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August 6, 2004
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FEATURE ARTICLES
COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD
COMMUNITIES IN ACTION
OTHER NEWS
TRAFFIC ALERT
FEATURE ARTICLES
Hilo World Sprints Olympics of Canoe Racing Come to Town
For one vibrant week in August, the town of Hilo will play host to the premier event of the outrigger canoe racing world, the 11th International Vaa Federation (IVF) World Sprints Championship, better known as the Hilo World Sprints.
The weeklong canoe championship takes place August 9-15, 2004 on crescent-shaped Hilo Bay.
Founded by the Tahitians, the first World Vaa (Outrigger Canoe) Sprints were held in 1984 at Newport Beach, California.
The World Sprints are held every two years.
Why did the International Vaa Federation choose Hilo to host the World Sprints?
Hilo won the right to host the events amid stiff competition from other international venues. According to the official World Sprint hosts, the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (HCRA) and the Kekua Foundation, 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.
This international event will draw some 1,700 paddlers from at least 22 countries, territories and regions. From the United States alone, there are participating teams from Hawai`i, the Pacific Northwest, California and the East Coast. Teams will come from as far away as Italy and Brazil.
Whats the mission of the Hilo World Sprints organizers?
The mission is based on a commitment to encourage and preserve outrigger canoe racing and to promote international Hookuku. (competition). The Hilo World Sprints organizers are hoping to present a unique event that is rich in meaning, filled with activities designed to perpetuate, enhance and raise the sport of outrigger canoe racing to extraordinary, memorable, even legendary levels.
Quite an undertaking
The two people leading the Hilo World Sprints effort, Executive Director John Kekua and NoeNoe Wong-Wilson, are responsible for the complete organization of the competition, including planning the pre-race, race day and post-race activities.
They have worked closely with the County of Hawai`i and the State of Hawai`i to iron out the myriad details (infrastructure, security, transportation, accommodation, etc.) necessary to make this a successful, safe and fun event.
English spoken here, French too
The official languages of the Hilo World Sprints will be English and French. Many of the participants will be from the French Polynesian island of Tahiti, as well as the French territories of New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna. There will also be a paddling team from France.
To accommodate other non-English speaking teams, Spanish speakers will be available. Argentina is sending a team, as is the Chilean Polynesian island of Rapa Nui (Easter Island).
What kind of race events will take place?
The events for the World Sprints are one-, six- and 12-person canoe events. There are 44 events defined by the number, gender and age of the paddlers, and by the distance of the race.
For detailed information on the age requirements, click on http://www.kekua.org/2004 . For specific questions, contact info@kekua.org .
Strict rules to ensure canoe uniformity
All of the canoes must be made of the same mould, using the same materials, with weight and dimensions to be the same.
Prior to each race, officials weigh the canoes and make alterations as needed so all of the canoes are the same weight.
According to International Vaa Federation rules, canoe accessories such as seats, flotation tanks and rigging are standardized.
Canoe paddles must have one blade, but may be made of any shape or size. Any material is acceptable.
Want to sound like a real aficionado?
Here are a few handy terms to impress people with during the World Sprints:
Whats the schedule for the week?
August 9, Monday
: Canoe teams to be assigned practice timesAugust 10, Tuesday: Canoe teams to be assigned practice times
August 10, Tuesday - 7pm - Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium: Opening Ceremonies with Parade of Paddlers
August 11, Wednesday - 7:30am - 4:00pm: Race Day #1
August 12, Thursday - 7:30am - 4:00pm: Race Day #2
August 12, Thursday - 7pm - Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium: Cultural Evening Program
August 13, Friday - 7:30am - 4:00pm: Race Day #3
August 14, Saturday - 7:30am - 4:00pm: Race Day #4, Begin Championship races
August 14, Saturday - 7:00pm - 10:00pm - Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium: Hilo World Sprints Celebration
August 15, Sunday - 7:30am - 12:00 Noon: Race Day #5, Championship Races
August 15, Sunday - 12:00 Noon - Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium: Hilo World Sprints Award Ceremony
The public is invited to attend all events. A nominal fee of $3.00 will be charged for Thursday and Saturday evening programs at the Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium. Paddlers with badges - free admission.
