1/2/09 Weekly Report: Konawaena Student Connects with Nursing at Kona Community Hospital

On December 22, 2008, Lina Acol, a sophomore at Konawaena High School, will be career shadowing a registered nurse in the Medical Surgical unit at Kona Community Hospital.

What started as a phone call from Konawaena High School Career Counselor, Deborah Ramsey, manifested into an all-day program meant to foster the interest of a local student to enter the health care profession.

"My mom was paralyzed due to a stroke, had several heart attacks and underwent heart surgery. She passed away in April. I wanted to go into nursing because of her and also to help my dad in the future," commented Lina in regards to why she decided to pursue a career shadowing opportunity at Kona Community Hospital.

Lina's day will begin with an orientation about the hospital rules and regulations and a tour of the hospital. To make her fit right in, she will wear scrubs and an official hospital identification badge, and enjoy lunch in the cafeteria. She will spend most of her time with a nurse in the Medical Surgical unit to learn about what a nurse typically does on a daily basis.

"We are delighted to have students like Lina come to the hospital and learn not only about the profession he/she may be interested, but to also find out about the other health care careers there are," said Emily Mendez-Bryant, Community Relations Director of Kona Community Hospital. "It's an opportunity for them to figure out what they want to do. Hopefully, they will come back to help us at the hospital in the future, whether to volunteer or to work."

Founded in 1914, KCH is a 94-bed full-service acute and long-term care hospital with 24-hour emergency services that supports the west region of the island of Hawaii. It is a member of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, a special agency of the state of Hawaii established in 1996. It is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. KCH is dedicated to providing and enhancing accessible comprehensive healthcare services to the West Hawaii community.

For students interested in learning more about a health care career in a hospital setting, contact Emily Mendez-Bryant at 322-6960 or via email ebryant@hhsc.org.

Motorists are advised that it is illegal to occupy a parking stall for disabled persons unless the vehicle has a valid, visible disabled parking placard.

Motorists are also advised that the disabled person who is assigned the placard must be an occupant of the vehicle. If the disabled person is not an occupant of the vehicle when it is parked, the placard does not allow the vehicle to be parked in a parking stall for disabled persons.

Disabled persons with valid disabled placards visible on their vehicles may legally leave their vehicles in disabled parking stalls. However if the disabled person who is assigned the disabled placard is not an occupant of the vehicle when it was parked, that vehicle would be illegally parked whether the vehicle displays a legal placard or not.

It is important that everyone observe all traffic regulations so that all drivers may avail themselves of opportunities available to them under the law.

Violations of the disabled parking law may result in a fine of between $250 and $500 per offense (HRS 291-57).

Anyone seeing someone parking in a stall for the disabled without a valid placard should call the Police Department’s central dispatch number, 935-3311, so that an officer may be dispatched and the vehicle cited.

The County of Hawaii wishes to thank all residents and motorists for their cooperation in abiding by the law for the benefit of disabled persons.

Are tough economic times causing you to put your financial plans on hold? Letting time slip by puts you further away from achieving your financial goals.

The Hawaii HomeOwnership Center offers Home buyer Education, counseling, referrals and ongoing support to anyone desiring to purchase their own home.

Orientation sessions will be held 6-7 p.m. at the Mayor’s Office conference room in Kona on Wednesdays, January 7 and 21, February 4, and March 4 and 18. Call 930-7661 to register.

Sessions also will be in Hilo 6-7 p.m. on Thursdays, January 8 and 22, February 5 and 19, and March 5 and 19, at a location to be determined. Call 959-5808 to register.

The County of Hawaii's Immigration Information Office will conduct Acculturation Training to provide the tools and information needed to teach, work with, and live with our migrant neighbors (especially from the Micronesian, Marshallese and Palauan communities) by acculturating them and helping them adapt.

The training session will be held 9 a.m. to noon (8:30 a.m. registration) on Wednesday, January 27, at the Performing Arts Center, University of Hawaii at Hilo, 200 W. Kawili St. Free registration includes continental breakfast and workshop materials, two books in any of an assortment of available languages, and access to the panel. Registration is first-come, first served, and seating is limited.

