Longevity, or long life, is one of the greatest achievements of the 20^th Century. In the 21^st century alone, we have seen a more dramatic extension of longevity than humankind has witnessed in more than 4,000 years. Hawaii leads the nation in longevity that is expected to reach the mid 80’s and 90’s within the next 15 years.

Recognizing that living into our 80s and 90s will have an impact on nearly every aspect of society, the Hawaii County Office of Aging is working to address the current and emerging needs to enable older people to live independently and with dignity.

As individuals, we must all undertake our own life course planning. You and I must begin to anticipate and plan for the likelihood that we will live to be 80, 90 and 100. Regardless of how old you are today, the opportunity to live a longer life heightens the importance of

• keeping active and healthy,
• earning and saving enough to live comfortably,
• being involved in work or activities that are satisfying,
• having rewarding relationships with family and friends, and
• of finding ways to meet spiritual needs.

A good quality of life can be possible for us if we plan as early as possible.

The challenge to the Hawaii County Office of Aging and our network of service providers is to provide newer and more creative options to address health and long-term care needs, economic security, and leisure activities.

We can all help ourselves by engaging in lifestyle changes to feel, look, and age better. It really isn’t complicated, it just takes the will to want to do it. Make it fun - exercise, better eating habits, need not be boring or punishing. Studies indicate that simply exercising 30 to 40 minutes a day can extend your lifespan by as much as 10 years. Consider the following:

1. Regular Exercise - Just 30 minutes of light activity daily, like walking or gardening, will boost your ability to fight aging-related illnesses.
2. Eating well - Nutritional foods for meals and snacks give your body the energy you need to stay strong and active.
3. Medical check-ups - Regular health assessments let you take charge of your wellness to prevent or address any problems.
4. Socialization - Maintaining and developing new friendships, activities and interests enrich your physical and mental well-being.
5. Accept help - A wealth of community resources are available to help you live long, healthy and independently.

It is very gratifying to see the number of retired county employees engaged in service to our community through Hawaii County’s Retired & Senior Volunteer Program. Many of these same individuals are actively involved in the many activities available through the Parks and Recreation Elderly Activities Division. They are enjoying their well-deserved retirement and doing the things they need to do to remain healthy and vibrant.

When the time comes that you need assistance, number 5 above is very important. Don’t be reluctant to call for assistance. As stated, we have a wealth of community resources available to assist individuals to live independently.

Perhaps like many of us baby boomers you are now a caregiver for your parents, grandparents or others. Regardless of whether or not it is a one hour or twenty-four hour a day responsibility, thanks in part to recent County funding, resources are available to assist you. A caregiver who tries to do it all will eventually burnout and not be of much assistance to the person they are trying to help. Respite services such as day care and personal care services are available to provide rest and free time for caregivers. Family counseling and financial planning services are currently being developed.

So get active, stay active, and know that in Hawaii County, there are resources to help you and your loved ones live independently and with dignity.

For more information, call the Hawai`i County Office of Aging at 961-8600.

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Registered voters may vote early (absentee) beginning Thursday, September 3 through September 16, 2004.

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Effective September 15, 2004, the NEW HILO LOCATION for obtaining a disabled parking placard is: 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 8 (the old J.C. Penney’s). Applications for placards are available at this new site.

Hours of operation are from 7:45 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Applications are also available at all doctors’ offices islandwide; the Office of Information at 25 Aupuni Street, #217 in Hilo; and the Mayor’s Office, 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy. (Hanama Place, #103) in Kona.

For further information, call the County Office of Information at 961-8316.

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AFFECTED AREAS: HAINA WATER SYSTEM; HAMAKUA

LAUPAHOEHOE WATER SYSTEM; NORTH HILO

Due to ongoing dry weather conditions and exceptionally large water consumption in both areas; and, due to repairs to the Laupahoehoe Well for Affected Area #2, the Department of Water Supply would like to notify consumers in the Affected Areas that they are under Water Conservation. Water Conservation Notice is a voluntary action to reduce water usage by 10%.

AFFECTED AREAS: KUKUIHAELE WATER SYSTEM; SOUTH KOHALA

MAKAPALA-NIULI WATER SYSTEM; NORTH KOHALA

Due to ongoing dry weather conditions and exceptionally large water consumption, the Department of Water Supply would like to remind consumers in the Affected Areas that they are under Water Conservation. Water Conservation Notice is a voluntary action to reduce water usage by 10%.

