March 19, 2004

The Hawai‘i County Police Department has been working with the County Department of Public Works and the State Department of Transportation on solutions to address the traffic problems in Kona. This inter-agency group, working together, has been looking at both short- and long-term measures that will address traffic.

As part of this effort, police officers will be present at the Hina Lani Street/Palani Road intersection from 3:30 to 5:00 in the afternoon, Monday through Friday, for two months starting March 22, 2004. The officers will assist vehicles making left turns at this intersection.

During this two-month trial period, which will run from March 22 through May 10, the officers will also be conducting a traffic study to provide data for their ongoing efforts to address traffic problems in Kona.

Utilizing police officers’ knowledge and expertise to pinpoint problem areas, a number of recommendations have already been made and implemented. These range from better synchronization of traffic lights to the construction of new traffic lanes and new roads.

Members of the Police Department who are working on Kona traffic with the inter-agency group are Assistant Chief Thomas Hickcox, Captain John Dawrs, Sergeant Randy Apele, and Officer Steven Chun Hoon.

The two-month trial at the Hina Lani Street/Palani Road intersection is the result of one of the group’s recommendations.

Deputy Police Chief Harry Kubojiri asks the commuting public to be on the lookout for police officers at this intersection between 3:30 and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and to use caution when going through the intersection.

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A: Unfortunately, the County doesn’t have any control over the price of gas except for the small amount that is our fuel tax.

We need this increase because the base fuel tax has not increased in 27 years, and simply with inflation, we cannot do the same amount of work we did 27 years ago for the same amount of money.

Right now, the County gets 8.8¢ from every gallon of gas you purchase. This 8.8¢ is made up of two parts.

The first is the base tax of 5¢ per gallon. This is what the County uses to maintain the 904 miles of existing County roads. It is used for maintenance activities such as filling potholes, mowing grass on the side of the road, putting up traffic signs, painting traffic markings, maintaining traffic signals and street lights, and other similar activities.

This base tax has been the same since 1977. Based only on inflation, it would take 15¢ today to pay for the same goods and services that the 5¢ would get you in 1977.

The second part of the tax is 3.8¢ per gallon that is specifically set aside by law for repaving and major road projects. It cannot be used for maintenance and traffic operations. This 3.8¢ per gallon was added in 1988, or 16 years ago, and pays for the repaving program that resurfaces roads in all districts, and provides matching funds so the County can get federal grants to help build or improve other roads.

The proposal is that 4¢ per gallon will be added to the base 5¢ per gallon and go to fund highway maintenance and traffic operations. The 3.8¢ for repaving/projects will remain the same.

The other 2¢ per gallon will go to increase and improve mass transit operations in the County.

A: Correct. And the 5¢ per gallon has not increased since 1977, while the number of miles of County roads has continued to increase, salaries and wages have increased, and general inflation for materials and supplies has increased. This base tax of 5¢ will be increased by 4¢ to 9¢ under the proposed plan.

A: That’s the problem. We haven’t been keeping up. We are not able to do the job that people expect of us, and we want to do better. People call and tell us about potholes. We know potholes create dangerous situations, but we can’t fix them right away. Trees on County property need to be trimmed, but we can’t schedule the work as soon as we should. People call because the center stripe on their road is worn and faded, which we know is a real traffic hazard. This is a problem islandwide, and we can’t respond as soon as we want to and we know we should.

We want to do a better job of clearing our culverts and keeping them clear of debris, so we are prepared for times of heavy rains with a well-maintained flood control system. Guardrails on our County roads need ongoing maintenance and replacement to keep our roadways safer. Additionally, this proposed increase will allow us to respond faster to emergencies.

It’s impossible to the same work today on more miles of roads with the same amount of money that we had in 1977. So we have been falling behind in this regular maintenance. That’s why we call our proposal "Catch up and keep up."

A: It’s very simple. We know we are falling farther and farther behind in our maintenance and traffic work, so we sat down and figured out how much more money we need to catch up on the backlog of work orders, and then going forward, to keep up with the work on a regular basis. So, "Catch up and keep up" means that if the proposed increase is adopted, we expect to be able to catch up our back work, and keep up from now on.

A: One of the ways is to see how many miles of County roads we have for each road maintenance employee. Now, if you take the average for the whole island, we have 6.4 miles of roads per employee. What we are hoping to achieve with this increase is five miles of County roads per employee, islandwide.

A: It is not the same now. Each district has its own crew and baseyard, and some districts have a higher proportion of workers than others. With this proposal, each district will have about the same ratio, which will be one worker for each five miles of County roads.

