June 18, 2004

Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

Recycling is part of a larger process of wise resource management. It involves reducing our use of certain commodities, reusing items over and over and recycling what is left over.

This means to use less of something. For instance, excessive packaging has become a problem. Too often a very small item is packaged in huge plastic wrap, cereal is wrapped in multiple boxes, or a small item is packed in foam peanuts. By refusing to buy something overly packaged, we reduce our use of it.

Music CDs are a perfect example of how packaging can be re-thought. Not long ago, compact disks were packaged in disposable plastic to help prevent shoplifting. When people complained that the excess plastic wrapping was a waste of resources, pressure was put on stores and the recording industry. As a result, CD packaging has been redesigned to be less wasteful.

This means to use something over and over. We give outgrown clothing from bigger children to smaller children. We buy plastic containers to store food, wash them and use them again. We buy antiques from an antique store. We buy a "pre-owned" car instead of a new car. All these are examples of reusing commodities.

About ten years ago, the focus of wastefulness was disposable diapers.

Nationwide, diapers clogged our landfills. With renewed focus, the cloth diaper came back in vogue. Stores began to stock cloth diapers. Although disposable diapers are still with us, now there are more opportunities to use cloth diapers.

The third component: recycling.

This means to make something new out of something old. Those cloth diapers or holey T-shirts can be used as rags. The "pre-owned" car is sitting on blocks in the yard. Now it's time to recycle.

So What is Recycled on our Island? What’s Sent Off-Island?

• On our island, all paper fibers (newspaper, white paper, envelopes, non-brite colored paper, magazines, and cardboard) can be recycled) Sorry but no options yet for recycling paperboard (cereal boxes, etc.)

• Glass containers can be crushed and used for road resurfacing, backfill and pipe cushioning

• Aluminum are crushed and sent to the mainland to be made into new cans

• Plastic containers with either #1 or #2 imprinted on the bottom can be recycled.

• Metal can be recycled including: small and large home appliances, white goods such as refrigerators, washers, as well as old vehicles and automotive parts. (See separate article on Scrap Metal Recycling).

• Used motor oil can be recycled at one of six permanent locations around the island and is reused to generate electricity.

• Used cooking oil can be recycled and turned into biodiesel at plants now operating on Maui and Oahu.

• Prunings and grass clippings from your yard, often referred to as green waste, can also be recycled into mulch or compost to help enrich our local soils.

Recyclable material may be brought directly to one of the island’s recycling vendors or to a community recycling center sponsored by a vendor.

Recycle Hawai`i publishes the Hawaii Island Recycling Guide to help residents locate the nearest recycling or reuse center. For a copy, call Recycle Hawai`i at 961-2676 or 329-2886.

The County has established scrap metal and green waste drop-off and processing facilities at its Hilo and Kailua-Kona Transfer Stations. Many of the island’s 21 transfer stations have collection bins for other materials such as glass, aluminum, and certain paper fibers.

The newly-established Kea`au Recycling & Reuse Center located at the Kea`au Transfer Station provides full recycling services to residents, accepting nearly all materials that can be recycled, as well as taking used items that others might be able to reuse such as furniture, toys, tools and appliances.

A recycling and reuse center is being planned for the Kailua-Kona Transfer Station and is expected to open in October 2004. A similar plan is being developed for the Waimea Transfer Station for 2005, while plans are underway to enhance five more East Hawai`i transfer stations to provide full-service recycling next year.

For further information, contact our County Recycling Coordinator at 808-961-8942 or Recycle Hawai`i at 961-2676 or 329-2886, or: www.recyclehawaii.org .

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One of the biggest headaches regarding life on an island involves getting rid of scrap metal – especially junk cars and old appliances.

The Department of Environmental Management contracts with Big Island Scrap Metal to receive and process all types of metals at the County’s scrap metal processing facilities located at the Hilo and Kailua-Kona (Kealakehe) Transfer Stations.

The processing facilities receive cars and trucks recovered under the County’s Abandoned Vehicle Program which is funded through a surcharge on the vehicle registration fee. The two facilities also offer free disposal to anyone from the public who wants to drop off a junked vehicle and/or car parts.

The scrap metal facilities provide free disposal/recycling for all kinds of metal including white goods (i.e. refrigerators, stoves, washing machines, dryers, dish washers, water heaters), metal roofing, propane tanks, cast iron appliances, etc.

