop year, the deadline to apply for crop insurance and NAP passed prior to enactment of the 2008 Farm Bill. As a result, when the requirement to obtain insurance or NAP as a condition of eligibility for SURE, TAP, ELAP and LFP was enacted, many producers would have been excluded from eligibility.

Therefore, for the 2008 crop year only, producers who do not have all crops on the farm covered with the risk management protection programs of crop insurance and/or NAP and wish to be eligible for the SURE, TAP, and ELAP in 2008, or wish to have grazing acres eligible for LFP in 2008, can do so by paying the applicable buy-in fee by Sept. 16, 2008.

Note: Payment of the fees will NOT provide crop insurance coverage or NAP eligibility.

How the program works and what is covered

The Supplemental AG Disaster Program supplements our NAP (Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program). For the NAP program, crop damage from natural disasters such as the vog (sulfur dioxide emissions), heavy rains, flooding, drought, high winds, earthquake or frost triggers the claim process. The loss threshold that makes a farmer or rancher eligible for payment is 50 percent. The NAP works on what is planted in the ground as of the disaster. It is yield-based.

The SURE program is revenue-based and is calculated over the entire year for all crops. Any crop damaged by a natural event such as vog is eligible.

For example, Protea are badly affected by the vog from Kilauea Volcano.

Other examples include:

Fruits damaged by high winds.
Vegetables damaged by flooding.
Forage damaged by drought.
Virtually any vegetable, flower, foliage, fruit is eligible for coverage.

Important note:

Farmers and ranchers need to purchase the NAP insurance for the year 2009 to be eligible for the supplemental programs next year.

Waivers of the Buy-In fee for some producers

Producers who meet the definition of a Socially Disadvantaged, Limited Resource Producer, or Beginning Farmer or Rancher as defined in section 2501 (e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e)), do not have to meet this risk management purchase requirement and, therefore, are not required to pay the buy-in fee.

Definitions

A Socially Disadvantaged farmer or rancher is a farmer or rancher who is a member of a socially disadvantaged group. For entity applicants, all members of the entity must be socially disadvantaged. A Socially Disadvantaged Group is a group whose members have been subject to racial or ethnic prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities.

On Hawai`i Island, a majority of our farmers are social disadvantaged, so farmers are urged to call the Farm Service Agency at 933-8340, 933-8341 and 933-8335 to find out if their fee will be waived for the buy-in.

A Limited Resource Producer is a producer with both of the following:

Direct or indirect gross farm sales not more than $100,000 in both of the previous 2 years (as adjusted for inflation using Price Paid by Farmer Index as compiled by NASS); and
Total household income at or below the national poverty level for a family of 4, or less than 50 percent of county median household income in both of the previous 2 years (to be determined annually using Commerce Department Data).

Limited Resource Producer status can be determined in an automated system using the Web site for USDA Limited Resource Farmer and Rancher Online Self Determination Tool at http://www.lrftool.sc.egov.usda.gov/tool.asp . The automated system calculates and displays the adjusted gross farm sales per year and the higher of the national poverty level or county median household income.

A Beginning Farmer or Rancher is an individual or entity who: (1) has not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 years, AND (2) substantially participates in the operation. If the applicant is an entity, all members must be eligible beginning farmers or ranchers.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of Discrimination, please write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

(go to Contents)

Laupahoehoe Pool to Close for Six Months for Renovations from August 11

The Department of Parks and Recreation announced that as of Monday, August 11 the Laupahoehoe Swimming Pool will close for approximately six months during an accessibility improvement and renovations project.

The nearest public swimming pools are Honokaa Pool and the Sparky Kawamoto Pool in Hilo. Please see P&R website at http://co.hawaii.hi.us/parks/aquatics_program_guide.htm or the schedule below:

Honokaa Pool Schedule (Ph# 775-0650)

August 2008

Early Bird Swim	8:00 – 10:00 am	Mon-Fri
Public Recreational Swim	10:00 – 11:45 am	Mon-Fri
Adult Lap Swim	1:00 – 2:30 pm	Mon-Fri
Public Recreational Swim	2:30 – 3:45 pm	Mon-Fri

WEEKENDS

Adult Lap Swim	9:00 – 10:45 am	Sat/Sun
Public Recreational Swim	10:45 – 11:45 am	Sat/Sun
Public Recreational & Adult Lap Swim	1:00 – 3:45 pm	Sat/Sun

The pool is closed on Holidays. (Schedule subject to change.)