A: No, because the districts now are not equal. Some districts are more shorthanded than others. For example, Puna will get the largest number of new workers, 15, because now Puna’s ratio of miles to worker is the highest, 8.5 miles per employee. After the new employees are added, every district will be equivalent in that the ratio in each district will be the same, one worker for each five miles of County roads.

A: Yes, but when you consider that it has been 27 years since this tax was raised, I think it puts things in better perspective. The cost of living has tripled over that time, and the County is subject to the same increases in the cost of materials and supplies that everyone else is.

A: Our fuel tax at the present time is the lowest of all the counties, and we have the most miles of County roads to maintain. Kauai County pays 13¢ per gallon and has 220 miles of roads to maintain. Maui County pays 18¢ per gallon for 607 miles of roads. Honolulu pays 16.5¢ per gallon for 1,156 miles of roads.

So you can see that our present 5¢ base rate per gallon for 904 miles is by far the lowest rate and ratio.

A: Even after the full increase, including the 2¢ per gallon for mass transit, our total fuel tax will only be 14.8¢, second lowest after Kauai, and we have four times as many miles of road to take care of as Kauai does.

A: If the proposed increase is approved by the Council, some of the improvements that people will see are: our roadways will be better maintained; we can respond to reports and complaints from the public in a timely manner; we will have better flood control; we will have faster emergency response; we will be able to better address traffic flow problems; and permanent Traffic Division staff in West Hawai‘i will greatly improve maintenance and response times for street markings, lights, signals, and signs. Overall, we will be able to do our job better, which is why we are proposing this. Thank you for your time.

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County government depends on property taxes to pay for an array of services, including police and fire protection, civil defense, parks and recreation, elderly activities, solid waste, transportation, planning, economic development, flood control, and animal control.

Property taxes account for 52% of the County’s overall revenues. This year property owners in Hawaii County will pay roughly $130 million for the following:

Public Safety. Approximately one-third (33%) of your real property taxes pay for public safety services. Public safety is provided primarily by the Police Department (21%), Fire Department (8%), and Office of the Prosecuting Attorney (2%). Other public safety services include expenditures for the Civil Defense Agency, flood control, and animal control (2%).

Recreation and Culture. Services provided by the Department of Parks and Recreation (P & R) account for 7% of real property tax expenditures. Programs under P & R include park development and maintenance; organized recreational activities, including athletics, crafts, leisure activities, aquatics, and summer fun; County bands in East and West Hawaii; and culture and arts.

Health and Welfare. Three percent of real property taxes pay for health and welfare programs, such as senior citizens, cemeteries, and grants to private non-profit organizations.

Sanitation. Real property taxes pay for environmental management administration and subsidize the solid waste program (5%).

Transportation. Real property taxes also subsidize the County’s Mass Transit program (1%).

General Government. The Office of Management, County Council, Office of the Legislative Auditor, Elections, and the Finance, Corporation Counsel, Planning, Civil Service, Research & Development, and Public Works Departments are classified as general government. They account for 16% of real property tax expenditures.

Debt Service. Payments for money borrowed by the County, account for 15% of real property tax expenditures.

Retirement and Health. Retirement and health programs for County employees account for 17% of real property tax expenditures.

Miscellaneous. The remainder (3%) is used for miscellaneous expenditures. Miscellaneous expenditures include contingencies set aside for unanticipated costs, such as claims and judgments, disasters and emergencies, and compensation adjustments.

Notes

• Roads, highways, and traffic signals and lights are funded primarily by your fuel taxes, state and federal grants-in-aid, and private developers and landowners.

• Water development and services are funded primarily by rate payers and private developers and landowners.

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The primary purpose of the community informational meeting on the Ka’u to South Kona Water Master Plan is to receive community input on the Draft Report and Water Master Plan.

Topics of discussion will include water system alternatives, financing, and next steps.

The Ka’u to South Kona Water Master Plan was initiated to address potable water source identification and distribution for the southwest portion of the Big Island.

This water master plan is intended to be a community-based process that encourages participation and input at public meetings.

WHEN: Thursday, March 25, 2004, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Click here for the flyer in PDF format.

WHERE: Ocean View Community Association, 92-8924 Leilani Circle

For more information, contact the County’s consultant, Townscape, Inc. at (808) 536-6999, ext. 103 email: mail@townscapeinc.com. Also see us on the County website at http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/projects.htm.

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The Ka‘u to South Kona Water Master Plan Draft Report, dated March 2004, is now available for public review on the County website at http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/k2skwmp/draftreport.htm. The Plan was initiated to address potential water sources and water distribution systems for the southwest portion of the Big Island. The objective was to develop a long-range plan to provide water for homes, commercial businesses, and farmers in the Kau to South Kona region.