Currently, commercial businesses that sell and repair home appliances may dispose of used white goods and propane tanks at these facilities, provided that the appliances have been properly prepared with all fluids, gases, and valves removed.

Before processing for recycling, all fluids, tires, batteries, and mercury switches are removed from vehicles and other restricted materials such as freon and propane are captured from refrigerators, air conditioners and propane tanks. Some of these materials may be recycled such as used motor oil, batteries, and freon.

Once the vehicles and appliances are properly prepared, the operator bales the metal and ships it off island to metal recycling markets on the mainland and in Asia.

The operator’s staff is on site at both locations from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday to receive materials.

During the first nine months of this fiscal year, over 10,000 tons of metal have been processed and shipped off island. This represents 6% of the island’s total waste stream for that period.

We’re Trying to Increase the Percentage…

The Solid Waste Division is working to increase the percentage of metal diverted from landfills to 8% by providing drop-off areas for white goods at strategically located transfer stations around the island.

A transfer station enhancement plan has been developed which prioritizes the island’s 21 transfer stations based on the level of service and population growth.

The County hopes to implement this plan over the next five years.

For further information about scrap metal recycling, call the Department of Environmental Management at 961-8083.

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According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), any appliance for a home or business that plugs in or is battery-operated is considered e-waste.

This means most electric appliances for the kitchen such as toasters and microwave ovens, as well as TVs, stereos, DVDs, VCRs, cell phones, and all computer equipment are considered e-waste. Although the term e-waste includes all of these types of appliances, it is often used to describe the increasing amount of used computer parts and monitors being disposed of worldwide.

E-waste now contributes to 2-5% of the waste stream in the United States, or nearly 300,000 tons per year.

Seventy percent of the heavy metals found in landfills is generated by e-waste. These toxins can be effectively contained when a landfill meets EPA requirements, which include liners and leachate treatment.

But the quantity of heavy metals poses potential environmental and human health threats when proper land disposal practices are not in place. A single cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor may contain anywhere from 1-6 pounds of lead. Computers and accessories also contain wire boards, batteries, mercury switches, brominated flame-retardants and other potentially toxic chemicals. Because of concern about the leaching of heavy metals, some states, including California, have already banned the disposal of CRTs from landfills.

Currently, only about 2-3% of e-waste is being recycled. Much of the metal recovery work is taking place outside of the United States, where there is insufficient oversight on how the residual elements from the e-waste are disposed of after the valuable metals have been extracted.

Open burning of e-waste residuals overseas is a cause for global concern as environmental toxins may be emitted into the atmosphere.

It is estimated that about 30% of e-waste is currently stored in people’s homes and businesses taking up valuable space -- often for lack of appropriate options for disposal.

Various options are being pursued to address this mounting problem, including passage of legislation in some states mandating that advanced disposal fees be charged when the products are purchased. Certain computer manufacturers like Dell, IBM and HP are now offering take-back programs and will provide free packaging to return used items. The consumer pays the cost of mailing items back to these manufacturers.

Environmentally-minded consumers are demanding more viable methods for recovering the valuable materials used in computer technology and more appropriate ways to recycle used equipment.

The computer industry is researching new engineering techniques to better design the next generation of computers to be more recyclable -- reducing the amount of e-waste that goes into our landfills.

The County of Hawai`i is offering residents a chance to clean the cupboard of old computers this month. (See the article entitled CompuSwap Recycling Drive at Aupuni Center June 26 in this edition of the County newsletter.)

For further information, call the County’s Recycling Coordinator at 961-8942.

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is seeking applicants for the position of part-time Transportation Security Screener at Kona International Airport.

The Transportation Security Agency office in Kona is holding job fairs to fill 60 part-time positions on the following dates:

TSA Job Fair

US Dept of Homeland Security

74-5620 Palani Rd, Suite 200

Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

808-327-5900

Applicants may also apply online at this website: http://tsacareers.recruitsoft.com .

interested applicants may also call toll-free at 1-800-887-1895.