To reach the 10% reduction goal, here are a few tips:

Agricultural users shouldl irrigate only at night from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. This measure reduces water loss due to evaporation and minimizes water system drain during peak demand.

For more information, please contact Dennis Lee at the Department of Water Supply at 961-8790.

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The Hawai`i County Department of Finance wishes to announce that any taxpayer may file complaints against the assessed value placed upon property in the County of Hawaii for the purposes of real property taxation.

Complaints may be filed only during the period from September 10, 2004 to September 21, 2004 with the Director of Finance at the County of Hawaii, Real Property Tax Office, Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 4, Hilo, Hawaii, or at the West Hawaii Real Property Tax Office, 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 112, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

The complaints are for the purpose of assisting the Tax Board of Review in making additional notes for their report to the Mayor and the County Council concerning instances, which, in the opinion of the Board, the Director of Finance did not use proper methods in assessing real property for purposes of taxation.

Since this session or period is not for appealing assessments but only for receiving complaints, the Board cannot change any assessment during the process.

The period for complaints should not be confused with the filing of assessment appeals. The April 12th appeals deadline against the 2004 assessments has expired.

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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:

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 Environmental Management Commission will hold its next meeting on

Wednesday, September 22, 2004 in Kailua-Kona, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.

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

Click on employment opportunities to download all of the forms.

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Hawaiian Beaches Community Cleanup Sept 18

Recycle Hawai`i is sponsoring a cleanup at the Government Beach Road adjacent to Hawaiian Beaches Subdivision on Saturday, September 18 from 9:00 a.m. to3:00 p.m.

Government Beach Road, a dirt road located along the coast north of Hawaiian Beaches Subdivision, has become an eyesore and health hazard for residents in the area. This illegal dumpsite is filled with all kinds of garbage, appliances, furniture, dead animals and abandoned vehicles.

How to get to the site:

From Kea`au, go past the exit into Pahoa town and turn left onto Kahakai Blvd. Continue on Kahakai Blvd. past Keonepoko Elementary School and almost to the coastline. Turn left on Coastal Puna Pkwy, which is the next to last street. Go two blocks to the stop sign. After the stop sign, the road curves to the left and comes to a dirt road next to a white house. This is the site for the cleanup.

Food and drinks will be provided for the volunteers.

This cleanup comes after one on August 21, 2004, when a group of dedicated volunteers spent hours cleaning Government Beach Road. The cleanup, sponsored by Recycle Hawai`i, was a part of a project funded by the USDA-Rural Utilities Service, County of Hawaii Department of Environmental Management and Matson Navigation’s "Ka Ipu `Aina" Program. The volunteers did a great job in cleaning the area, but there was still much work to.

Recycle Hawai`i would like to thank the following organizations, government agencies, businesses and individuals for their support for the cleanup; Keep Hawai`i Beautiful, Kahakai Neighborhood Watch, County of Hawai`i Department of Environmental Management, Matson Navigation Co, Atlas Recycling, Big Island Scrap Metal, Treeworks, Chris and Mealoha Kraus, Joel Nathansen, Andy Aquino, Ruth Larkin, Ron Phillips, Pat Anakalea, Patti and Norman Blank and Nan Chun.

Special thanks to the County’s Solid Waste Division for assisting in cleaning this site by removing many junk vehicles and automotive parts through the derelict/abandoned vehicle program.

For more information call: 985-8725, or e-mail us at: howard@recyclehawaii.org .

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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, 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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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: Kekuanaoa Street from Kanoelehua to Kilauea Avenue.

What: Repaint centerlines.

Where/Location: Kekuanaoa Street from Kanoelehua to Kilauea Avenue.

What: Repaint edge of pavement lines, lane lines and arrows.

Where/Location: Waianuenue Avenue from Lele Street to Piihonua Camp.

What: Repaint centerlines.

Where/Location: Waianuenue Avenue from Lele Street to Piihonua Camp.

What: Repaint edge of pavement.

Where/ Location: Waianuenue Avenue from Lele Street to Piihonua Camp..

What: Replace raised pavement markers.

Where/Location: No work scheduled.

What: No work scheduled.

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Children's car seats should always be in the back seat. The car seat should either face backward for children under 20 pounds or forward for children 20 pounds or more or who have reached the age of one. For older kids riding in the front, set the front seat back as far as it will go to avoid injury from an inflating passenger side air bag.

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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 continue work on installing a conduit system for Sandwich Isles Communications in the Kaumana area.

From Monday, September 13th through Friday, September 17th 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 11th 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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County of Hawaii WebSite Address: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/

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