Townscape, Inc., wishes to extend appreciation to BK Engineering and Waimea Water Services, Inc. who contributed to the formulation of this plan. Townscape, Inc. would also like to thank everyone who has participated in the development of this plan, especially those who have attended public meetings and/or provided suggestions and help.

Please send your comments no later than Wednesday, March 31, 2004 to:

If you have any questions regarding the report, please contact Hilarie Keehne at 536-6999, ext. 103 or at hilariekeehne@townscapeinc.com.

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Real Property tax assessments for the 2004-2005 tax year have been compiled and are on file at the County of Hawaii, Real Property Tax Office.

A "Notice of Property Assessment" will be mailed to property owners on or before March 15, 2004. Please review the assessment information carefully.

The notice of property assessment includes the taxable value placed upon buildings and all other real property and the amount of exemption, if any, allowed on the property. If you fail to receive the Notice of Assessment, contact the County Tax Office at 961-8201 or 327-3540.

Property owners may come to the Real Property Tax Office to inspect the assessment on their property and to confer with staff members so that errors may be corrected prior to the finalization of the assessment list.

The County of Hawaii has real property tax offices in East and West Hawaii. The East Hawaii Office is located at Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 4, Hilo, Hawaii, and the West Hawaii Office at 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 112, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

If you do not agree with the value placed on your property or if you are not allowed an exemption to which you believe you are entitled, an appeal may be filed with the Tax Board of Review or the Tax Appeal Court.

The deadline for filing appeals is April 12, 2004. Appeal forms to the Tax Board of Review are available at the Real Property Tax Office in East and West Hawaii. Appeal forms to the Tax Appeal Court are available at the Tax Appeal Court, Box 376, Honolulu, Hawaii 96809, or by calling (808) 539-4777.

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The plans and specifications for the water system improvements of the Kona Coastview and Kona Wonderview Subdivision will be advertised for bidding on March 7, 2004.

Bid opening is scheduled for Wednesday, April 7, 2004. Funding for the preliminary estimate is secured with the USDA Rural Development Loan/Grant Program.

A public hearing will be held after the bid opening and prior to the bid award to inform residents of the subdivisions as to their final costs of the improvements.

For further information, please call the Department of Water Supply at 961-8050.

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The County of Hawai`i Office of Management will hold a series of public meetings regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations which require the abandonment of large-capacity cesspools by April 5, 2005.

The purpose of the public meetings is to discuss the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's regulations, particularly to clarify the applicability of the regulations to land owners who may be utilizing large-capacity cesspools for wastewater disposal.

Possible alternative wastewater disposal systems available and potential means of financing the costs of upgrading the large-capacity cesspool with County, state and federal funds will also be discussed.

Schedule of Meetings: (Group meetings will be held at 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. unless otherwise specified. One-on-one follow-up meetings will be held between meetings. If necessary, the personal consultations may be extended, by appointment, to the following day.)

For further information, please call Margarita Hopkins at 961-8369.

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When: Wednesday, March 24, 2004, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Where: Kona Police Department conference room, 74-5221 Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway, Kailua-Kona

1. Call to order

2. Approval of minutes of February 25, 2004 meeting

3. Approval of addendum and/or supplemental agenda

4. Statements from the public on items listed on agenda

5. Correspondence/reports/discussion

• Director’s report (including updates on sort EIS)
• Solid waste division report (including update on life of Hilo landfill)
• Wastewater division report (including update on Kalanianaole sewer repair)

6. Unfinished business

• Discussion and recommendation on department of environmental management rules
• Discussion of fiscal year 2004-2005 department operating budget
• Discussion of fiscal year 2004-2005 department capital improvement projects budget
• Status report on draft update to integrated solid waste management plan (iswmp)
• Discussion and recommendation on ordinance for the department of environmental management to establish a process for enforcement and for appeals to be heard by the environmental management commission
• Discussion and recommendation on proposed capacity assessment fee ordinance
• Discussion and recommendation on proposed sewer connection loan program ordinance

7. New business

• Discussion and recommendation on future construction and demolition restrictions for landfills
• Discussion and recommendation on future commission meeting schedules

8. Future agenda items

9. Announcements

• April meeting has been cancelled
• Next meeting: May 26, 2004, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Hawai`i County Council room, Hilo

10. Adjournment

If you require an accommodation or auxiliary aid and/or services to participate in this meeting (i.e. Sign language interpreter, large print), please call 961-8083.

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When: April 12 from 7:50 a.m. (Registration) to noon

Where: Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Hilo

Hilo Fair Housing Seminar. The County of Hawaii, Hawai`i Civil Rights Commission, the State Hawai`i Community Development Corporation of Hawai`i and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will be sponsoring a seminar addressing Federal and State Fair Housing Laws. No cost. To register, call Jeremy at 961-8379.