These are Federal Part-Time positions with federal benefits. There is potential to work Full-Time hours or even convert to Full-Time status. In addition, there is a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for these areas which alters the pay rate as follows:

From $11.30/hr + $1.86 (16.5% COLA) = $13.16/hr

To $16.96/hr + $2.80 (16.5% COLA) = $19.76/hr

As a Transportation Security Screener:

You will perform a variety of duties related to providing security and protection of air travelers, airports and aircraft. Specifically, you will be responsible for identifying dangerous objects in baggage, cargo and/or on passengers; and preventing those objects from being transported onto aircraft. You are required to perform various tasks such as: wanding, pat down searches, operation of X-ray machines, lifting of baggage (up to 70 pounds), and screening and ticket review using electronic and imaging equipment. As a Transportation Security Screener, you may perform passenger screening, baggage screening or both. You are expected to perform these duties in a courteous and professional manner.

You will continuously and effectively interact with the public, giving directions and responding to inquiries in a reasonable tone and manner.

You will maintain focus and awareness within an environment containing numerous distractions, people, and noise.

You will stand and remain standing for periods up to 3 hours without sitting.

You will lift and/or assist another individual to lift (from the ground) an object weighing 70 pounds.

You will work within a stressful environment, which includes noise from alarms, machinery, and people, distractions, time pressure, disruptive and angry passengers, and the requirement to identify and locate potentially life-threatening devices and devices intended on creating massive destruction.

You will make effective decisions in both crisis and routine situations.

Work Schedule: Part-time (20-32) hours per week. Part-time work hours for this position consist of shift-work on any day from Sunday through Saturday which may include irregular hours, nights and week-end shifts, changing shifts, and split shifts. Specific work schedules will be determined by the airport.

Health Insurance: Part-time employees who participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program receive the same coverage as full-time employees but pay a greater percentage of the premium because the Government’s share is prorated based on the number of hrs the employee is scheduled to work each week. For example, an employee on a 20-hour-per-week schedule receives one-half the Government contribution towards the premium.

Annual Leave: An employee w/ less than 3 years of service earns 1 hour of annual leave for each 20 hours in a pay status; w/ 3 years but less than 15 years of service, the employee earns 1 hour of annual leave for each 13 hours in a pay status; and w/ 15 or more years of service earns 1 hour of annual leave for each 10 hours in a pay status.

Sick Leave: Part-time employees earn 1 hour of sick leave for each 20 hours in a pay status.

Family and Medical Leave: Part-time employees are also covered by the rules governing the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and the Federal Employees Family-Friendly Leave Act.

Holidays: If a holiday falls on a day the employee normally works the employee is paid for the number of hours he or she was scheduled to work, not to exceed 8 hours, except for an employee on a compressed work schedule. A part-time employee is not entitled to a holiday that falls on a day the employee is not normally scheduled to work.

Retirement: Retirement annuities are based on an employee’s length of service and the highest annual base pay received for any three consecutive years. Each year of part-time service counts as one full year toward the length of service requirement. However, the annuity calculation for periods of part-time service after April 6, 1986, is prorated to reflect the difference between full-time and part-time service.

Life Insurance: A part-time employee is eligible to participate in thee Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program. The amount of insurance for which an employee is eligible is based on the part-time employee’s annual salary applicable to his or her scheduled tour of duty. If your scheduled tour of duty is 20 hours, and you work 24 hours, your premium is based on 20 hours of work. Additionally, any benefit received is based on 20 hours of work.

Pay: Gross pay is computed by multiplying the employee’s hourly rate of basic pay by the number of hours worked during the pay periods. Except for certain employees on alternative work schedules (AWS), overtime rates apply only to the hours in excess of 8 hours in a day or 40-hours in a week.

Social Security: Social Security benefits are based on an employee’s earned credits and the amount of earnings. An employee’s average earnings over their working years determine the amount of the monthly payment. Each year of part-time service counts as one full year toward the length of service requirement.

Workers Compensation: The Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA) applies to all federal employees regardless of the length of time on the job or the type of position held. Probationary and temporary employees are covered on the same basis as permanent employees.

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The Department of Public Works will hold a public meeting to discuss the Ali’i Drive Improvements Along Oneo Bay project (Federal Aid Project No. STP-0186(2)) on Thursday, July 1, 2004, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua-Kona.

The Ali’i Drive Improvements project is part of the Federal Highway Administration Transportation Enhancement (TE) Program to identify transportation enhancements which can be implemented by the County.