To register contact Rose Bautista, Immigration Information Office, at 961-8220, or Lorraine Godoy of HCEOC at 961-2681 x416.

Effective on December 1, the Captain Cook Fire Station was temporarily relocated due to Americans With Disabilities Act renovations and the removal of hazardous materials. Fire station personnel are being temporarily stationed at the National Park Service Hale No Opio support facility at 84-4976 Keala O Keawe Road (Napoopoo Road). The facility is located on the mauka side of Keala O Keawe Road and Highway 11. All emergency calls should continue to be routed through 9-1-1.

The Hilo office of the Planning Department, located at Aupuni Center, is currently undergoing a renovation that will disrupt phone service until such time that a new digital phone system is installed some time in January 2009. The Planning Department's main phone line (961-8288) will remain operational, but the phone directory and extensions to individual employees may direct callers to the wrong person. If callers experience difficulties in reaching a particular person, they are advised to leave a voice message so that someone can get back to them.

Hawai’i stations will cease analog broadcasting on January 15, 2009, one month before the rest of the country, according to the Hawai`i Association of Broadcasters (HAB).

The Hawai`i Association of Broadcasters announced that all full power (broadcast) television stations in Hawai’i will make the transition to digital television (DTV) one month before the nationwide transition to DTV on February 17, 2009.

The full-power broadcasters serving the Hawai’i television market have voluntarily agreed to cease regular analog broadcasts at noon on January 15, 2009. Beginning at 12 noon on January 15, 2009, Hawai`i’s full power stations will broadcast only digital signals to their viewers in Hawai’i County, Maui County and the City and County of Honolulu.

Kaua’i County is served by low-power translators and will not make the transition to DTV on that date. Televisions connected to cable, satellite, or other pay services are not affected by the transition and will continue to receive programs after January 15, 2009.

“Hawai’i’s early transition was prompted by consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service where they recommended that Hawai’i broadcasters deconstruct their present Maui analog facilities prior to mid-February to avoid the Hawaiian petrel breeding season in that area,” said Mike Rosenberg, President & GM of KITV.

“The early transition to DTV has the support and attention of Senator Daniel Inouye, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Federal Communications Commission, the National Association of Broadcasters, the Hawai`i Association of Broadcasters and its member stations in a focused effort to educate the public about the transition,” said Chris Leonard, President of the Hawai`i Association of Broadcasters.

Hawai`i will also serve as a model for the rest of nation as the rest of the nation makes the transition to digital TV in February, Leonard added.

“I am pleased that Hawai’i’s broadcasters have volunteered to lead the nation in the transition from analog to digital television,” said Senator Inouye. “The prospect of digital television is exciting and I am delighted that ours will be the first state to realize its benefits.

The senator said the digital transition will bring consumers better pictures with sharper sound while at the same time freeing up new airwaves to improve communications for our emergency first responders. He asked that the community help each other to prepare for the transition.

“If you have a family member, friend, or neighbor who relies on over-the-air television, and may need some assistance with obtaining converter boxes or connecting the boxes to the television in their home, please reach out to them and offer your help, “ said Senator Inouye.

Education efforts over the airwaves will send viewers looking for more information to the Web site www.HawaiiGoesDigital.com , and the FCC’s toll free number 1-888-CALL-FCC.

Efforts will also be focused on promoting the federal government’s converter box coupon program, which thus far has had a relatively low take-up rate in Hawai’i. Viewers can request up to two $40 coupons that can be used toward the purchase of a converter boxes by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 or online at www.dtv2009.gov .

For more information about Hawai’i’s early switch to digital, contact Chris Leonard at chris@kwxx.com or (808) 935-5461, Mike Rosenberg at mike@kitv.com or (808)535-0206 or Mary Diamond at mary.diamond@fcc.gov or (202) 418-2388.

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 January 15, 2009 all full-power television stations in Hawai`i will broadcast only in digital. In the rest of the United States, the transition to digital TV will take place on February 17, 2009.

Nationwide, 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.