When: April 19 from 7:50 a.m. (Registration) to noon

Where:King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, Kamakahonu Room `Elua.

Kona Fair Housing Seminar. The County of Hawaii, Hawai`i Civil Rights Commission, the State Hawai`i Community Development Corporation of Hawai`i and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will be sponsoring a seminar addressing Federal and State Fair Housing Laws at $2 cost for validated parking. To register, call Jeremy at 961-8379.

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Hawaii County Resource Center is administering a $100,000 fund issued by the State Legislature. In response to recommendations from the community at our island-wide Meth Summit, the Mayor’s Office, County Council and State legislators worked together to make these funds available.

Grants are to be used on our island at the neighborhood and community level with a focus on drug use prevention and education.

Proposals may include community event(s), public awareness projects, mentoring, youth/family recreation, and renovation/beautification projects. Organizations do not need non-profit status to qualify. Neighborhood groups, community associations and faith-based organizations are encouraged to apply.

Proposals should reflect the basic goal of drug use prevention and education whether it is a one-time event or an ongoing project. It is expected that these drug- and alcohol- free projects will strengthen partnerships within the community. Preference will be given to projects which promote collaboration of two or more groups.

Maximum grant awards are $2,000.

The application process is simple and straightforward, with proposals being considered over the course of a three-month period spanning March through May, 2004.

Groups need to get their proposals in before the 15th of those three months to be considered for that month’s batching and review. Proposals are due March 15, April 15 or May 15.

Application forms are available online at www.healingourisland.com under the "What’s New" category, or at the Hawai'i County Resource Center, 25 Aupuni Street, Room 114, Hilo, telephone 961-8085.

For more information, call Louise Winn at 961-8035 or Shana Ross at 961-8085

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Or call our 24/7 Job Hotline: 961-8618

Click on employment opportunities to download all of the forms.

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Members of the Big Island’s 11 Hawaiian Civic Clubs have been urged to take to the streets to say "’Aole Drugs! – No Drugs!" from 3-5 p.m., Fri., March 26, 2004 – Prince Kuhio Day.

The Waimea Hawaiian Civic Club recently had several men in recovery speak to their club. Their testimony led the club to invite Hawaiian Civic Clubs all around the island to join them in an islandwide sign-waving, along with everyone in the community.

"We have been out twice to sign wave," said Waimea Hawaiian Civic Club President Mabel Tolentino. "We decided to do it on the birthday of Prince Kuhio; It’s a good way to honor Kuhio and it’s a holiday for many."

Tolentino said the clubs were encouraging everyone to get creative and make their own signs.

For information about the Kuhio Day sign waving, call Mabel Tolentino at 887-9320.

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Waimea and North Hawaii residents are urged to attend the 5:30 p.m., Thurs., April 1, 2004 meeting of the Waimea Community Association to share stories and observations about the recent flash flooding.

The purpose is to look at lessons learned and how to be pro-active in mitigating the effects of future flood events. Residents are urged to bring photos taken during the recent flooding.

Leading the discussion will be Jerry Williams from the National Resource Conservation Service, a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Williams is a long-time Big Island resident and authority on flood mitigation.

Also invited will be other experts involved in watershed management, erosion control and potable and non-potable water resources.

"We want to look forward…but we also want to publicly thank all the people who did so much during the storm to protect life and property, and those who worked 24/7 to reinstate our water service and expedite cleanup," said WCA President John Ray.

"The devotion and commitment of our public servants – police, fire, emergency services, road and park crews, water department employees, civil defense and the volunteers who run evacuation shelters – it was a tremendous team effort for which we are indebted," Ray said.

There will also be a briefing on Waimea’s first Clean and Sober House, which is planned to provide managed shelter for people in recovery. Clean and Sober housing on Oahu has become a component in the recovery process from substance abuse.

The housing proposed for Waimea will be operated by Faith Against Drugs, a respected recovery program which is currently operating a Clean and Sober program in Hilo. Faith Against Drugs employs many of the values and principals of traditional 12-step recovery programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

Residents living in a Clean and Sober House are subject to random drug testing and expected to continue their recovering classes. Occupancy in a Clean and Sober House conforms with Hawaii County regulations.

Waimea Power of Choice has been working to pair up a home owner with Faith Against Drugs.

For more information about the meeting, call John Ray at 885-5875.

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The Kona Outdoor Circle, a local non-profit organization that has been active in Kona since 1948, dedicated to the preservation of our natural resources, is offering a scholarship of $1000 for the 2004-2005 academic year.