The project span is along Ali’i Drive from Hualalai Road to Waula Road and includes the area along Oneo Bay.

The purpose of the public meeting is to identify issues and concerns, and possible improvement alternatives to pedestrian and bicycle circulation, landscaping, and scenic enhancements for inclusion and discussion in the Environmental Assessment and Preliminary Engineering Report for the project.

For more information contact Galen Kuba, County of Hawaii Department of Public Works in Hilo at 961-8422 or Barry Toyota or John Sakaguchi, Wilson Okamoto Corporation in Honolulu at 1-808-946-2277.

If you require special accommodations or auxiliary aid and/or services to participate in this meeting (i.e. sign language interpreter, large print), please call John Sakaguchi at 1-808-946-2277.

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The County of Hawaii 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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The County of Hawai`i will hold its semi-annual Household Hazardous Waste Collections in Hilo and Kailua-Kona in June.

Don¹t miss this opportunity to clean your garage of unwanted and potentially dangerous items. Sponsored by the County of Hawaii¹s Department of Environmental Management, the collection is an amnesty program to dispose of household hazardous waste products properly.

The collections will take place Saturday, June 19, 2004, at the Hilo Transfer Station and Saturday, June 26, 2004, at the Kealakehe (Kailua-Kona) Transfer Station from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

Household hazardous waste poses a serious risk to our health and our island environment. Landfilling these hazardous waste products is not recommended and has been banned in other states. The County of Hawai`i is especially concerned about the illegal dumping of potentially toxic materials and its impact on our environment. Hazardous waste collected on these dates is shipped to the mainland for lawful and safe disposal.

Hazardous waste materials accepted at the collection include automotive materials, all batteries, corrosives, mercury thermometers, oil-based paints, garden supplies, poisons, and miscellaneous hazardous household chemicals. In addition, clean and/or contaminated used motor oil and antifreeze will be accepted.

Materials that WILL NOT be accepted include: any waste generated by a business, explosives, pyrophoric, water-reactive, biological, infectious, radioactive, and shock sensitive materials, as well as, latex paint and base, compressed gas cylinders, flares, fire extinguishers, detergents, non-hazardous items and non-household generated waste.

Questions regarding this program call the County’s Recycling Coordinator at 961-8942.

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Recycle Hawai`i is sponsoring the Big Island’s 1st CompuSwap in Hilo on June 26, 2004 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event will give residents and the public sector a chance to recycle e-waste (i.e. computers, monitors, keyboards and other computer components.)

Drop off your used computer equipment and peripherals and receive a tax deductible receipt for reusable equipment from Recycle Hawai`i. If available, bring operating system disks and software.

Where: Civil Service Conference Room – (formerly Firestone). To get there, drive through the makai side covered driveway of the new County Building Complex on the corner of AupunI & Pauahi Streets

Computer technicians will be on hand to assist in removing any personal or proprietary information from your hard drives. Computers that are working or can be repaired will be donated to non-profit organizations on the Big Island. Non-profit organizations in need of computer equipment should present a "wish list" to Recycle Hawai`i prior to the event. Non- working computers and parts will be sent to the mainland for recycling.

With the imminent closing of the Hilo Landfill, the recycling of solid waste on the island of Hawai`i has become of critical concern. E-waste recycling is one of the ways to address this problem.

Paul Buklarewicz, Recycle Hawai`i Executive Director said: the first CompuSwap, which is a pilot project, will take place in Hilo. "We will then be looking into having CompuSwap projects in other locations on the Big Island," Buklarewicz said.

CompuSwap is brought to you by Recycle Hawai`i with funding from the County of Hawai`i’s Department of Environmental Management, with co-sponsors Community Technology Center Hawai`i and Keep Hawai`i Beautiful.

For more information about computer recycling or how your organization can sign up to receive a used computer, please call the 24-hour InfoLines at 961-2676 or 329-2886, or email at info@recyclehawaii.org . For additional recycling information, visit the Recycle Hawai`i website at: www.recyclehawaii.org .

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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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The Kunitake Farms Kona Marathon, 1/2 Marathon, and Family Fun Runs, sponsored by UCC Coffee, will take place at Keauhou on Saturday June 19 and Sunday June 20.