Sparky Kawamoto Swim Stadium Schedule (Ph# 961-8698)

August 11-29, 2008

Public Recreational Swim	9:00 – 10:45 am	Mon-Fri
Adult Lap Swim (Short Course)	11:00 – 12:15 pm	Mon-Fri
Adult Lap Swim (Long Course)	12:15 – 1:30 pm	Mon-Fri
Public Recreational Swim	1:30 – 3:45 pm	Mon-Fri
Novice Swim Team Practice	3:00 – 4:00 pm	Mon-Fri
Fitness Training	4:00 – 5:00 pm	Mon-Fri
Age Group Swim Team Practice	4:00 – 6:00 pm	Mon-Fri
Public Recreational Swim	6:00 – 7:10 pm	Mon-Fri

WEEKENDS & HOLIDAYS

Public Recreational Swim	9:00 – 10:45 am	Sat/Sun/Hol
Adult Lap Swim (Long Course)	11:00 – 1:00 pm	Sat/Sun/Hol
Public Recreational Swim	1:00 – 3:45 pm	Sat/Sun/Hol

For further information please call Larry Davis, Aquatic Program Administrator, Department of Parks and Recreation at 961-8694.

P&R thanks the public for their understanding and patience during the construction period.

(go to Contents)

Training Session on Immigrant Victims of Violence/Human Trafficking Sept 19

A training session will be held on immigrant victims of violence and human trafficking on Friday, September 19 in Kona, sponsored by the County of Hawai’i Office of the Prosecuting Attorney and Hawai’i County Immigration Information Office.

Presenters include:

Jennifer Rose, J.D., UH-Manoa Gender Equity Office
Calleen Ching, Staff Attorney, Na Loio
Frank Kalepa, US Immigration Customs Enforcement
Laura Brucia Hamm, M.ED, Hale Kipa
Dew Kaneshiro, J.D.
Rose Bautista, J.D., Hawaii County Immigration Information

This training is open to all working with immigrant populations and or Domestic/Family Violence. Topics will include: Challenges in Assisting Immigrant Survivors of Abuse, Cultural & Organizational Barriers, Visas, Working with Interpreters and Translators, Sexual Exploitation Prevention & Human Trafficking.

WHEN: Friday, September 19, 2008, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

WHERE: Hale Halawai, Kailua-Kona

Please RSVP by September 12. Limited Seating.

Cost: FREE.

Continental Breakfast & Bento Lunch Provided. Limited parking at Hale Halewai Center; please carpool if possible.

Please RSVP by providing the information below and faxing it to (808)961-8908

Attn: Claudia Wilcox-Boucher or by email: cwb96720@yahoo.com .

(go to Contents)

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.

(go to Contents)

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

A resourceful Kokua Kailua campaign has been created to encourage residents to enjoy the offerings found within Kailua Village. Sponsored by the Kailua Village Business Improvement District, the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Destination Kona Coast and the Kailua Village Merchants Association, Kokua Kailua is designed to rally support for merchants and restaurants affected by the economic downturn and to remind residents to shop, dine and buy local.

Offering a series of monthly celebrations with musicians, artists and merchants, Kokua Kailua is working in conjunction with the successful Hulihee Palace concerts. For each monthly Hulihee Palace Concert & Village Stroll event, Ali`i Drive will be turned into a pedestrian mall from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Concert attendees are encouraged to stay for an after-concert Village Stroll. Musicians and artists will take to the street in a fun, festive, family event where residents can listen to music, experience creativity at art demonstrations, shop for special items and dine at nearby restaurants.

The Hulihee Palace Concert on Sunday, August 24 at 4:00 p.m. is a hula concert that honors King Kamehameha III on the Kuakini Lanai adjacent to Hulihee Palace. Concert attendees can take full advantage of the free chair check offered at Emma's Square.

Merchants will offer display booths in the street, featuring unique products along with special discounts for additional shopping in their stores. Prize drawings are scheduled to take place throughout the afternoon with merchandise and certificates donated by Honu Huts, Kona Gem & Mineral, Pikake Beads, Tropical Bags, Splasher's, Big Island Triathlon and Del Sol.

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:

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.

For more information contact Marie Aguilar at 334-0562 or Inde Coggin at 329-9694.

(go to Contents)

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.

(go to Contents)

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.</