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.

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.

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.

Hawai`i consumers who use “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna with an analog television need to take action before January 15, 2009, to continue receiving television broadcasts.

Analog television sets receiving free TV using an antenna will not work after January 15, 2009. Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay TV service will need to take action before January 15, 2009, to ensure their TV sets continue to work.

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 January 15, 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.

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.

The Federal Government created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after January 15, 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 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

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

The Hawai`i County Civil Defense Agency has just acquired a new Mass Emergency Notification System, which allows for County agencies to easily notify the public in the event of emergencies.

The City Watch is an electronic notification system that can notify residents about evacuations or other emergency measures via phone or email.

“This new system allows us more flexibility and speed to notify communities of an impending or imminent emergency, with appropriate measures for residents to follow,” said Civil Defense Administrator Quince Mento.

It will supplement the more traditional means of communicating with the public such as radio broadcasts.

The system was purchased by State Civil Defense and was given to the County as a pilot project, Mento said. The system uses maps with registered residents’ phone numbers and addresses to target specific communities on the island.

“We can use a computer generated map to focus on say, Waikoloa or Puako, to alert residents to evacuate in the event of a brush fire,” Mento said.

The system once activated sends residents registered on the system a brief voice and email message. “This system will only be activated in major emergencies,” Mento said.

Hawai’i County residents need to register for City Watch notification messages by either mailing their contact information to: County of Hawai`i Civil Defense Agency, 920 Ululani Street, Hilo, HI 96720, or online at http://www.citywatchonline.com/CSBSignUp/HawaiiSignUp.asp .

To register, please give your name, street address (no p.o. boxes, please), city, zip code, home phone, cell phone, cell phone carrier and email address. The service is free to all residents.

Note: If your phone number is listed in the phone book white pages, you will be automatically registered for City Watch. However, if your listed phone number is on a “do not call list” such as the National Do Not Call Registry, you will need to register the number.

Cell phone users will need to register their numbers, and all residents wishing to be contacted by email must register their email addresses.

The pilot stage of the project will be free to the County, and in subsequent years the County will pay an annual fee of approximately $40,000. The system is used in numerous communities, notably in California amid the recent spate of wildfires.

Due to the shorter winter hours of daylight and concerns for the safety of all our residents, all County of Hawai`i Solid Waste Transfer Stations except the Hilo Transfer Station will close at 6 p.m. through March 1, 2009. The new hours of operation will be from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Please note that the Big Island transfer stations are permitted for collection of household refuse only. Commercial haulers and residents with large loads need to take their refuse to the South Hilo or West Hawai`i Sanitary Landfills.

For more information please call Bobby Gonsalves, Solid Waste Operations Superintendent at 961-8514.

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.

This Water Conservation Notice calls for a voluntary action to reduce water usage by 10 percent in the affected areas.

For customers in the area of the Water Conservation Notice, here’s a list of ways to reach the 10 percent reduction goal:

Agricultural users shall irrigate only at night only from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., which will reduce water loss due to evaporation and minimize water system drain during peak demand.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Clyde Young of the Department of Water Supply at 961-8790.

The County is providing one-time spray treatments to property owners for coqui frog control. The program assists owners with a spray treatment by the County crew with a 400-gallon trailer sprayer.

Owner permission is required before services can be performed, so the County is responding to owner requests only.

For further information or to request a spray treatment, please call 961-8065.

The following information is courtesy of the Hawai`i County Council, which helped arrange for this program through the National Association of Counties (NACo).

The Hawai`i County Council has introduced a discount card program to help Hawai`i County residents cope with the high cost of prescription drugs. The County is making free prescription drug discount cards available under a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo) that offers average savings of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs.

The cards may be used by all Hawai`i County residents, regardless of age, income, or existing health coverage, and are accepted by nearly all the island’s pharmacies.

In addition, a national network of more than 59,000 participating retail pharmacies, including many Neighbor Island pharmacies, will honor the NACo prescription discount card.

Best of all, there is no cost to our taxpayers for NACo and the County to make these money-saving cards available to residents.