What else is happening during the World Sprints?
August 12, Thursday - August 14, Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm Afook Chinen Civic Center
Join us for local-style ono grinds.
A fundraiser for Moku o Hawai'i (Hawai`i Island) canoe clubs
August 9, Monday - August 14, Saturday 7:00am - 7:00pm
August 15, Sunday 7:00am - 1:00pm
For further information, click on http://www.kekua.org/2004 .
Biodiesel: The Next Generation of Fuel
In a world of skyrocketing prices at the gas pump, the idea of an alternative to imported fossil fuel makes plenty of sense.
Wouldnt it be great to use vegetable-derived fuel, or biodiesel, to power our cars and trucks, and become far less dependent on rapidly depleting supplies of petroleum? Biodiesel is the fastest-growing alternative fuel in the US, and its already been in use for more than 20 years in Europe
On average, cars using biodiesel get 45 miles per gallon.
Some of our island neighbors are starting to pick up on the commonsense nature of alternative fuel sources.
Maui diverted 900 tons of used cooking oil last year and is producing biodiesel which sells at the pump for a price equivalent to, or less than, regular diesel fuel.
By comparison, Hawai`i Island diverted 235 tons of used cooking oil for biodiesel production.
What exactly is biodiesel?
Whats biodiesel made from?
What are the advantages of biodiesel?
- Decreased dependence on foreign oil and increased national security
- Lower cost of fuel since crop farming and manufacturing are done domestically
- Fuel-related monies are spent domestically
- New jobs are created due to increased crop and manufacturing demand
- Increased income for farmers (if using plant- or animal-derived oil)
- Simple production process (individuals can make their own biodiesel systems for personal use)
- Cheapest alternative fuel that complies with state and Federal air quality standards
- Derived from renewable &/or recycled sources/crops (The most viable high oil-yield crops in Hawaii include hemp seed, macadamia nut, avocado, coconut and oil palm)
- Plants use carbon dioxide in respiration, helping balance the amount of carbon dioxide released during combustion
- Ideal for use in marine areas, national parks and forests
- Biodegradable same rate as sugar, four times faster than petrodiesel
- Pleasant odor like French fries or popcorn
- Reduced air and water pollution:
- Non-toxic 10 times less toxic than table salt, safe enough to drink
- 90% decrease in cancer risks
- The only alternative fuel to meet the standards of the EPAs Energy Policy Act & comply with all Health Effects Testing standards under the Clean Air Act
- Safe to handle and transport due to its biodegradability
- Reduction in health care costs due to improved air quality and alleviation of greenhouse gases
- High flashpoint of 260°F, compared to 125°F in petroleum diesel (doesnt produce explosive air/fuel vapors)
- Can be blended in any ratio with petrodiesel
- More complete combustion due to increased oxygen levels
- Can be used in existing, unmodified diesel engines
- Reduces engine wear by 50% due to increased lubrication, extending and improving engine life
- Excellent solvent cleans engine, injectors, fuel pumps & lines, etc
- Faster start-up and smoother operation fuel consumption, auto ignition, power output, & engine torque is unaffected
- No major engine modifications are needed at most, rubber hosing may need to be replaced
- Can be distributed via existing diesel fuel pumps
- On average, biodiesel gets 45 miles per gallon
How much will it cost?
Oahu prices as of 4/03/04 - $2.59 per gallon
How is biodiesel currently being used?
- Federal vehicles on Hawai`i Island are using biodiesel blends. (Fleets can now receive one vehicle compliance credit for each 450 gallons of biodiesel consumed in medium & heavy duty vehicles)
- The County of Hawai`is Dept of Environmental Management, in particular its Solid Waste Division, is willing to lead the way as soon as biodiesel is available. The Dept of Environmental Management is doing everything we can to help with increasing availability of biodiesel on the island.
- Transit systems (i.e. buses), tanks, boats, utility vehicles, generators, heavy equipment, etc.