Start and Finish at the Ohana Keauhou Beach Resort just south of Kailua-Kona. The course follows the run portion of the Ironman Triathlon.

An estimated 2,500 runners of all ages and abilities will be competing for prize money, participating for health and enjoyment, and raising money for charity.

For more information visit web site: www.konamarathon.com .

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Solutions Property Crime Task Force will be holding its second meeting for East Side residents on June 24 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hilo Police Station Training Conference Room.

On the agenda will be to review the outcomes from Solutions Seminar held on May 1st and to work on the identified solutions for Burglary, Theft and Vandalism.

For further information contact Lil Beaufrere at 325-0039 or email konalil@hawaii.rr.com for further information.

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The American Cancer Society holds its 10th Annual Relay Walk and Campout in Kona on Saturday, June 26.

Starts: 6:00 pm Opening Ceremony

9:30 pm Luminary Ceremony to "Honor Them with Light"

Ends: Sunday, June 27 at 6:00 am with closing ceremony

For more information call ACS West Hawaii Unit at 334-0442.

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• Department of the Attorney General
• Real Estate Education Fund / Hawaii Real Estate Commission

• Hawaii Association of REALTORS^®

• Office of Housing and Community Development, Hawaii County
• Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Hawaii County
• Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, Maui

Chronic drug house activity is a major cause of neighborhood decay and most drug house activity is on rental property. The Landlord Training Program is designed to help owners and property managers keep illegal drug activity and other criminal activity off their property.

Date: July 19, 2004 at the Outrigger Waikoloa

Cost: $20 per person (due at time of registration)

Effective property management can have a major impact on the health of a community. There are legitimate techniques which can be used to stop the spread of drug activity on rental property. The training includes:

• The role of the landlord
• Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
• Applicant Screening
• Rental Agreements
• Ongoing Management
• Resident Involvement/Community Building
• Warning Signs of Drug Activity
• Crisis Resolution
• Working with the Police
• Section 8 (Subsidized Housing)

Included with the training is a comprehensive manual, complete with applicable laws and references.

This course has been approved for six hours of Hawaii Real Estate CE elective credits (two elective CE credits). Additional fee: $15.

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Our next islandwide Hugs Not Drugs IV sign waving is set for July 20 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. This time we'll be featuring a sign contest for our school kids and prizes will be given to 4 winners around the island.

The debut Hugs Not Drugs Sign Contest is for kids in grades K-12. Entries should include the words "Hugs Not Drugs". Winning signs will be colorful, creative, and original.

To see our flyer click on www.solutionsislandhawaii.com . The following sign waving sites are on board; if you wish to add to the list or for further information contact Lil Beaufrere at 325-0039 or email konalil@hawaii.rr.com

Kailua Village-Kona 4-5:30: Palani and Queen Ka`ahumanu. Info: Jan Rae (325-4991) janiamone@aol.com

Kailua Village-Kona 3-5pm: Entrance of University of Nations on Kuakini Hwy. Info: Eva Fillekes (937-0548) or konaoutreach@uofnkona.edu  

Kealakekua 3-6pm: Mauka of Konawaena Elementary School. Info: Chris Matsuoka (987-4510) or paikona@yahoo.com

Keauhou Shopping Center 4-6pm: Ali`i Drive Entrance. Info: Mara Amone (324-6000) or rohanahalehi@aol.com

Ka`u - Na`alehu 3-5pm: Highway 11- Methodist Church. Info: Colleen Gundakers (929-9308) or gundakers@msn.com

Napoopoo 3-5pm: Napoopoo & Puuhonua Rds Info: Louise Winn (640-1454) or swinn@hawaii.rr.com

Ocean View 3-5pm: Hwy 11 between Hawaii and Lehua Roads. Info: Bob Barry (929 8784) or barry@hialoha.com

Pahala 3-6pm: In Town. Info: Carla Andrade (928-6268) or kauroyal@gte.net

Waikoloa 4-6pm: Paniolo Drive near Waikoloa Village Marketplace. Info: Jan Sears 883-0583 & Laurie Jo Rogers 883-1018

Waimea 3-5:30pm: Historic Church Row Park. Info: Angela Thomas (990-6754) or act216@hotmail.com 