The prescription drug discount card can be used anytime a prescription is not covered by insurance.

Those who may benefit include the uninsured, underinsured, and Medicare Plan D participants for non-covered drugs.

The discount card can be used to pay for meds not covered by your insurance plan (i.e. prescription meds you would have to pay out of pocket.)

You cannot use your insurance and the discount card on the same purchase. However, you can choose whichever gives you the better price.

Call CVS-Caremark at 1-877-321-2652 to get an estimated price using the discount card on a particular prescription. Then you can compare prices before going to the pharmacy.

The prescription card is activated the first time it’s used at the pharmacy. The person’s name and ID number are joined for the first time, for ease in processing thereafter.

Residents may also save on prescriptions for their pets. If a pet is prescribed a medicine that is also used to treat human conditions (such as antibiotics), the pet owner may save by using the prescription discount card. Simply ask the veterinarian to write a prescription and present it at a participating pharmacy, along with the prescription discount card.

The pet owner will pay either a discount price or the retail pharmacy’s regular retail price, whichever is lower.

Cards will be available at the County Clerk’s’ Office, the Mayor’s Office in Hilo and Kona and at all County Council Offices.

Cards are also available at the RSVP desk in the lobby of the County building at 101 Pauahi Street, in Hilo, the Office of Aging at Hilo Lagoon building and Coordinated Services for the Elderly in Hilo and Kona.

The following Big Island pharmacies are currently participating in this program:

**The above is a preliminary list; pharmacies not listed here may subsequently opt to participate.

The discount card program is administered by Caremark Rx, Inc. Big Island residents can get more information about the program by:

NACo is a national organization that represents county governments in the United States. Founded in 1935, NACo provides essential services to the nation’s 3,600 counties.

NACo advances issues with a unified voice before the federal government, improves the public’s understanding of county government, assists counties in finding and sharing innovative solutions through education and research, and provides value-added services to save counties and taxpayers’ money.

An updated version of the County’s brochure on Emissions from Kilauea Volcano is available online. 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/ .

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:

Visitors are also strongly advised to take the following gear for both safety and comfort:

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.

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 Queen Kaahumanu Highway "Talk Story" meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of every month at 7:30 a.m. at the Kona Mayor’s West Hawai`i Office conference room at Hanama Place. Light refreshments are served.

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.

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.

Contact Terin Gloor, Solid Waste Civil Engineer at 961-8058 if you have specific questions about any of these projects.

The County of Hawai`i is seeking applicants for two vacancies on the Environmental Management Commission as of December 31, 2008 and a replacement for a commissioner who moved out of the district.

The vacancies are in Council Districts 1 and 4. We are also looking for a replacement for Council District 3 because the current commission member has moved out of the district.

You may also pick up an application at the Mayor’s Office at 891 Ululani Street, Hilo 96720; the Kona mayor’s office at Hanama Place, 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Suite 103, Kailua-Kona 96750 or from the Department of Environmental Management Office at Puainako Town Center. Applications may also be found on line at co.hawaii.hi.us , 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 .

The County of Hawai`i is seeking applicants for vacancies on several volunteer boards and commissions.

You may also pick up an application at the Mayor’s Office at 891 Ululani Street, Hilo 96720 or the Kona mayor’s office at Hanama Place, 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Suite 103, Kailua-Kona 96750. Applications may also be found on line at www.hawaii-county.com , after clicking on the board/commission link.

Bring your old televisions, computer monitors and other electronic waste to drop-off locations in East and West Hawai`i.

· East Hawai`i: Bayside Computer Shop, 108 Kalakaua Street, Hilo. Phone: 934-7748

· West Hawai`i: Kona CompuCycle, Kaloko Business Center (below Costco Parking Lot), 75-5580 Maiau Street, Bay #8, Kailua-Kona. Phone: 326-9695.

Residents may drop off the following electronic waste items for free: (Businesses: $0.55 per pound recycle fee).

For more information, please call 934-7748 (in Hilo) and 326-9695 (in Kona.)