Applicants must be residents of West Hawaii (North Kohala to Ka`u) who will be full-time students attending an accredited two- or four-year college or university anywhere in the United States.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate academic achievement (at least 2.7 GPA) and financial need. Applicants must plan to enroll or be enrolled in a program in horticulture, landscaping, environmental studies, forestry, agriculture, or other fields directly related to the goals of the Kona Outdoor Circle, to "keep Kona clean, green and beautiful". The organization accomplishes these goals through public area plantings, education programs and public advocacy.

The application deadline is April 30, 2004. Applicants must complete the written application, submit their most recent high school or college transcript, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Student Aid Report and two letters of recommendation.

Applications are available at Ka`u, Kealakehe, Kohala, and Konawaena High Schools; Hawaii Preparatory Academy; Parker School; Makua Lani Christian School; University of Hawaii Financial Aid Offices; the Educational Talent Search Program at the University of Hawaii Center, West Hawaii; and the Kona Outdoor Circle office at the intersection of Kuakini and Queen Ka`ahumanu Highways.

For more information, call the Kona Outdoor Circle at 329-7286 or Maiden Temple at 325-6775.

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Please join us at the 3rd Annual Islandwide Solutions 2004: Neighborhoods in Action Seminar sponsored by Plan to Protect and funded by Atherton Family Foundation. This Seminar will be held on May 1, 2004 from 8:00am to 4:30pm at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott, an Outrigger Resort.

Workshops and Special Presentations will be held on these topics. Confirmed presenters include Mayor Harry Kim, Prosecuting Attorney Jay Kimura, Police Chief Larry Mahuna and Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira.

Feature topics at this year’s Seminar include:

• Drug Court – learn how it works from folks who have been there

• Youth Builders – "every youth in Hawaii County will be a responsible, healthy, and caring community member"

• Traffic – speeding in our neighborhoods

• Animal Control – rodent control & promoting responsible pet ownership

• Property Crimes – burglary, theft, and vandalism

Come and share your insights, experiences and expertise. The Seminar’s aim is to generate achievable solutions to address our common concerns.

Please tell your friends and colleagues about the Seminar: Everyone is invited. Please RSVP by April 23, 2004.

Attendance is limited to the first 200 registrations ($25, after 4/23/04: $35).

If you have any questions or wish further information, please contact Lil Beaufrere at (808) 325-0039 or konalil@hawaii.rr.com.

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Hawai’i Community College announces a three-part marine naturalist lecture series in Kona. Each class – Whales, Dolphins and Turtles - is three hours and the registration fee is $35.00 per session.

Register for just one or all three. Hannah Bernard, one of Hawaii’s noted marine biologists, will teach the classes.

WHALES: March 17 (5:30-8:30 p.m.) at Kealakehe High School or March 18 (9:00 a.m.-noon) at Kona Outdoor Circle.

DOLPHINS: April 8 (5:30-8:30 p.m.) at Kealakehe High School or April 9 (9:00 a.m.-noon) at Kona Outdoor Circle.

TURTLES: May 26 (5:30-8:30 p.m.) at Kealakehe High School or May 27 (9:00 a.m.-noon) at Kona Outdoor Circle.

**Please note that all Evening Sessions above are at Kealakehe High School. All morning sessions are at Kona Outdoor Circle.

For more information, call Kathy Kirk at 895-4939.

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Position: Director of Office of Continuing Education and Training, position number 89382, Hawaii CC (Hawai'i Community College), general funds.

Duties: Manages the workforce development, basic skills development, international programs and operations of the office. Leads the office with strategic planning experience and entrepreneurial skills to generate resources for the College and provide training opportunities for the Island of Hawaii.

Minimum Qualifications: Master’s Degree or equivalent. Attainment of academic rank of associate professor or have demonstrated a record of comparable professional management experience prior to appointment. Experience in planning, organizing promoting, and implementing programs in an educational agency, industry, or government. Ability to communicate and interact effectively with diverse constituencies. Ability to manage, plan, develop, revise and implement creative and innovative education and training programs. Knowledge of fiscal operations and budget development.

Desirable Qualifications: Master’s Degree in Business Administration of Education or equivalency. Experience as administrator or in carrying out administrative responsibilities with emphasis on personnel supervision and budget development. Knowledge of skills and experience with educational marketing and public affairs. Knowledge of community education, mission of a community college and its interrelationship to instructional programs and support services; skills in personnel development and training; familiarity with obtaining and managing private, federal, and state grants and contracts for training and workforce development, such as Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Employee Training Fund (ETF), and other funding sources for students; familiarity with coordinating apprenticeship and journeyworker training programs; familiarity with training programs for international clientele and students; ability to relate effectively with the various internal and external constituencies of a complex organization and to build systematic and collaborative working relationships with diverse constituencies.