- Those using biodiesel fleets: NASA, US Post Office, US Coast Guard, US Army, US Air Force, the Dept. of Forestry, the General Services Administration, the Agricultural Research Services, and the National Parks Service
- Construction Heavy equipment like cement trucks, dump trucks, bulldozers, spreaders, front loaders, cranes, backhoes, graders, generators
- Agriculture tractors, reapers, tillers, pickers, conveyors, generators, pumps, irrigation systems
- Marine research vessels, fishing fleets, commercial fleets, ferries, recreational boats, cleaning oil spills in the ocean and the wildlife affected by these spills (biodiesel degrades faster than petrodiesel; when biodiesel is blended with petrodiesel, the degradation rate of petrodiesel triples)
- solvent (cleaning & lubricating machines & engines)
- power plants
- diesel trains
- school/tour buses
Who is using biodiesel in Hawaii?
Interested in more information? Check out:
Alii Drive Temporary Southbound One-Way Traffic Pattern
The County of Hawai`i Department of Public Works advises the public that from August 16, 2004 a temporary southbound one-way traffic pattern will go into effect along Alii Drive, from Kaahumanu Place (Kailua Pier) to Hualalai Road.
This change will be in effect for a 90-day trial period, during which time the one-way will run from 9:00 am to 12 noon, Monday through Friday, excluding State holidays. The temporary one-way traffic pattern will remain in force until 12 noon on November 12, 2004.
The purpose of this one-way pattern is to create more freight loading zones in the area. This will be achieved by allowing the mauka lane to be used for freight loading/unloading activities only, while the makai lane will be for normal southbound traffic.
Motorists should plan their trips accordingly to help minimize delays.
The Department of Public Works asks for your patience and cooperation during this trial one-way traffic pattern period.
For further information, please contact the Department of Public Works, Traffic Division at 961-8341.
Water Board to Meet on Private Water Systems Aug 24 in Kona
The Water Board of the County of Hawaii will hold a public hearing on a proposed rule to be added to the Department of Water Supplys Rules and Regulations.
The topic of the proposed rule is the acceptance of existing private water systems. The proposed rule lists situations in which the Water Board will not accept existing private water systems, as well as listing all of the requirements that must be met in order for the Water Board to accept private water systems.
When: August 24, 2004, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Royal Kona Resort, Discovery Room, 75-5852 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona
Copies of the proposed rule, which would be added as Section 4-13, are available for review at the Department of Water Supplys main office during normal work hours. A copy of the proposed rule will be available for a nominal fee, including postage.
Requests for copies may be made either in writing, or by calling either Doreen Shirota or Denise Gaylord at (808) 961-8050. The mailing address for Department of Water Supply is 345 Kekuanaoa Street, Hilo, Hawaii 96720.
Members of the public may submit data in writing prior to the hearing to the Chairman of the Water Board of the County of Hawaii. Submissions made to the Chairman prior to the date of the hearing shall be mailed or delivered to the Chairman in care of the Department of Water Supply, 345 Kekuanaoa Street, Hilo, Hawaii 96720.
Members of the public may also submit their data, views or arguments orally to the Water Board at the hearing.
If accommodation or auxiliary aid and/or services (i.e., sign language, interpreter, large print) is required to participate in the hearing, please call 961-8050.
For job postings, visit our website: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/civil_serv/civ_serv.htm
Or call our 24/7 Job Hotline: 961-8618
Or visit our webpage: co.hawaii.hi.us
Click on employment opportunities to download all of the forms.
COMMUNITIES IN ACTION
Puainako Express Charity Run Walk August 7 in Hilo
Just before the new Puainako Extension is opened to traffic, there will be a unique opportunity for the public to enjoy this roadway via the Puainako Express Charity Fun Walk/Run.
When: Saturday August 7, 2004. Race starts at 7:00 a.m.
Where: Entrance of the Puainako Extension, at Komohana Street
The cost for the event is $20 for adults, $10 students and $5 for children 10 and under and $5 for seniors. Commemorative T-shirts will be provided with entry fee.
The Puainako Express Charity Fun Walk/Run will feature a 5K Walk and 10K Run. All proceeds will benefit the East Hawaii Coalition for the Homeless.