This service is brought to you by the County of Hawai`i Department of Environmental Management and Recycle Hawai`i at www.recyclehawaii.org .

The following items are now accepted in the Mixed Recycling drop-off bins at the County Transfer Stations:

Please note: Materials taken to the Kealakehe, Hilo or the Kea‘au Transfer Stations can still be commodity-separated. Please look for signage on where to place recycled materials at these sites.

Thank you for your kokua, as always. For more information, please call 961-8554 or 961-8942.

The following is a primer on the State of Hawai`i's beverage container redemption program works, and the location of the County of Hawai’i’s beverage container redemption sites:

What’s IN: Eligible (redeemable) beverage containers include: soft drinks, soda, water, juice, tea and coffee drinks, and low alcohol content drinks (beer, malt beverages, wine coolers, mixed spirits) in metal, glass or #1&#2 plastic, 64 oz. or less.

What’s OUT: Ineligible (unredeemable) containers include: milk, wine and liquor containers.

Qualified beverage containers may be redeemed for cash at the following locations:

CURRENTLY OPEN	DAYS/HOURS OF OPERATION	OPERATOR

Hawi Transfer Station**	Sat & Sun only: 8 am-4:30 pm.	ARC of Hilo
(Open Saturday only)	(closed for lunch 1:00-1:30)
Hilo, 1260 Kilauea Ave.	Mon-Sun: 9am-5pm (Closed 12:30pm-1:30 pm)	Reynolds Recycling
Hilo, 30 Maka’ala Street (Old Industrial area)	Mon thru Fri: 8:00am-5:00pm Sat & Sun: 8:00am-3:00pm	Atlas Recycling
Goodwill Redemption & Donation Center 500 Kalanianaole Ave., Hilo	Mon-Sat: 8am – 6pm Sun: 9am – 5pm	Goodwill Industries
Hilo Transfer Station**	Daily 8:00am-4:30pm	ARC of Hilo
Hilo, Puainako/ Kilauea Ave (behind Kai Store)	Mon thru Fri: 8:00am-4:00pm Sat & Sun: 8:00am-2:00pm	Atlas Recycling
Honoka`a Transfer Station (Weekends only)	Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30	ARC of Hilo
Kailua-Kona, Pawai Place	Mon thru Fri: 7:00am-4:00pm	Atlas Recycling
(Old industrial area)	Sat 8:00am-3:00pm
	Sun Closed
Kea’au Transfer Station**	M, W, F: 8:00am-4:30pm	ARC of Hilo
(Closed Tues & Thurs)	Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30pm
Kealakehe Transfer Station**	M, W, F: 8:00am-4:30pm	ARC of Hilo
(Closed Tues & Thurs)	Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30pm
Keauhou Transfer Station** (Weekends only)	Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30pm	ARC of Hilo
Pahoa Transfer Station** (Weekends Only)	Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30pm	ARC of Hilo
Puako Transfer Station** (Open Sunday Only)	Sunday only 8:00am-4:30pm (closed for lunch 1:00-1:30)	ARC of Hilo
Waimea Transfer Station** (Closed Tues & Thurs)	M, W, F: 8:00am-4:30pm Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30pm	ARC of Hilo
Waiohinu Transfer Station** (Weekends only)	Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30pm	ARC of Hilo

Atlas Recycling LLC operates Mobile Redemption Sites (monthly 9 am- 1 pm) at:

For further information about Atlas Recycling’s operations on the island of Hawai`i, call 935-9328 (Hilo) or 329-6868 (Kona).

Reynolds Recycling at 1260 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo also participates in the HI5¢ program: Tues-Saturday 9am-5pm. For further information, call 754-8984.

Certified redemption centers are now accepting flattened aluminum and plastic HI5¢ beverage containers.

Flattened containers are weighed at redemption sites to determine deposit payment. The public is reminded that reverse vending machines will not accept flattened or crushed containers.

DID YOU KNOW….that the Department of Environmental Management has an information line? Call 961-5044 for HI5¢ redemption, recycling, and other solid waste information. Or visit:

****Check out this new Recycle Hawaii website page for "special event" disposal bins for recyclable beverage containers:

Hawai`i County … a nice place to live. County of Hawai`i … a great place to work.

