November is National Caregiver Month, which honors the many people in our community who devote time and aloha to looking after loved ones who cannot care for themselves.

Among the growing army of caregivers is the so-called "Sandwich Generation," which refers to a huge number of our community members who have raised families and who now in middle age are called upon to care for elderly relatives.

Caregiving can mean full-time care or a few hours a week helping a family member or friend who needs assistance with day-to-day living.

In the United States, more than 22.4 million people are informal caregivers, providing unpaid help to older persons who have one or more limitations on their activities of daily living. These caregivers include spouses, adult children and other relatives and friends.

Families and friends are the real underpinning of our long-term care for older people—not government agencies or nursing homes.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, one-half of all caregivers are employed.

Caregiving takes time, and doesn’t always run by a strict schedule. Both men and women who work and are also caregivers find themselves needing to adjust their work schedules and miss some work as a result of caregiving.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, family caregivers provide an estimated $257 billion in services annually.

"It has been a budget-saver to governments faced annually with the challenge of covering the health and long-term care expenses of persons who are ill and have chronic disabilities," said a department press release.

The National Alliance for Caregiving projects that by 2007 the total number of caregivers who are employed will reach nearly 15.6 million working Americans, or one in 10 people in the workplace.

Caregivers have more stress-related illnesses and tend to use their company’s health plan more. All too often the stress of caregiving leads to the caregiver’s own premature death.

American businesses lose between $11 and $29 billion a year in productivity costs due to caregiving-related work interruptions.

The impacts on work include decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, increased turnover rate, loss of between 5 and 12 days of work annually with an estimated cost of $400,000 per 5,000 workers, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Caregivers in the workplace have special needs that include:

• Easy access to resources and services related to caregiving
• Ease of time restraints and stress relief
• Flexible hours or telecommuting
• Respite from caregiving responsibilities
• Education and moral support
• Financial assistance

In 2000 an important program called the National Family Caregiver Support Program was established. It calls for all states, in partnership with area agencies on aging (such as Hawai’i County’s Office of Aging and Coordinated Services for the Elderly) and local community service providers, to provide assistance to caregivers.

These services include:

• Information to caregivers about available services
• Assistance to caregivers in gaining access to services
• Individual counseling, organization of support groups and caregiver training
• Respite care to temporarily relieve caregivers from their responsibilities

The National Family Caregiver Support Program is currently funded at $155.2 million, and has served more than 275,000 caregivers nationwide.

The County’s Office of Aging is our clearinghouse of information regarding elder care. For information on caregiving call Office of Aging at 961-8600, and request their Information and Services Directory for Seniors.

Caregiver support in Hawai‘i County is also provided by Hawai‘i Island Adult Care, Inc. For more information call Hawai‘i Island Adult Care – The Caregiver Connection at 961-3747 or email: adltcare@gte.net

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The Environmental Management Commission meets Wednesday November 17 at the Hawai`i County Council Room, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo.

The meeting will be preceded by public hearings on Solid Waste Division rules and Commission Rules, starting at 9:00 a.m.

1. Call to order & announcements

2. Approval of minutes of September 22, 2004 meeting

3. Approval of addendum and/or supplemental agenda items

5. Reports/correspondence

Ÿ Director's report

• Solid Waste Division chief's report

6. Unfinished business

• Waste reduction technology request for proposal update
• Hawaii Deposit Beverage Container program (Bottle Bill) update

• Scheduling of County site visits by the commission
• Appeals process for sewer connection requirements related to ordinance 04-57
• Emc2004-06 - ordinance proposing waiving of tip fees in special circumstances
• Emc2004-07 - ordinance proposing greenwaste tip fee for commercial haulers

8. Future agenda items

9. Meeting announcement

10. Adjournment

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Artist Toby S. Hazel of Pahoa recently donated one of her pieces of artwork entitled "Recycle Right Now" to the Department of Environmental Management.