Early registration deadline is July 21, 2004. However applications will be accepted up until the day of the event with on-site registration starting at 6:00 a.m. Registration forms are available at the Fire Administration Office, the East Hawai`i Coalition for the Homeless administration office, Orchid Isle Fitness, Prince Kuhio Mall Information Desk and Borders Books.
The inspiration for the charity walk came from Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira, who patterned the event after the H-3 Freeway Run on Oahu. Chief Oliveira mobilized the team of Fire Department employees responsible for the EMS Run, to assist with planning and coordination with Public Works and the Puainako Extensions contractor Goodfellow Brothers.
For more information call the East Hawaii Coalition for the Homeless at 969-4848.
Composting Workshops in August for East Hawaii
Learn how to compost green waste and kitchen scraps for a healthier environment, better soil and even free fish bait! Reduce what goes into the Hilo landfill. Take part in the latest round of Composting Workshops.
Workshop space is limited. Please call 959-7257 to reserve your spot.
Intermediate/Advanced Composting
When: Thursday, August 12, 1:00-3:00 pm
Where: Kea`au Recycling & Reuse Center
Cost: $10 (Free composter for attending)
Basic Composting
When: Thursday, August 19, 4:00-6:00 pm
Where: UH Hilo Komohana Extension
Cost: $10 (Free composter for attending)
Worm Composting
When: Saturday, August 21, 1:00-3:00 pm
Where: Laulima Puna Gardens, Pahoa
Cost: $35 (Fully loaded worm bin with native compost worms and instructions for attending)
Parking Design Notification Program Volunteer Training
When: Wednesday, August 18, 2004, 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Where: Aupuni Center Conference Room, 101 Pauahi St.
Please call to pre-register for this volunteer training workshop if you would like to:
spaces for persons with disabilities;
of parking spaces; and
federal and state regulations; then,
Please call to pre-register for the Hilo workshop by August 6.
The same workshop will be held in West Hawai`i.
When: Wednesday, August 25, 2004, 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon
Where: Police Dept. Conf. Rm 75-2551 Queen Kaahumanu Highway, Kailua-Kona
Please call to pre-register for the Kona workshop by August 16.
To register or for more information or to request an auxiliary aid or service, call Adele Ching at 974-4000, ext. 68121 V/TTY (toll free)
This training is accessible for individuals with disabilities.
The Parking Design Notification Program is a project of the Disability and Communication Access Board (DCAB), Department of Health, State of Hawai`i, 919 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 101, Honolulu 96814.(808) 586-8121. Email: accesshi@aloha.net or via Internet at www.hawaii.gov/health/dcab .
Homeland Security Community Group Training Aug 26-27
The Western Community Policing Center will conduct training sessions on preparing you and your neighborhood for involvement in the Citizens Corps, a community-based initiative focused on homeland security issues.
The aim is to enable community leaders to develop vigilant, prepared and resilient community groups. The training will deal with the following themes:
The training is in preparation for Citizens Emergency Response Team training to be held islandwide beginning in the fall of 2004.
When: August 26 & 27, 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Where: Aupuni Conference Center in Hilo
To register or for more information, call Hawaii County Resource Center at 961-8085 or 961-8035.
** For attendees from West and North Hawaii a limited number of stipends for mileage and overnight lodging are available.
New Location for Used Motor Oil Collection in Ocean View
Recycle Hawai`i announces a new location site for used motor oil collection in Ocean View.
South Point U-Cart has taken over from Ocean View Service as the used motor oil collection site in the Ocean View community effective Wednesday, July 28, 2004.
South Point U-Cart is located at mile marker 78 at Prince Kuhio Blvd, the first right after Ocean View Market. To contact South Point-U-Cart, please call 929-9666.
Recycle Hawai`i suggests a few important details to remember when depositing used motor oil:
Recycle Hawai`i is still seeking sites in North Kohala and South Kona.
Questions regarding permanent motor oil collection locations and the Residential Used Motor Oil Collection Program should be addressed to Recycle Hawai`i at 961-2676 or 329-2886, or visit the Recycle Hawai`i website at: www.recyclehawaii.org .
Free Mulch Available at Kealakehe, Hilo Transfer Stations
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.