Consider employment with the County of Hawai`i because it offers: numerous positions, great benefits, provides valuable services, diverse culture, a beautiful island – not to mention warm and friendly residents.

Call the County of Hawai`i’s job hotline (808) 961-8618 or visit www.co.hawaii.hi.us to download an application packet.

The Theater Arts Conservatory, a non-profit theater school and production company located on Hawaii Island, will perform the musical “Rent” this January as a fundraiser for the Puna Community Medical Center.

Performances will be on January 22 at Akebono Theater in Pahoa, January 23 at Palace Theater in Hilo, January 24 at Kahilu Theater in Waimea, and January 30 and 31 at Palace Theater.

The Lyman Museum, in cooperation with the Hawai`i Council for the Humanities, will host the Hawai`i showing of “Key Ingredients: America by Food,” a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition showcasing the historical, regional and social traditions that merge in everyday meals and celebrations of the American table. The exhibit will be open through January 31, 2009. Museum members receive free admission; there is an admission fee for non-members.

The exhibition explores the diverse food traditions of America with a Hawai`i companion exhibit which celebrates local food culture.

“This is exciting for Hilo because it’s the only opportunity on the Big Island to experience this exhibit— and where better a place, when we in Hilo have many of the finest and most traditional local food establishments anywhere in Hawai`i!” said Lyman Museum Director Dolly Strazar.

Through a selection of artifacts, photographs and illustrations, “Key Ingredients” examines how culture, ethnicity, landscape and tradition influence the foods and flavors enjoyed across the nation. The exhibit looks at the evolution of the American kitchen and how food industries have responded to the technological innovations that have enabled Americans to choose from an ever-wider variety of frozen, prepared and fresh foods.

The Hawai`i edition of “Key Ingredients” features a companion exhibit developed by Kapiolani Community College. “Hawai`i by Food: A Celebration of Hawai`i’s Food Culture” illuminates the growth of Hawaii’s ethnically diverse food culture from the variety of ethnic groups and foods introduced to the islands.

The Lyman Museum and Hawai`i Community College are partnering to host a series of complementary public programs including a film festival, lectures by local food experts, and field trips with Hilo’s own ethnogastronomist, Dr. Judith Kirkendall.

“Key Ingredients” is part of Museum on Main Street, a unique collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services, state humanities councils across the nation, and local host institutions. The exhibit is made possible in Hilo by the Hawai`i Council for the Humanities. To learn more about “Key Ingredients” and other Museum on Main Street exhibitions, visit the interactive website, www.keyingredients.org , or www.museumonmainstreet.org .

The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum showcases the natural and cultural histories of Hawai`i. Located at 276 Haili Street, the museum is open 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday. Call (808) 935-5021 or visit www.lymanmuseum.org for more information.

Performing and Fine Artists for World Peace and Amnesty International will present the ‘Earth Patriot Hip Hop Music and Dance Concert’ on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at the Palace Theater in Hilo, Hawai`i. The concert will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. and is a project of PFAWP’s ‘Artists in Action for Human Rights’ program, which brings awareness of local and international human rights issues to classrooms in Hawai‘i through discussions and presentations by guest artists, resource educators, native Hawaiian cultural practitioners and community outreach staff.

The format has changed from information previously released about the event. Competition will not be part of the event.

Dance “teams” of youth from around the island of Hawai`i will be performing at the event using ‘positive conscious rap’ music by artists such as NAS, Common, Sudden Rush, I. A.and Kumanu for their performances.

“We believe the language of music, dance and the hip hop culture speaks to young people positively and powerfully,” stated Howard Shapiro, Executive Director of PFAWP. “Using the medium of hip hop music and dance we want to share with our young people on the island of Hawai`i how important it is to protect our human rights here at home and around the world.”

Well-known hip hop artist I. A. from O`ahu will be the emcee for the concert and will perform some of his award winning music. Other artists who will also be sharing their creative talents are Ace Espejo and ‘Bolo’. Footage from the movie ‘Rize’ will be shown during the concert. The movie features young hip hop dancers from the inner city of Los Angeles and tells the story of how they overcame gang violence through their dedication to become world class hip hop dancers.