Ms. Hazel designed the piece to increase public awareness of how solid waste trash items can be used in a positive, creative manner and to bring attention to how cigarettes are inappropriately disposed of throughout our island and state.

The artwork has been placed in the Department of Environmental Management Conference Room on the 2^nd floor of the County Building at 25 Aupuni Street.

Come by and check it out. For further information, call Dept of Environmental Management at 961-8083.

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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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Waimea Volunteers to Do Cleanup, Repairs at Anuenue Park Nov 14

Waimea Outdoor Circle is calling for volunteers to help with cleanup and repairs at Anuenue Playground on Sunday, November 14 from 9 a.m.

The project will include repairs to the playground’s wooden play structure, graffiti removal and spreading of wood chips donated by Jacunski Tree Service.

On Monday November 15 the playground will be closed for regular oiling of the wooden play structure. The Rotary Club of North Hawai`i has contributed $850 for the oil and its shipping costs.

For further information, contact Arlene Block, President of the Waimea Outdoor Circle at 885-5210.

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Recycle Hawai`i announces the latest collection dates for its Do-It-Yourself used motor oil program, whose aim is to prevent contamination of our island’s ground water.

The oil collections will be specifically geared to residential Do It Yourself motor oil changers on November 20^th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following rural locations:

• Ka`auhuhu (Hawi) Transfer Station
• Pahala Transfer Station.

Recycle Hawai`i will be giving away absolutely free, new WEDCO 12.5 quart used oil drain pans that day. Available while supplies last.

These reusable containers help to ensure safe temporary storage of residential used motor oil, and can be used to transport reclaimed oil to a permanent used motor oil collection site.

Here are a few important things to remember when managing and returning used motor oil:

• No more than 3 gallons of used motor oil per person will be accepted at each site.

• Larger quantities and contaminated used motor oil cannot be accepted at these locations at this time.

• Acceptable materials include used motor oil, gear oil, shock oil, hydraulic oil, transmission oil and diesel. Please do not mix any contaminating substance with used motor oil.

• Unacceptable contaminates include solvents, gasoline, water, and chlorine, brake fluid, thinners, paints and antifreeze.

• Unacceptable containers include any sort of bleach/chlorine/Clorox and pesticide containers. A clean plastic container with a screw top lid, such as a milk or juice jug, is suggested as an appropriate container for transportation.

• Dropping off motor oil without registering your name and address at the site is illegal.

Please note that permanent used motor oil drop-off sites in Hilo, Kona, Ocean View, Pa`auilo and Waimea are open and available year round.

The six permanent collection sites are:

Recycle Hawai`i is actively seeking new locations islandwide. There is an immediate need for sites in South Kona and North Kohala.

For further information regarding permanent motor oil collection locations and the Residential Used Motor Oil Collection Program contact Recycle Hawai`i at 961-2676 or 329-2886, or visit the Recycle Hawai`i website at: www.recyclehawaii.org.

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The next episode of Hugs Not Drugs takes place on Friday, December 10 all over the Big Island. Please join us. We’ll all be there: kids, community support groups, Neighborhood Watch groups, drug task forces, government agencies, the Police & Fire Departments, Big Island businesses and YOU.

Plus 11 Hawaiian Civic Clubs will salute the birthdate of Kamehameha V by supporting a healthier and safer Island.

Kailua Village-Kona 4-5:30pm:  Palani and Queen Ka`ahumanu. Info: Lil Beaufrere (325-0039) or konalil@hawaii.rr.com

Kealakekua 3:30-5:30pm:  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 rohanaalehi@aol.com

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

Hawaiian Civic Club information and coordination:  Mabel Tolentino (887-9320)

To add a location or for information, contact: Lil Beaufrere at 325-0039 / 640-5066

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The County of Hawaii and its consultant Townscape, Inc. have completed the Ka’u to South Kona Water Master Plan Final Report, dated September 2004.

The Master Plan was initiated to address potential water sources and water distribution systems for the southwest portion of the Big Island. The objective was to develop a long-range plan to provide water for homes, commercial businesses and farmers in the Ka’u to South Kona region.