Please also note that green waste drop offs have resumed at the Kealakehe Transfer Station. A big Mahalo to all residents for your patience and cooperation.
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`is 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 Countys Recycling Coordinator at 961-8942.
Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate Program at HawCC
Hawaii Community College announces a new certificate program in Substance Abuse Counseling starting Fall 2004. This program was developed in response to the growing need for certified substance abuse counselors and trained human service professionals to address the methamphetamine "ice" crisis and other substance abuse issues in the county of Hawaii.
In addition to the 18-credit certificate program, non-credit courses will be offered to human service and criminal justice professionals seeking to develop and/or upgrade their skills in working with individuals and families suffering from chemical abuse or dependency.
Credit courses will be offered at the Hilo and West Hawaii campuses during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. The registration deadline for the Fall Semester is August 13, 2004.
Students who successfully complete the substance abuse counseling courses are also eligible to receive addiction studies and/or fieldwork hours that can be applied towards obtaining State Substance Abuse Counseling Certification as required by the Department of Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD), the National Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (NAADAC) Credentialing Board, and the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (ICRC).
For more information about this program, contact Donnalyn Kalei at 933-0701 or johnsd@hawaii.edu .
Solutions: Neighborhoods in Action to Hold Video Conference Aug 12
Solutions: Neighborhoods In Action Task Force Groups will be holding a video conference on Thursday, August 12, 2004. For West Hawaii the meeting room will be the Mayor's Office, and for East Hawaii the venue will be the Hilo Prosecutor's Office.
Below are the times, contact information and agenda for all three Task Force Groups.
Traffic Task Force Meeting
Time: 10am - 11am
Agenda: Continue working on "Speeding In Neighborhoods" awareness. Contact: Laura Ward at 334-0442 or email laura.ward@cancer.org
Animal Control Task Meeting
Time: 11:15am - 12:15pm
Agenda will be to continue working on the proposed Animal Control Ordinances - especially barking and stray dogs. Contact: Nancy Zorn at 328-9931 or nzzorn2@kona.net
Property Crimes Task Force Meeting
Time: 12:30 pm - 1:30pm
Agenda will continue working on raising awareness of burglary, theft and vandalism.
Contact: Lil Beaufrere at 325-0039 or email konalil@hawaii.rr.com
Future meetings will be held on the first Thursday of every month:
September 2, 2004 - Thursday
October 7, 2004 - Thursday
November 4, 2004 - Thursday
Hands-on Astronomy Fun at Waimea Festival August 29
As scientists rewrite the theory of the cosmos from a vantage point atop Mauna Kea, the public can discover the science of astronomy at the First Annual Parker Ranch Center Waimea Festival.
The inaugural event is on August 29 from11 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Admission is free.
Broaden your horizons, literally, at several informative astronomy exhibits. The W.M. Keck Observatory, which has a world-renowned telescope atop Mauna Kea and its headquarters in Waimea, offers celestial shows in a cushy, inflatable planetarium called Starlab. Free 20-30 min. shows at noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
See how Sunspotter, an innovative Keplerian telescope, makes possible the viewing of sunspots as they move across the sun's surface. Staff from the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Corporation demonstrate the telescope's ability, weather permitting.
The Ellison Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station. The center, which is located at the 9,200-foot elevation of Mauna Kea, also offers Venus viewing through a telescope, weather permitting, plus coloring for kids and a display on the late Ellison Onizuka, a Kona son killed in the Challenger tragedy.
The University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy details some of its research atop Mauna Kea with displays on a large, 8-by-10 foot panel. Gary Fujihara, one of 350 ambassadors that describe NASA's programs, also provides info on Mars Exploration Rovers and the NASA Deep Impact, a mission that will explore the interior of a comet (http://deepimpact.jpl.nasa.gov/). Weather permitting, solar viewing is available.
New to the Big Island's astronomical facilities is the upcoming Mauna Kea Astronomy Education Center (MKAEC). Opening in 2005 in the UH-Hilo Park of Science and Technology, MKAEC introduces itself to the public at the Waimea Festival with displays, including blueprint plans for the planetarium.