To apply: Nominations and applications are being accepted for the position. Candidates must submit a cover letter summarizing the candidate’s interest and qualifications for the position, a current curriculum vita, and three (3) letters of recommendation. For more information about Hawai'i Community College please go to www.hawcc.hawaii.edu. For a job description and specific application/nomination requirements, please go to www.hawaii.edu/executivesearch/ or http://workatuh.hawaii.edu.

Application address: Office of the Chancellor, Search Committee for Director OCET, Hawai'i Community College, 200 W. Kawili St., Hilo, HI 96720-4091. Complete faxes to (808) 974-7692 are acceptable with originals postmarked no later than three working days after the fax receipt.

Inquiries: (808) 933-0806 or sdaniel@hawaii.edu. Continuous recruitment: Review of applications will begin on April 5, 2004 and will continue until the position is filled.

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The Rotary Club of Hilo Bay is currently accepting applications for its Teen Parent Scholarship. The scholarship awards a Hawaii Island teen parent with up to $1,000.00 to be used to continue his or her adult education.

The simple two-page application is available at the Hawaii Community College and the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Prince Kuhio Plaza customer service counter as well as at the Community Technology Center Hawaii at 200 Kanoelehua Avenue Suite 105. Completed applications are due no later than May 31, 2004.

"We are extremely pleased to once again be able to award a deserving teen parent with this scholarship," said Mike Gleason, President of the Rotary Club of Hilo Bay. "Faced with the additional responsibility of raising a child of their own, it is often difficult for teen parents to continue their adult education.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Were 19 years old or younger at the time they first became a parent

• Are currently a parent and primary caregiver of at least one living child under 18 years of age

• Are a current resident of the Big Island of Hawaii

• Will have received a high school diploma or equivalent by September 1, 2004

• Are currently attending or planning on attending an accredited institution of learning including but not limited to Hawaii Community College or the University of Hawaii at Hilo

Applicants can be either male or female. Applicants do not need to have just graduated from high school; parents who have stayed home to care for their child and now want to return to school are eligible.

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Solutions: Neighborhoods In Action's Traffic Task Force has scheduled the following meeting in Waimea:

WHEN: Tuesday, April 13, 2004 from 1:00-3:00 p.m.

WHERE: KTA Waimea Center - upstairs room 2C

The Traffic Task Force continues its work on the key islandwide safety issue identified at the Solutions 2003 Seminar held last year: Speeding through Neighborhoods.

Other agenda items: review Bill HB 2290 - Graduating License. Also, a report on the recent Traffic Conference held on Oahu. Continue work on the Pace Car Program.

To review articles and results of an islandwide survey, go to www.solutionsislandhawaii.com . Click on Traffic. For further information, contact Laura Ward 331-1422 or email whde@verizon.net

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There is a bumper crop of free mulch currently available at the Hilo Transfer Station, which is open seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The County of Hawai`i’s Department of Environmental Management sponsors the mulch program.

Residents may self-load the mulch for free or receive loading assistance from the site operator for a fee ranging from $10 - $40 depending on vehicle size.

Thanks to the participation of all the island’s residents and businesses, nearly 18,000 tons of greenwaste were diverted from landfills in 2003 under the County’s diversion program and processed into high quality mulch for the public.

In Kailua-Kona, the Kealakehe Transfer Station base yard is still accepting drop-offs of greenwaste, while a new public pickup area is being prepared for the processed mulch. The free mulch program will resume at Kealakehe sometime in March or April once the site modifications are completed.

For more information, please contact the County’s Recycling Coordinator at 961-8942.

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Please join us for a fun, interactive and informative 2-part workshop on intermediate and advanced composting.

WHERE: Kea`au Recycling & Reuse Center (Kea`au Transfer Station)

• The first half of our workshop will focus on backyard composting, basic biology and fundamentals of compost, compost critters, control factors, compost and compost "tea," troubleshooting common problems, and a Q&A session.

Take a tour of our compost demonstration site and see working bins in action. All are welcome to join the fun.

• The second half of this interactive workshop, entitled "Worms Worms Worms!", will explore intermediate and more advanced vermi-composting in Hawaii.

Composting with worms is an easy and fun way to save money and turn your kitchen scraps into garden "gold" or free fishing bait.

Highlights include a "How To" demonstration on home worm bins, management and troubleshooting, basic worm biology, reproduction, compost and harvesting tips. A few worm bins (and worms) will be given away to lucky workshop participants as "door prizes," so come join us to learn about composting and worms in Hawaii.

A free compost hoop will be given to each family participating. This project is funded by the County of Hawaii to satisfy county obligations under a consent agreement with the State Department of Health for past solid waste violations.