The plan is now available on the County of Hawaii website at: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/k2skwmp/info.htm .

Hard copies of the report will also be available at Pahala, Naalehu, and Kealakekua Public Libraries and at the Ocean View Community Association Center.

Townscape, Inc. wishes to thank everyone who contributed to this plan. We would also like to thank those who participated in the development of this plan, attended public meetings, and/or provided suggestions and help.

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

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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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Community Alliance Partners, a team comprised of agencies and organizations that service the homeless population, is organizing outreach activities to enhance public awareness of homeless issues in Hawai`i County. The team is working to secure funding for projects that will assist homeless individuals and families in their goal of obtaining affordable housing.

In recognition of November as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month, Community Alliance Partners has organized the following activities:

Food Drive - Any non-perishable food items are welcome. Donations collected will be given in support to the Hawai`i Island Food Bank.

Wailoa State Park, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Volunteers are needed for this homeless event. Homeless persons can come and receive lunch, a free haircut, and a free hygiene kit. In addition, there will be activities for kids, entertainment, prizes, and community information booths. If you are interested in volunteering or providing information about your agency/organization, please contact Brandee Cachola of the Office for Social Ministry at 935-3050.

Wishing Tree – A Wishing Tree will be displayed at the Hilo Shopping Center, from 11/20 to 12/20/04. The Wishing Tree is decorated with Christmas gift wishes of homeless children and will be administered by the Christmas Wish program – a not-for-profit group that provides Christmas gifts to homeless children during the holidays.

Those that wish to donate may sponsor a child by purchasing a gift from the tree, which will be given to that sponsored child on Christmas Eve. One may also bring a toy to donate, which will be gifted at an annual Christmas party held for the homeless community. To donate, please contact Magin Patrick of the Christmas Wish Program at 982-8128.

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The County of Hawaii`s Office of Housing & Community Development (OHCD) is currently planning for its 2005 Consolidated/Action Plan process for the aforementioned programs.

As required by federal regulations, the County will hold a series of public hearings and has selected the following locations and times in an effort to encourage comments and views from persons of very low and moderate income.

The purpose of the public hearings is to hear views and comments from citizens on housing and community development needs and the past performance of the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant and HOME Program funds.

After the public hearing, OHCD staff will be available to discuss the procedures and guidelines for applying for the County’s 2005 Community Development Block Grant and HOME programs. OHCD staff will provide technical assistance to groups/agencies requesting assistance in developing proposals.

Persons requiring special needs (i.e., sign language or bilingual interpreters) may call the OHCD at 961-8379 at least seven (7) days prior to the hearings so arrangements may be made to accommodate them. Citizens who will be unable to attend these hearings may submit testimony pertaining to their housing and community development needs by November 19, 2004 in person or by fax to 961-8685 to Edwin S. Taira, Housing Administrator, Office of Housing and Community Development, 50 Wailuku Drive, Hilo, Hawai`i 96720.

The County’s five-year 2004-2009 Consolidated/Action Plan describes the County's housing and community development needs, funding plans, priorities and objectives, and includes the County's annual action plan for the use of CDBG and HOME Program funds.

The County of Hawai`i is therefore seeking eligible project proposals to include in its 2005 Annual Action Plan to HUD.

The County expects to receive approximately $2,500,000 for its Community Development Block Grant Program and $1,000,000 for the HOME Program.

Project proposals submitted to the Office of Housing and Community Development must comply with the program criteria, meet eligibility requirements, program objectives, and be consistent with the County’s priorities and objectives as contained in the County’s 2004-2009 CP.

All original project proposals and two (2) copies must be received by the Office of Housing and Community Development no later than 4:30 p.m. on January 13, 2005, , The Office of Housing and Community Development is at 50 Wailuku Drive, Hilo, Hawai`i 96720-2456.