Hilo Bay Front Chevron – Ironworks 3-6pm. Info: Char Merritt (937-2124) or csnm@hotmail.com  or Henry Wana (938-5750)

Hilo: Kanoelehua Ave. fronting Kamaaina Nissan 4-6pm. Info: Jay Ignacio (969-0224) jignacio@hei.com  or Sue Akim Seu (969-0127) sakimseu@hei.co

Hilo KTA Superstore Hwy 11 4-6pm. Rotary Clubs of East Hawai`i. Info: Nancy Cabral (935-4152) or ncabral@daylum.com

Honoka`a 3:30-5:30pm : T Kaneshiro Store corner. Info: Phyllis Tarail & Joel Cohen (775-1306) or waipiohi@interpac.net

Honoka`a 3-5pm: Kings Chapel across from Tex Drive In. Info: Donna Acdal (775-0225) or lighthouseatcamp8@yahoo.com

Kea`au 2:30-5pm: Entrance to Shipment Park. Info: Kehau Sloan (960-3065) or kehau@turquoise.net

Laupahoehoe 3-5:00pm: Train Museum. Info: Lucille Chung (934-0203) or lchung@qlcc.org

O`okala: Intersection fronting O`okala Gym. Info: Valarie Poindexter (962-0056) or valariepoindexter@msn.com

Pahoa 3-6pm: Pahoa High School and at the Welcome to Pahoa Town Sign. Info: Randy Like (982-9555) or kaipolike@hotmail.com

Pahoa 4-5pm: At intersection of Hwy 130 & Leilani Ave. Info: Roberta Hole (965-0330) or donutlady@intergate.com 

Papa`aloa 3-5:30pm: At the 24 mile marker. Info: Lucille Chung (934-0203) or lchung@qlcc.org

Puna: Entrance Ainaloa Subdivision Hwy 130. 3-5:30pm Info: Audrey Eskelson (982-5636) or resehi@msn.com

Volcano Village 3:30-5:30pm: Between Akasuka Store Hwy 11 - entrance of Golf Course. Info: Betsy Mitchell (967-7209)

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Back by popular demand! High-quality free mulch is now available at the new public pick-up area adjacent to the Kealakehe Transfer Station. The access to the new mulch pick-up area is directly across the street from the transfer station chutes. Residents may self-load mulch at the site from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., seven days a week. Bring a pitchfork and help yourself.

Plenty of free mulch is also available at the Hilo Transfer Station which is open 7 days a week, 7:00am-5:00pm. The green waste pick-up and drop-off area is just past the entrance to the transfer station chutes on the right-hand side of the road.

The County of Hawai`i’s Department of Environmental Management sponsors the free mulch program. At this time, loading assistance for small vehicles is available only at the Hilo location and fees range from $10-$40 depending on vehicle size.

If you want to arrange for a large truckload to be delivered to your residence, business, or farm, from either the Hilo or Kona green waste processing sites, please call the Big Island Recycling representative at (808) 306-1876 to make those arrangements.

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

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What is the Aloha Patrol? It’s made up of a group of resident volunteers who patrol Ali’i Drive, Downtown Kona, down Palani Road to Ali’i Drive then to Huggo's on the Rocks and back.

Patrolling happens once or twice a month from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm or from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Patrol nights are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and they hope to patrol on Wednesdays too.

Kona's Aloha Patrol is a fun volunteer venture and doing it only twice a month means it doesn't take too much of your time. Patrolling is never done alone, always in pairs, threes or fours.

To sign up or for more information, call Dick Dresie at 329-5801.

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Don’t miss the fabulous 52nd ANNUAL 'MAGIC OF ORCHIDS' SHOW & SALE: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Fri., and Sat., June 18-19, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., June 20, 2004 at Edith Kanaka’ole Tennis Stadium in Hilo.

Extraordinary exhibits, demonstrations on orchid culture, ikebana and flower arranging and sale of plants. Food concessions. Tickets $1/advance; $2 at the door.

For general information call Sandy Song at 933-9212.

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You are cordially invited to attend the 'People Helping People’ Substance Abuse Intervention Training session for community advocates.

When: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Sat., June 26, 2004

Where: . The Fairmount Orchid.

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The Queen Lili'uokalani Trust invites the Kona community to attend an

informational meeting on Thursday, July 1 at 5:30 pm at the King

Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel.

