January 14, 2005

Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

The Water Board of the County of Hawaii consists of nine members, one from each Council district. The members, who serve five-year terms, are appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the council.

The following districts have vacancies for Water Board positions from December 31, 2004: District 1, represented by Council member Fred Holschuh; District 3, represented by Council member James Arakaki; and District 9, represented by Council member Pete Hoffman. Residents of these districts are encouraged to apply to fill these vacancies.

The Manager of the Department of Water Supply, the Planning Director and the Director of Public Works serve as ex-officio members of the Water Board.

The Water Board has these key policy roles:

• Manages and controls the waterworks of the County and property thereof.
• Adopts rules and regulations and sets rates for the Department of Water Supply.
• Adopts an annual operating and capital budget for the Department subject to public hearings.
• Has the power to acquire by eminent domain, purchase, lease or otherwise, and to sell lease or otherwise convey real property in the name of the Water Board.
• Has the authority to issue revenue bonds under the name of the Water Board.
• Has other powers as provided by law.
• Appoints the Manager of the Department of Water Supply.

Regular meetings of the Water Board are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month at various locations on the island. Regular meetings normally last two hours. Special meetings and public hearings are also held when considered necessary by the Water Board chair person. These special meetings may last the entire day, while public hearings are normally held during the evenings and may last three hours.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend meetings of the Water Board.

Water Board members have a very important role in the development of departmental policy and in the future direction of the Department of Water Supply.

It’s a tremendous education. Being a Water Board member is a great way to understand how a County department operates and functions. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about the complexity of providing a very precious resource to the residents of our island.

Should anyone have any questions on the role of the Water Board members please call Milton Pavao, Manger of the department, at 961-8050.

If you are a resident of the Island of Hawaii and want to make a difference regarding the future of your Water Supply, please submit your application to become a Water Board member to the Mayor’s office.

"It’s been a really positive experience to serve on the Water Board. It’s been really valuable to me to know how the County works, and particularly the Department of Water Supply. The people there at Water Supply are dedicated employees and they’re very conscientious about serving our community.

I’d recommend serving on the Water Board to anybody who’s interested in helping the community and our fellow citizens." Earl Nakashima

"I’ve served on the Board of Directors of the Dept. of Water Service for two years, and I’m very much looking forward to the next three.

I understand how easy it is to become frustrated with various neighborhood boards and committees, composed of egos and personal agendas. Serving on the (Water) Board has certainly given me renewed hope. It’s shown me how a group of concerned people can listen, learn, and share points of view in an atmosphere of respect.

Milton Pavao, the Managing Director of the Department of Water Board leads a very positive, open and informative staff who are very responsive to the Board’s concerns, giving us the ongoing opportunity to advise and set needed policy.

Here is an opportunity to make a positive impact islandwide for years to come. Where, when and how our inevitable growth will occur continues to depend on effective water distribution. Please consider volunteering your time to participate in this crucial process." Loren Heck

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Qualified beverage containers may be redeemed for cash at the following locations:

Atlas Recycling Center. LLC is offering redemption monthly or semi-monthly in the following communities:

• Pahoa
• Waimea
• Hawi
• Ocean View
• Pahala
• Naalehu
• Laupahoehoe
• Waikoloa
• Honoka’a

Please contact Atlas at 935-9328 (Hilo) and 329-6868 (Kona) for precise locations and days/hours of operation.

For more information relating to redemption activities under the new beverage container deposit program, please call our Recycling Specialists with the Department of Environmental Management, Linda Damas (961-8527) or Craig Kawaguchi (961-8549). Additional sites are pursuing permits in Hilo and South Kona.

Information can also be obtained from the County’s website http://co.hawaii.hi.us/directory/dir_envmng.htm#dir_solidwaste and from the State Department of Health (808/586-4226) www.hi5deposit.com

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The recycling section of the County of Hawai`i’s Department of Environmental Management has hired two new Recycling Specialists to answer questions and assist the public in understanding Hawaii’s new Beverage Container Deposit Program.

Craig Kawaguchi at 961-8549 and Linda Damas at 961-8527 are ready to respond to questions about HI 5¢ redemption activities, redemption center locations and hours of operation.