The Earth Patriot Hip Hop Music and Dance Concert celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It also incorporates the theme of President Obama’s inauguration "Renewing America's Promise" by

promoting The National Day of Service. Those attending the event are encouraged to commit to a service project in their community and to help those less fortunate by bringing canned goods and other non-perishable items to the concert. These will be donated to The Food Basket (Hawai`i Island Food Bank).

Co-sponsors for the concert are Recycle Hawai‘i, The Big Island Dance Council, KHBC Radio, Peck Tunes, Perryscope Records, Kumanu Music and the Palace Theater. The Earth Patriot Hip Hop Music and Dance Concert is an alcohol and drug free event and is funded in part by a Healing Our Island Community Fund grant, administered by the Hawai‘i County Resource Center

Do you have an idea or an initiative for a drug prevention and education activity that will help your community? Do you know of others willing to collaborate and conduct anti-drug activities with a focus on youth, family and neighborhood? Mini-grants are now available for initiatives like these.

The Healing Our Island Community Fund is a grant-in-aid to the County of Hawai`i from the Hawai`i State Legislature aimed at inspiring and encouraging grassroots community involvement to plan and implement services, programs and events in the fight against drug abuse.

Funds for this program are intended to fund projects of Hawai`i Island’s community-based grassroots organizations and non-501(c)(3)s that traditionally do not have access to grant funds. The grants are not to exceed $2,000.00 and applicants are encouraged to collaborate and cooperate with others in their own communities and with other communities. This program has been successful in all districts across the island over the past two years.

More than 281 community mini-grants have been awarded since the inception of this program. This funding has enabled communities to connect and work in a united front to address substance abuse issues.

Each district on Hawai`i Island has a district liaison available to assist groups with their grant proposals and to help and encourage groups to connect with potential collaborative partners in their communities. Grant requests are evaluated monthly and are due by the 10th of each month. Funds are limited so preference will be given to first-time Healing Our Island applicants.

The Healing Our Island 2007-2008 Community Grant Fund information and application packet is available at www.hcrc.info or for pick up at the Hawaii County Resource Center in Hilo at Hilo Lagoon Centre,101 Aupuni Street, Suite PH 1014-C, or in Kona at the Lanihau Professional Center at 75-5591 Palani Road, Suite 2001 (next to Frame Ten Center-Kona Bowl).

For more information, please call Laverne Omori at 327-3665 or contact the liaison for your district:

The County of Hawai’i has free mulch at the public pick-up area of the Kailua-Kona (Kealakehe) Transfer Station available 7 days a week from 6:30 am - 6:30 pm. This mulch is being processed by EKO Systems and is a higher-quality product than previously available.

To inquire about daily mulch availability at the Kealakehe site, please call 929-8200.

Bring a shovel to load your own vehicle or have EKO Systems operators load with a mechanical loader between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. only. Assisted mechanical loading availability is subject to machine operability and time permitting. To inquire about assisted loading, please call 217-1219 or 929-8200. No loading fees. Be sure to also bring a tarp or other covering for your load to prevent spillage on to the roads.

If you want large loads delivered to your property, please contact a local trucking firm to arrange for delivery of large loads of mulch. Again, no fees are charged to load any truck, regardless of size.

We are still accepting untreated/unpainted pallets at both the Kealakehe and Hilo greenwaste sites. For further information, please call the County's Recycling Specialist at 961-8554.

All around the island, communities are actively engaging in a monumental planning effort that has the potential of positively affecting the future of Hawai`i Island for generations to come.

Go to the website http://www.hcrc.info/hawai-i-island-plan (note: this is a new website address) to see what is happening in each of our judicial districts as it relates to the Community Development Plan process.

In addition to finding current information about the process, you can also find, among other things, information about past planning efforts.

Resurfacing and marking for a new left turn lane on Mamalahoa Highway fronting Waimea Elementary School to improve the flow of traffic began Tuesday, December 30.

