August 27, 2004

Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

When you pay your annual motor vehicle registration charges, you may wonder where the money goes.

This article will explain how the amount you pay is determined and what the money is used for.

The motor vehicle registration payment you make is split between the County and State government. The amounts are set by the State legislature for state charges and by the County Council for county charges. (The Motor Vehicle Registration office does not have any power over this.)

The Motor Vehicle Registration section of the Treasury Division (Department of Finance) is only a collection agency which distributes the money it collects to the appropriate state and county government departments.

Motor vehicle registration charges are broken down into taxes based on the weight of a vehicle and fixed fees.

Weight taxes:

Fees:

There is also an option to donate an extra $1 per vehicle to the organ donor program.

As an example, the Hawai‘i County total motor vehicle registration charge for one popular vehicle, the Toyota Camry, is $87.25. On Oahu, the same Camry would cost $146.25 to register. On Maui the charges would be $115.00, and on Kauai, $100.50.

The present county rates in the state of Hawai‘i are:

For further information, call Motor Vehicle Registration at 961-8351.

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The County of Hawai`i has developed and published its proposed Consolidated Plan (CP) for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) 2005-2009 CDBG and HOME Programs and is providing affected citizens an opportunity to examine its contents and to submit comments on the proposed 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan.

The purpose of the County’s Consolidated Plan is to ensure that jurisdictions receiving federal assistance plan for its housing and related needs of low- and moderate-income families in a way that improves the availability and affordability of decent, safe, and sanitary housing in a suitable living environment.

The County’s Consolidated Plan describes the County’s needs, priorities, funding plans, proposed projects and certifies its compliance with the CDBG program requirements. HUD requires the County to submit a five-year Consolidated Plan (2005-2009 Program Years) and thereafter HUD requires the County to submit an annual Action Plan which contains the actual yearly projects and program certifications. In addition, the County’s Consolidated Plan includes the County’s HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program’s projects for informational purposes.

The County’s priorities for the use of its CDBG, HOME, and ADDI funds are:

• High priorities: Housing for households earning less than 80% of the median income; activities that protect the health and safety of the residents in Hawai`i County (i.e. Fire and Police); and activities which meet legal obligations or federal mandates (i.e. ADA).
• Medium priorities: Public facilities; infrastructure (other than housing-related); public service and economic development.
• Low priorities: Parking facilities, non-residential historic preservation and sidewalks.

The County’s goals (proposed accomplishments) for 2005-2009 are:

• Provide tenant-based rental assistance (75 households);
• Construct rental units for low-income families (60 units), elderly (92 units), persons with special needs (5 units);
• Provide homebuyer education and counseling (one per year);
• Provide down-payment/closing cost assistance (6 families); Construct affordable for-sale homes (50 units);
• Provide loans/grants for home rehabilitation (40 homeowners);
• Further fair housing;
• Construct a homeless shelter in West Hawai`i;
• Open a one-stop service center for the homeless;
• Rehabilitate domestic violence shelters;
• Provide transportation services;
• Provide infrastructure or other activities that will increase the production of new, affordable housing;
• Construct 2 new public safety facilities;
• Remove architectural barriers at 10 facilities;
• Improve 4 public facilities/senior centers;
• Provide construction management and inspection services for CDBG-funded projects;
• Update HUD required studies/plans and provide effective program management.

The proposed 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan will be available for public review and comment from August 16, 2004 to September 14, 2004 at the Hawai`i State Public Libraries in Honoka`a, Kamuela, Kohala, Pahala, Pahoa, Kailua-Kona, Hilo. It will also be available at the following locations Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on holidays:

• Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD)
  50 Wailuku Drive
  Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
  Phone: 961-8379

• Hawai`i County Services
  (Hanama Place)
  75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 103
  Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i 96740
  Phone: 329-5226

Persons, particularly those with low or moderate income, are encouraged to submit their comments regarding priorities, objectives and the activities proposed in their area.

The OHCD will consider any comments and views expressed by citizens on the proposed 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan and may modify it, if it deems it appropriate.

Persons who wish to comment on the proposed plan must submit their comments in writing or by fax (961-8685) to the OHCD by September 14, 2004 in order for the Hawai`i County Housing Agency to consider them in their review of the final 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan.

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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 Ali’i 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.

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The Ocean View Community Association, comprised of more than 400 members, will sponsor a Candidates Forum on Sunday, August 29 at 2:00 p.m.