The two-part Compost Happens workshops will also be held at the Kalani Honua Oceanside Retreat and Resort on the following dates:

Directions to Kalani Honua Oceanside Retreat and Resort : Hwy 130, Pahoa-bound. Take Hwy 130 about 8 miles past Pahoa, turn left towards Kalapana (Coastal Highway 137 Kalapana-Kapoho). Follow the bend in the road to the right. After 1/3 of a mile you will reach a T-junction. Turn left at the T-junction (towards Kapoho). After about 5 miles, Kalani will be on your left, between the 17 and 18 mile-marker. Workshop will be in the compost demonstration area near the cafeteria/kitchen.

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UH Cooperative Extension Service Workshops on Fruit Flies

County Agent/Community Educator Nancy Honda is the featured speaker at a workshop entitled

"Fruit Flies-Having Fruit Fly Problems in your Yard, or Is it your Neighbors?". If you’re interested in protecting your peaches and many other fruits, come to this workshop and we’ll partner and solve this problem. Come and learn how to make your own fruit fly traps.

Where: Waimea Civic Center(back of courthouse)

When: 4/14, 5/12, 6/9, 2004. Time: 4-5:30 P.M.

Supplies: Free

For further information, call Nancy Honda at UH Cooperative Extension Service at 959-9155.

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The Hilo Downtown Improvement Association & County of Hawaii Planning Department are co-sponsoring a community planning workshop entitled "Downtown Hilo:Our Past, Present and Future".

WHEN: Monday, March 22, 2004, Two Sessions:2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

OR 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m

WHERE: Central Christian Church Meeting Hall, 109 Haili Street, Hilo

The Community Planning Workshop will feature Cherie Enns, planning consultant and university professor from British Columbia.

The workshop will address your dreams and visions for Downtown Hilo, as well as Smart growth.

Come and hear about exciting trends occurring in small towns across North America and how other towns have revitalized themselves. Participate in a hands-on community mapping experience. School-aged children are welcome to participate.

Refreshments will be served.

For more information, please call Mary Ann Wanush @ 935-8850 or Susan Gagorik @ 961-8288.

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Attention all Youth Sports Parents, Coaches, and Leaders. Please plan to attend one, two or three of the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) workshops set for the evenings of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday on March 23, 24, and 25, 2004 at the University of Hawaii at Hilo in Wentworth Room 1.

Pre-registration and a materials fee of $5 per workshop per person are required. The public is invited to attend.

Three separate workshops—one each for parents, coaches, and leaders—will be presented by the PCA manager of trainer development, Ruben Nieves.

From 1986 to 2001, Nieves coached volleyball at Stanford, serving as Men’s Head Coach for the last 11 of those years. Nieves was twice named NCAA Men's Volleyball Coach of the Year, in 1992 and 1997. In 1997, he guided the Cardinals to the NCAA title. Nieves spent the summer of 2001 as Head Coach of the USA Men's Volleyball World University Games Team, which captured the Gold Medal in Beijing, China. It was the first American squad in history to win a gold medal.

Please contact Kathy McNally at UHH Athletic Department (974-7621) for registration form and Jeanne Yagi (959-8154) for additional information. Or email PCABigIsland@hotmail.com with your name, telephone number, and which workshops you want to attend. Bring your completed registration form and materials fee to pay at the door.

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The Hawaii Small Business Development Center in association with TeamWorks will be hosting a seminar entitled "Return to Prosperity: Advancing Organizational Success".

This seminar is a practical, high-impact one-hour program pioneered in the United Kingdom with a growing track record on the mainland.

Use training as a vehicle for participants to gain the tools, skills and focus necessary to produce immediate, measurable performance results.

The focus is on how to effectively manage resources, process, and relationships and

• Enhance customer loyalty

• Motivate/sustain workforce productivity

• Translate strategy into measurable gains

When: Thursday, March 25th, and Friday, March 26^th 8:00-9:30 a.m.

Where: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Cost: $15.00 (Continental breakfast included)

For reservations and information, call 933-0776.

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An evening fit for royalty takes place when Hulihe`e Palace lights up for the annual Evening at the Palace-Hulihe`e After Dark on Saturday, April 3 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Browse among oceanside culinary stations featuring chefs from the best restaurants and resorts in West Hawaii. Enjoy beer and wine provided by local purveyors, dancing under the stars to Pacific Fusion, live and silent auctions and guided tours of Hulihe`e Palace.

See the spectacular koa armoire commissioned by King Kalakaua that won a silver medal at the 1889 International Exhibition in Paris. Other palatial standouts include two imposing, century-old makaloa mats made from the perennial sedge and an inlaid table featuring 20 different Hawaiian woods. Marvel at the trunk Queen Kapi`olani used in 1887 to carry her belongings to England for Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee-it was one of six. Lead-lined for waterproofing, it bears her motto: Kulia i ka nu`u --Strive for the highest.