The evening presentation includes an overview of the Queen Lili'uokalani Trust, its mission and the early stages of master planning the lands of Keahuolu, Kona.

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Join the celebration of The Arc of Hilo’s 50^th Anniversary on Sunday, July 25, 2004 from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at The Arc of Hilo, 1099 Waianuenue Ave. (across from Hilo Medical Center).

Featuring:

* The 12th Annual "Forever Young" Fashion Show

* a Succulent Prime Rib Buffet by Nani Mau Gardens

* an Exciting Silent Auction featuring artwork by prominent local artists, plus

* a Special Appearance by Melveen Leed

Tickets are $30 per person, of which $5 is tax-deductible.

For tickets call The Arc of Hilo, 935-8535 ext. 10.

For more information contact: Charmaine Ka-ipo, The Arc of Hilo, Phone 935-8535 ext. 17.

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Showcasing the splendor of Polynesian cultural tradition, the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (HCRA) and the Kekua Foundation take great pride in hosting the 11th International Va‘a Federation (IVF) World Sprints Championship at Hilo Bay in Hilo August 9-15, 2004.

The World Sprints Championship is the foremost event on the international outrigger canoe racing calendar. More than 2,000 participant paddlers are expected, with 5,000 or more spectators and worldwide media exposure.

Entrants are expected from as many as 22 countries.

Founded by the Tahitians, the first World Va’a Sprints was held in 1984 at Newport Beach, California.

During the August 9-15 events, races and practice will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily, at Bayfront Beach Park with three evening events from 7:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Edith Kanakaole Multipurpose Tennis Stadium.

According to organizers, Hilo provides excellent sprint conditions, with its protected harbor and races running parallel to the shore. Viewers will be able to watch races from start to finish.

Based on a commitment to encourage and preserve outrigger canoe racing and to promote international Ho‘okuku. (competition), the organizers seek to present a unique event that is rich in meaning, filled with activities designed to perpetuate, enhance and raise the sport to extraordinary, memorable, even legendary levels.

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The Waimea Community Association will sponsor a non-partisan candidate debate on Thursday, September 9 from 5:30 p.m at the YMCA’s Kahilu Town Hall.

The debate will feature candidates for all major public offices in the area in preparation for the coming elections. No charge to attend Waimea Community meetings. Membership not required but recommended.

For further information call: John Ray (885-5875).

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(All project schedules based on weather permitting.)

Where/Location: South Hilo – Kaumana Drive at Lele Street.

What: Thermoplastic intersection markings.

Where/Location: South Hilo – Kaumana Drive at Lele Street.

What: Continue thermoplastic intersection markings.

Where/Location: South Hilo – Kukuau Street at Kinoole Street.

What: Thermoplastic intersection markings.

Where/Location: North Hilo – Hale Pohaku Road.

What: Repaint centerlines.

Where/Location: North Hilo – Hale Pohaku Road.

What: Continue repainting centerlines.

Where/Location: North Kona - King Kamehameha III Road, near Manukai Street.

What: Underground streetlight circuit work.

Where/Location: South Hilo – Waianuenue Avenue at Kaiulani Street.

What: Install new pole and traffic signal hardware.

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Expect the other drivers to make mistakes and think what you would do if a mistake does happen. For example, do not assume that a vehicle coming to a stop sign is going to stop. Be ready to react if it does not stop. Never cause an accident on purpose, even if a pedestrian or another vehicle fails to give you the right-of-way.

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The County of Hawaii Highway Maintenance Division is scheduling road work on Palani Road on Saturday, June 19, 2004. Work is scheduled from 6 p.m.- 11 p.m. weather permitting.

The work area will be a one-mile section above the Kealakehe overpass and one lane will be closed during work. Traffic will be allowed to flow in the other lane, delays can be expected.

We apologize for any inconvenience to the public during this period. Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation.

For further information, please call Stanley Nakasone, Highway Maintenance Division Superintendent at 961-8349.

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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 Nonprofit Community Events (HCF): http://www.hcf-hawaii.org/hcf/hcfg/comcal.jsp
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
Hilo Downtown Improvement: Go to www.downtownhilo.com (click on Hilo Activity Guide, and follow directions on how to submit an event.) For information call Alice Moon at 933-9772.

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