The Waimea Festival is a part of the Aloha Festivals, a series of events throughout the state of Hawaii. Aloha Festival 2004 ribbons are available for sale, and participating Parker Ranch Center merchants are offering select discounts to ribbon wearers. For an official Waimea Festival program, complete with a listing of Parker Ranch Center merchants offering discounts, stop by the Aloha Festivals ribbon table just outside the Parker Ranch Center Fireside Food Court or call 329-0833.
Non-Partisan Candidate Forum in Waimea on Sept 9
The Waimea Community Association will sponsor a non-partisan candidate debate on Thursday, September 9 from 5:30 p.m at the YMCAs 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).
Training for Families Raising Children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
The Arc of Hilo is hosting training for family members and Health and Human Service Professionals who assist families raising children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) or Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND).
When: Tuesday, September 14th, 2004, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: at the Sangha Hall, 424 Kilauea Avenue, in downtown Hilo
On the following day, September 15, a workshop will be held to provide "Train the Trainer" instruction on FAS/ARND for those interested in training others. Participants are encouraged to attend both days if interested in training others. Participants will be given PowerPoint slides of the curriculum, the curriculum and handouts, as well as instruction on how best to share this information.
Both training sessions are being provided by the Arc of the United States, with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you have questions about this training, contact Cindy Robinson at (808) 935-8535 ext 22 or email her at crobinson@hiloarc.org
Rotary Seeks Applicants for Study Tour to Philippines
The Rotary Clubs of Hawai`i (District 5000) are seeking applicants to a Group Study Exchange team that will travel to Manila, Republic of the Philippines from February 12 to March 14, 2005.
Applicants must be non-Rotarian young professionals age 25-40 and must not be related to a Rotarian. Applicants must be Hawai`i residents who are U.S. citizens.
Successful applicants will be personable, articulate, cooperative, exemplary in their work and enthusiastic about their vocations. Although there is no language training necessary since English is widely spoken in the Philippines, team members must be willing to undertake other preparation for the month-long mission.
Rotary Group Study Exchanges are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain new perspectives and an enlarged world vision, as well as an understanding of a nations culture, commerce and government. The four team members, accompanied by a Rotarian team leader, act as ambassadors to the host country.
Rotary International and the host district pay for all airfare, lodging, food and local transportation.
For application forms, email Mark Moore at hale1632@aol.com or fax: (808) 734-3235. Mailing address: 1632 Halekoa Place, Honolulu, HI 96821. Deadline: September 15, 2004.
Hilo Medical Center and Foundation host Demolition Party
The formal initiation to the first physical change leading to the creation of Hawaiis first State Veterans Home, the demolition of the old Hilo Hospital, will festively take place on Wednesday, September 1, 2004, 1:30 2:30 pm, at the old Hilo Hospital.
"The old Hilo Hospital has been an eyesore and even (unfortunately) a symbol of the past economic condition of east Hawaii," said Ronald Schurra, Hilo Medical Centers chief executive officer. "It is fitting at this time of economic revival and health care improvement, that we celebrate the first real physical demonstration of our dramatic change for a positive future."
Schurra said the creation of Hawaiis first State Veterans Home could only have occurred through the communitys strong support.
BACKGROUND: Completed in 1951, then named Puumaile hospital, was a 216-bed tuberculosis hospital. In 1957, a $900,000 County Bond together with $650,000 from the U.S. Public Health Service provided funds for additions and renovations to the Puumaile Hospital to care for non-T.B. patients.
In 1961 the old Hilo Memorial hospital (located below Rainbow Falls) was closed and the newly renovated Puumaile Hospital was renamed Hilo Hospital.
Hilo Medical Center, a 275-bed hospital that provides a full range of services, is the major provider of inpatient and outpatient care on the Big Island of Hawai`i. With more than 120 physicians representing 33 specialties and over 850 employees, Hilo Medical Center is the fifth busiest hospital in the state.
For further information contact Joni Urasaki, Management Analyst/Community Relations, Office: 974-4741, Email: jurasaki@hhsc.org
Healthy and Hapai Events in October
Malama A Ho'opili Pono, a Department of Health initiative for mother and child health, will be holding the- East Side's 3rd Annual Healthy & Hapai/WIC's Breastfeeding Challenge on Saturday, October 2, 2004 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Maternal & Child Health/Family Health Agencies interested in reserving a booth, please call Haunani at 974-4291.