The proposal forms and federal guidelines covering the eligible activities will be available at the public hearings and at the following locations beginning November 22, 2004, Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on holidays. Proposal forms will also be mailed, upon request, after November 22, 2004.

In addition, copies of the County’s current Consolidated/Action Plan, Citizen Participation Plan and past performance of Community Development Block Grant and HOME funds are also available at the Office of Housing and Community Development, 50 Wailuku Drive, Hilo, Hawai`i.

The County’s approved 2004-2005 Consolidated/Action Plan is also available for public review at the Hawai`i State Public Libraries in Honoka`a, Kamuela, Kohala, Pahala, Pahoa, Kailua-Kona and Hilo.

Under the Community Development Block Grant Program, a community is able to develop a flexible, locally designed comprehensive community development strategy in order to address the program's primary objective: development of viable urban communities by providing decent housing and suitable living environments and expanding economic opportunities principally for persons of low and moderate income.

Under the CDBG program, grants or loan assistance may be used by eligible public agencies, private non-profit organizations, and Community Based Development Organizations for the following activities provided that these activities either:

• principally benefit low and moderate income families
• aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blight
• meet other community development needs having a particular urgency.

The purpose of the HOME Program is to expand the supply of decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing for very low- and low-income persons.

Applicants applying for HOME funding are required to match for every $1.00 of federal HOME funds expended for the project with at least $0.25 of eligible matching funds.

For further information, call Office of Housing and Community Development at 961-8379.

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(All project schedules based on weather permitting.)

Where/Location: Manono Street from Leilani Street to Kamehameha Avenue.

What: Repaint centerline markings.

Where/Location: Manono Street from Leilani Street to Kamehameha Avenue.

What: Repaint centerline and edge of pavement markings.

Where/Location: Kuawa Street from Manono Street to Kalanikoa Street.

What: Repaint centerline markings.

Where/Location: Kilauea Avenue from Haihai Street to Puainako Street.

What: Repaint centerline markings.

Where/ Location: Kilauea Avenue from Haihai Street to Puainako Street.

What: Continue to repaint centerline markings.

Where/Location: No projects scheduled.

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The County Department of Public Works wishes to inform the public of a one-lane road closure in the South Kona District. One lane will be closed on the next two (2) weekends (November 6^th- 7th and November 13^th- 14th), on Highway 11 at the Napo'opo'o Road Junction between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

After the work this past weekend to remove loose rocks and debris, the Department of Public Works in conjunction with the consulting firm of Masa Fujioka and Associates has further identified potential rockslide hazards from the embankment adjacent to Highway 11 at the Napo'opo'o Road Junction.

County Public Works crews and a geologist will be working to remove large partially-imbedded and cracked boulders and rocks that may fall on the highway.

As a precaution, County Public Works personnel will be on site 24-hours a day, 7 days a week to monitor for possible rockslides, until the work is completed.

If possible, please use alternate routes.

The Department of Public Works wishes to extend their apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. Your patience during this period is greatly appreciated.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please call Stanley Nakasone, Highway Maintenance Administration at 961-8349 or Kevin Deguchi, Kona Roads Baseyard at 322-2877, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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The public is advised that the Kealakehe Connector Road, between Kealakehe Street and Keanalehu Drive, will be opened for school bus travel beginning on Monday, December 6, 2004.

Once opened, school buses will be allowed to use this connector road on school days, during the following times.

• From 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., buses will be traveling in the mauka direction; and
• From 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., except on Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., buses will be traveling in the makai direction.

The purpose of this opening is to (1) help reduce the vehicular traffic on the Queen Kaahumanu Highway and Palani Road, (2) substantially reduce the travel times for the school buses, and (3) encourage student ridership of the buses.

Our police officers and the Kealakehe Neighborhood Watch group will be stationed in the area to monitor this activity. We ask all motorists to use caution when driving around this area, and be mindful of the changes that have taken place.

Your County Department of Public Works appreciates your cooperation during this period.

For more details, please contact our Department of Public Works at (808) 961-8321.

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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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