The forum will include candidates for the mayoral, County Council and other electoral races.

Each candidate will have15 minutes to express his or her views. After all candidates have spoken, questions from the audience will be taken. Refreshments will be served.

For further information, contact Don Irwin, President, Ocean View Community Association at 939-7033 or email info@ovca-hawaii.org

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Eight Waimea community groups will co-sponsor a non-partisan candidate forum on Thursday., September 9 from 5:30 p.m. at the Waimea Family YMCA’s Kahilu Town Hall.

Joining Waimea Community Association in sponsoring this forum will be Tutu's House, Waimea Power of Choice, Waimea Hawaiian Homesteaders Association, North Hawaii Rotary, Waimea Elementary School, Friends of Thelma Parker Memorial Library and Hawaii Community College -- UH Center West Hawaii.

The debate will feature candidates for all major public offices in the area in preparation for the coming elections. This includes candidates for Mayor, two Hawaii County Council seats -- District 1 (Hamakua -- which reaches into Waimea as far West as White Road) and District 9; as well as for State House of Representatives. Since Sen. Lorraine Inouye is unopposed, she will speak briefly but there will not be a question-and-answer forum.

All of the candidates for these offices have been invited and have confirmed their participation.

There is no charge to attend Waimea Community meetings. Membership not required but recommended. Refreshments will be provided.

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The County’s Department of Water Supply and the Department of Public Works will hold a joint informational meeting in the Kealakehe Intermediate School Cafeteria located at 75-5062 Onipaa Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i. This meeting is scheduled for August 31, 2004, at 6:00 p.m.

The purpose of the meeting is to inform and accept comments from the public regarding the upcoming construction of a new 16-inch waterline and roadway improvements along Kuakini Highway.

The 16-inch waterline installation by the Department of Water Supply will extend from Hualalai Road, along Kuakini Highway, to Nakukui Drive.

The Kuakini Highway road improvements by the Department of Public Works will extend from Palani Road to Hualalai Road.

Kuakini Highway will be widened to two lanes in each direction with appropriate pockets for left turns and bicycle lanes through most of the project. This roadway work also includes the installation of concrete curb, gutter, sidewalks, curb ramps, landscaping and a synchronized traffic signal system.

For further information, contact Pete Hendricks, Deputy Managing Director, at 329-5226.

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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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Parking Design Notification Program Volunteer Training

Please call to pre-register for this volunteer training workshop if you would like to:

• Help to promote and educate businesses on how to design parking spaces for persons with disabilities;

• Learn what federal and state laws require for design and construction of parking spaces; and

• Identify parking spaces in your community that do not comply with federal and state regulations.

Please call to pre-register for the workshop by August 23, 2004.

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 .

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Solutions: Neighborhoods In Action Task Force Groups will be having a video conference on Thursday, September 2, 2004. The meeting room for West Hawaii will be the Kealakehe Police Station and for East Hawaii meeting room will be the Hilo Prosecutor's Office.

Below are the times, contact information and agenda for the three Task Force Groups.

Agenda: Continue working on "Speeding In Neighborhoods" and community flyer. Contact: Laura Ward at 960-7201 or email konalil@hawaii.rr.com  

Agenda will be to continue working on the proposed Animal Control Ordinances - and an informational brochure. Contact: Nancy Zorn at 328-9931 or nzzorn2@kona.net 

Agenda will continue working on Burglary, Theft and Vandalism awareness.

Contact: Lil Beaufrere at 325-0039 or email konalil@hawaii.rr.com

Future meetings at the Kealakehe Police Station and Hilo Prosecutor's Office will be held on the first Thursday of every month. The following two meetings will be:

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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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Compost tumblers rapidly break down greenwaste into useable compost for your lawn or garden.

Learn how to build your own compost tumbler from materials readily accessible islandwide. Classes sponsored by Recycle Hawai`i. Class fee: $10. All Classes will be held at Kea`au Recycling & Reuse Center

Classes will be held on the following dates: Saturday, Aug 28th –9am-11pm, Saturday, Sept 11th –4pm-6pm and Saturday, Sept 24th –4pm-6pm. Take your pick.

For more information or to sign up for classes, contact Recycle Hawai`i at 969-2012.

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Positive Coaching Alliance brings its proven program to Waimea with three separate workshops August 26, 27 & 28, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the W.M. Keck Main Theatre.

A $5 fee includes a workbook to take home and put into practice.

The August 26 workshop is entitled "Leadership," geared toward athletics administrators.