The existing walkway on Mamalahoa Highway from Kaomoloa drive to the Waimea Elementary School access road is being extended to provide a safe walking path for school children and pedestrians. The improvements are scheduled to be completed in mid-January.

Please call the County Hotline at 334-9559 for updates should weather conditions interrupt the construction schedule

Waika’alulu Gulch Bridge on Kalopa Road will be closed for repairs starting Monday, January 5, for a month. Only local traffic will be allowed beyond the barricades on Kalopa Road.

Sidewalk improvements will resume on Monday, January 5, on the mauka side of Mamalahoa highway, just beyond Showcase Gallery, then move across Mamalahoa highway.

This is part of the $1.5 million improvements package to address the flow of traffic in north Kona, improve parking and upgrade sidewalks to meet requirements for the American Disabilities Act. Construction is scheduled for completion in April. For weekly changes to the work schedule, please call the County Hotline at 334-9559.

Traffic signal light bulbs, nearing the end of their six-year life cycle will be replaced starting the second week of January at 96 county and state road and highway intersections around the island. This is part of the preventive maintenance program.

Work will begin in Kona. Crews will work two days a week until March, then move to East Hawaii. No traffic delays are anticipated. Used light bulbs and electronic material will be recycled.

The proposed Kalopa bypass, an alternate route to the area, will be discussed at the January 8 community meeting hosted by Councilman Dominic Yagong. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Paauilo School Cafeteria.

Kealaka’a street in north Kona will be closed for road construction Monday to Friday, starting January 8 to January 15. Roadwork will is scheduled between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists are asked to use Ulua’o’a Street. Workers will be reconstructing 500 feet of pavement starting from the intersection of Kealaka’a and Palani road. For up-to-date information, please call the County Hotline at 334-9559.

New traffic signals at the corner of Kinoole and Kamana streets in Hilo will start operating on Thursday, January 8. The new traffic signal will have a countdown clock for pedestrians crossing the street.

If the street light in your community is out or stays on all day, please call 961-8341 and report any malfunctions.

The Traffic Division of the County Department of Public Works manages 9,308 street lights islandwide. Each of these street lights is operated by light-sensing cells, and a percentage of these street lights are regularly in need of repair or maintenance.

Two things can happen with the street lights. Bulbs may burn out, which means the light will not activate at dusk, or the sensor may malfunction and the light will remain on all day.

If a street light in your neighborhood is lit all day or is not lit at night, please call the Traffic Division of Public Works, weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 961-8341 with the following information:

For more information, please contact Ron Thiel, Traffic Division Chief at 961-8341. Mahalo nui loa.

If you know of a pothole in your street, in your neighborhood or in your travels, please call the County to have it repaired. Public Works personnel repair potholes each Friday between 6:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Please call one of the numbers listed below for the community where you live. Let the staff know you have a pothole that needs repair. The staff will ask you the following questions:

The office hours for each of the following nine offices are weekdays, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. If you call after hours, please leave a message on the voice mail.

If you have junk cars on your property, the County of Hawai`i can help. The Department of Environmental Management’s Amnesty Program can remove two (2) derelict vehicles from your private property for FREE.

The private property owner or a certified representative must complete and sign the application. You may obtain an Amnesty Application by calling (808) 961-8552 or via the internet at http://co.hawaii.hi.us/env_mng/swm/DVAP%20application.pdf .

Applications can be dropped off or mailed to the Solid Waste Division, Amnesty Program, 108 Railroad Avenue, Hilo, Hawai`i 96720.

To report an Abandoned Vehicle on a public highway, public or private street or thoroughfare, please call police dispatch at 935-3311.

Be prepared to give the location and description of the vehicle. You may also call the County’s Abandoned Vehicle Program at 961-8552.

We encourage everyone to use web-based calendar links. Please add your own events to the respective calendars so others can get the word and not conflict with your plans.

Articles for the online County Newsletter and requests to be included on the County Newsletter e-mail list should be sent to cohinfo@co.hawaii.hi.us.