This year, the caretakers of the Kailua-Kona palace, the Daughters of Hawai`i, are celebrating their centennial and will be honored by the chamber with a special presentation.

Tickets are $70 for members and $75 for non-members and those sold at the door. For reservations, call 329-1758.

Organized by the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, this event is also a fundraiser for the Daughters of Hawai`i.

For further information, contact Lori Honl, 960-1868.

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The Kona Daifukuji Orchid Club holds its annual spring show and sale April 10 at Keauhou Shopping Center. Browse among award-winning orchids and find the perfect Easter gift from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. near Rocky's Pizza.

In its 21st year, the Daifukuji Orchid Club meets the second Wednesday of every month at the Daifukuji Mission Hall in Honalo. For more information, call 329-7354.

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The 3rd Annual AstrDay 2K4 will be back at the Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo on Saturday Apr 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The event will feature Mauna Kea Observatory exhibits, demonstrations and presentations, Hawaiian Culture displays, student science fair projects, IR cameras, StarLab Planetarium shows, telescopes, comet making and expanding universe for the kids.

After dark, there will be star-gazing at the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station. Admission is free.

For more information, contact Gary Fujihara at 969-9101 or email him at fujmon@mac.com .

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Where/Location: Puna District; Nanawale Estates Subdivision.

What: Restripe centerlines, edge-of-pavement lines, crosswalks & stoplines, on County roads.

Where/Location: Puna District; Nanawale Estates Subdivision.

What: Continue with striping work.

Where/Location: South Hilo District; Kilauea Avenue / Kawailani Street intersection.

What: Restripe crosswalks, stoplines, lane lines and arrows.

Where/Location: South Hilo District; various locations.

What: Restripe centerline markings.

(No road work.)

Where/Location: South Hilo District; Kamehameha Avenue.

What: Complete restriping job.

Where/Location: South Kohala District; Waikoloa Road.

What: Complete restriping job.

Where/Location: South Hilo District; Kumukoa Street and University Heights Subdivision.

What: Restripe centerline markings.

Where/Location: South Hilo District; Lanikaula Street: Kumukoa Street to Kinoole Street, and Manono Street to Kanoelehua Avenue.

What: Restripe centerline markings.

Where/Location: South Hilo District; Kamehameha Avenue, Mooheau Bus Terminal area.

What: Continue the installation of underground street light circuit work.

Where/Location: North Kona District; Kamehameha III Road (lower side).

What: Continue the installation of underground street light circuit work.

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When it rains , the road becomes slippery as water mixes with road oils, grease and dirt. Also, your car's tires tend to ride on the surface water, reducing traction.

Under these conditions, you should slow down.

Visibility is also often impaired. To make sure other motorists can see you, turn on your head lights at the first sign of rain. And use the defroster or air conditioner whenever necessary to keep windows and mirrors clear.

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Preliminary sewer repairs are currently underway and will continue for the next several weeks at Kea’a Street, off Kalaniana’ole Street in Keaukaha.

We apologize for any temporary traffic delays or inconvenience caused during the work.

For further information, please call Peter Boucher at Waste Water Division, County of Hawai`i at 961-8338.

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Island Mechanical – Hawai’i is installing a fiber optic cable system in the Hilo area. The route will extend from the vicinity of Richardson Beach Park (Nene Street) in the Keaukaha area to the vicinity of Kawailani Street/Kanoelehua Avenue from Kalanianaole Street to Leilani Street.. We expect the project to take about eight months to complete (April 2004).

We apologize in advance for the temporary inconvenience you might experience during the project. Our standard working hours will be between the hours of 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. In certain areas, we are using advanced construction techniques (horizontal directional drilling) to minimize pavement disturbance and traffic disruption.

Please direct any questions or concerns regarding this project to: Chuck Eckman, Resident Engineer, Mid-State Consultants, Inc. at (808)640-9509 (new, Hawaii Island number)

Mahalo for your patience and understanding.

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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.

County of Hawaii: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/cgi-bin/webcal/webcal.pl
State of Hawaii: http://www.state.hi.us/calendars.htm
Hawaii Visitors and Conventions Bureau: http://calendar.gohawaii.com/
Hawaii.com: http://www.hawaii.com/live/
Alternative-Hawaii: http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/calendar.htm
Kamuela.com: http://kamuela.com/calendar/default.asp
Hawaii Public Radio: http://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/psa.htm
Hawaii Theatre Network: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hawaiitheatre
UH at Hilo Theatre Events: http://performingarts.net/Theatre/seasoncalendar/calendar.pl
Waikoloa Village: http://www.waikoloa.org/WVCalendar.html
Public School (click on your school): http://doe.k12.hi.us/calendars0203/index.htm

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