The August 27 workshop is on "Double-Goal Coaching."

The August 28 workshop is entitled "Sports Parents," in which participants learn how to re-define "winners" and "losers" and receive practical techniques and tools to help maximize the sports experience for kids.

The Waimea workshops will be conducted by Waimea's own Sharon Peterson, two-time Olympian and 40-year UH Volleyball Coach along with Kathy Toon, former tennis coach at the University of California at Berkeley. Kathy serves as PCA's Manager of Product Development and consults with numerous Division I teams as a performance enhancement coach.

The North Hawaii Drug-Free Coalition, in cooperation with Big Island Positive Coaching Alliance, is sponsoring the workshops as part of a targeted effort to provide Big Island youth with healthy alternatives to drugs.

The workshops will also include presentations on asthma control by the Hamakua Health Center and substance abuse prevention by Lokahi Treatment Centers.

Positive Coaching Alliance workshops have been endorsed by championship coaches and athletes like Phil Jackson, Dean Smith, Anson Dorrance, Barry Zito, Tyrone Willingham and Larry Brown.

The PCA method places the value of fitness, sportsmanship, healthy competition, parent support, fairness, teamwork, self-esteem and love of the game above the value of "winning at all costs." Their methods are proven, their success ratio high, and their training techniques are easy to learn and implement in any community, on any size team or age group.

For more information, please visit www.PositiveCoach.org .

Advanced workshops take place in Hilo at the Aupuni Center Conference Room (former Kaiko`o Mall) on August 31 *"Double-Goal Coach 2") and September 1 ("Coaching the Mental Game").

Registration is at 5:30 p.m. with the workshops from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. To sign up contact Byron Tomono at 961-8735, ext. 25.

These two sessions take the Positive Coaching theory to the next level, and lock in the tools and techniques presented in the first series.

For more information, call Alison Welch Keliihoomalu at North Hawaii Drug-Free Coalition at 887-0756 or email alison@fivemountains.org .

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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.

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Employers are invited to attend a pau hana reception to recognize employers who have created successful workplaces in West Hawaii. Learn from business leaders who will share their "best practices" to assist you in recruiting, training and retaining your work force.

Call the Big Island Workplace Connection (Lori Sasaki) at 327-4797 for more information.

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These non-credit courses provide the required education hours to satisfy certification/re-certification requirements of the State of Hawaii Department of Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division for Certified Substance Abuse Counselors.

The course offerings are:

043N014 Sept. 11 9:00a-4:00p

043N015 Sept. 18 9:00a-4:00p

043N202 Sept. 25 9:00a-4:00pm

Cost per class is $99; if taken as a series—$267. Deadline to register is September 8.

Tuition assistance is available. Call 974-7531 for more information and to register.

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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).

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

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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 nation’s 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.

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The formal initiation to the first physical change leading to the creation of Hawaii’s 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 Center’s 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 Hawaii’s first State Veterans Home could only have occurred through the community’s 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

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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.

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(All project schedules based on weather permitting.)

Where/Location: South Hilo District – Kaupakuea Homestead Road (Pepeekeo).

What: Maintain centerline striping.

Where/Location: North Hilo District – Mauna Kea Access Road.

What: Maintain centerline striping.

Where/Location: North Hilo District – Mauna Kea Access Road.

What: Continue centerline striping.

Where/Location: North Hilo District – Mauna Kea Access Road.

What: Maintain edge-of-pavement striping.

Where/ Location: North Hilo District – Mauna Kea Access Road.

What: Continue edge-of-pavement striping.

Where/Location: South Hilo – Kawili Street and Kapiolani Street intersection.

What: Traffic signal controller work.

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Help reduce fatigue on long trips by not fixating on or staring at one area for long periods of time. Frequent head and eye movement will reduce fatigue and give you a better overview of the driving environment. Also, frequent rest stops will help you remain alert.

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Kalaniana’ole Avenue between the Bay Clinic and Kea’a 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 Hawai’i sewer line.

Please note that Hamakua-bound traffic will remain open along Kalaniana’ole 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 Hawai’i Wastewater Division at 961-8338.

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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 30th through Friday, September 3^rd, Willocks Construction will be boring and trenching in the following areas:

• Along Kaumana Drive between Pu‘uhina and Chong Streets – Lane Closures

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 9th 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.

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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.
Prince Kuhio Plaza: http://www.princekuhioplaza.com/html/Events.asp

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