Malama A Ho'opili Pono will also hold a Healthy & Hapai Health Fair - Ka'u on Oct 30, 2004 (Halloween Saturday) from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Na'alehu Community Center & Park. The event will feature fun, music, costume contests and much more. Maternal Child & Health Agencies interested in reserving a booth, call 939-2437 and ask for Pat or Sandy Lei.
TRAFFIC ALERT
(All project schedules based on weather permitting.)
August 9, 2004 Monday
Where/Location: North Hilo Hale Pohaku Road.
What: Repaint faded centerlines.
August 10, 2004 Tuesday
Where/Location: North Hilo Hale Pohaku Road.
What: Continue repainting of centerlines.
August 11, 2004 Wednesday
Where/Location: North Hilo Hale Pohaku Road.
What: Repaint edge-of-pavement lines.
August 12, 2004 Thursday
Where/Location: North Hilo Hale Pohaku Road.
What: Repaint edge-of-pavement lines.
August 13, 2004 Friday
Where/Location: South Hilo Saddle Road, from Country Club Road to the 19 mile marker.
What: Repaint centerlines.
Traffic Tip of the Week from your Hawai`i County Police Department
Safe Driving Tip of the Week
Do you have anti-lock brakes (ABS)? If you do, when slowing down, you should maintain steady pressure on the pedal to keep the system working. Never pump the brakes if you have ABS. If you are not sure about your brakes, consult your owner's manual, dealer or mechanic.
One-Way Traffic on Kalanianaole Avenue due to Sewer Work
Kalanianaole Avenue between the Bay Clinic and Keaa Street will be closed for Keaukaha-bound traffic on a 24-hour basis beginning August 9, 2004 through September 17, 2004 to allow for much- needed rehabilitation work on the County of Hawaii sewer line.
Please note that Hamakua-bound traffic will remain open along Kalanianaole Avenue and local traffic both ways up to the Bay Clinic will be allowed.
Keaukaha-bound motorists will be detoured through Kamehameha Street and Silva Street while construction improvements are in progress. Please use caution when traveling through the area.
For additional information, please contact Isemoto Contracting Co., Ltd. at 935-3102 or the County of Hawaii Wastewater Division at 961-8338.
Lane Closures for Fiber-Optic Cable Project in Kaumana
Motorists are advised of the following lane closures and work locations as contractors work on installing a conduit system for Sandwich Isles Communications in the Kaumana area.
From Monday, August 9th thru Friday, August 13th, Willocks Construction will be boring and trenching in the following areas:
The work will start at 8:00 am and continue until 3:30 pm, weather permitting. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes (Waianuenue Avenue/Akolea Road) to avoid traffic delays/congestion and allow for extra travel time.
Contractors are in their 6th week of work and estimate this project to be completed in November 2004.
Questions can be referred to Chuck Eckman (Resident Engineer), Mid State Consultants, at 640-9509.
Mahalo for your patience and cooperation.
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.
Prince Kuhio Plaza: http://www.princekuhioplaza.com/html/Events.asp
County of Hawaii WebSite Address: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/
County Forms Online: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/forms/forms.html
County Maps Online: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/maps/maps.html
County Project Summaries And Updates Online: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/projects.htm
Use the following links to the specific region:
North Hawaii: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/nh/NH-M.htm
East Hawaii: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/eh/EH-M.htm
South Hawaii: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/sh/SH-M.htm
West Hawaii: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/k2k/K2K-M.htm
Procurement Notices: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/purchasing/bids.htm
Information & Complaints: cohinfo@interpac.net
County Departments: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/email.htm
Hawaii County website: co.hawaii.hi.us
To add or remove your name from distribution, e-mail Janet Snyder: jsnyder@co.hawaii.hi.us
For more information, contact:
Janet Snyder
Phone: (808) 961-8223
Fax: (808) 933-1521
e-mail: jsnyder@co.hawaii.hi.us
Hawaii County ... a nice place to live.