Retailers, distributors, and owners/managers of bars and restaurants that sell beverages affected by this legislation are also encouraged to call regarding any compliance issues with this new law.

Mr. Kawaguchi and Ms. Damas work with the County’s Recycling Coordinator, Eileen O’Hora-Weir at the Solid Waste Division located at 108 Railroad Avenue, Hilo. Phone: 961-8942.

For more information about the Bottle Bill, go to www.hi5deposit.com .

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Environmental Management Commission Agenda for Jan 19

The following is the agenda for the Environmental Management Commission meeting set for:

1. Call to order & announcements

2. Approval of minutes – November 17, 2004

3. Approval of addendum and/or items supplemental agenda
4. Statements from the public on items listed on the agenda

5. Reports/Correspondence

Ÿ Director's report

Ÿ Solid Waste Division chief's report

Ÿ Wastewater Division chief's report

6. Unfinished Business

• Request for proposal no. 2146: Waste Reduction Technology RFP status report since last meeting
• Hawaii Deposit Beverage Container Program (Bottle Bill) status report since last meeting.
• New Commission members
• Scheduling of County site visits by the Commission

• 2005-2006 Department budget – preliminary review
• EMC2004-09 Waikoloa curbside recycling resolution
• Motor vehicle emissions and Department of Health regulations discussion
• North Kona Improvement District presentation/discussion

8. Future agenda items

9. Meeting announcements

• Wednesday, March 23, 2005, Kona Council Office Conf. Room, 75-5706 Hanama Place, #109, Kailua-Kona
• Wednesday, May 25, 2005, Hawai`i County Council Room, 25 Aupuni St. Room 201, Hilo.

10. Adjournment

If you require an accommodation or auxiliary aid and/or services to participate in this meeting (i.e. sign language interpreter, large print), please call 961-8083 ten days prior to the meeting date. Comments may be sent to Department of Environmental Management, 25 Aupuni St., Room 210, Hilo, HI 96720 or emailed to cohdem@interpac.net

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The County of Hawai’i Department of Environmental Management, Wastewater Division will be renovating the King Kamehameha Sewage Pump Station located at the corner of Ali’i Drive and the Kailua-Kona Harbor Access Road fronting the King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel.

This work is anticipated to commence during the 3^rd week in January of 2005 and will last approximately five (5) months. Work will take place between the hours of 8 am and 5:30 pm during week days and possibly Saturdays.

This renovation project will add capacity to the pump station resulting in better ability to accommodate the increasing number of future developments in Kailua-Kona. As an added benefit, renovation of the King Kamehameha Sewage Pump Station helps with preparing for future abandonment of the Queen Emma Sewage Pump Station located at Emma Square. This should enhance the area for nearby businesses as maintenance activities by Wastewater Division personnel will no longer be required in Emma Square.

During the construction period of the renovation project, businesses along Ali’i Drive can anticipate uninterrupted sewer service and conduct their business in a normal fashion.

Pedestrian traffic will be safely re-routed around the construction area at the King Kamehameha. There will be very little impact to vehicular traffic.

Some construction work will take place at the Emma Square location while giving consideration to pedestrian traffic. This work may include minor improvements to the rock wall and concrete walkways with the intent of making the area safer for pedestrians.

The public is welcome to direct any questions or concerns during construction to the Construction Manager, SSFM International, Inc. at 933-2727. General questions may be directed to the Wastewater Division at 961-8338.

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Due to ongoing dry weather conditions, exceptionally large water consumption, and repairs being done at the Hualalai and Kalaoa Wells, the Department of Water Supply would like to remind customer in North Kona that they are under Water Conservation.

The Water Conservation Notice is a request to reduce your daily water usage by 10%. Listed are some ways to conserve water to reach the 10% goal:

• Wash full loads of laundry only.

• Wash full loads of dishes only.

• Serve drinking water only when requested.

• Do not let the faucet run unnecessarily.

• When bathing, use water only to wet and rinse off.

• Do not fill up the bathtub.

• Use a glass to rinse when brushing your teeth.

• Do not flush toilets unnecessarily.

• Stop lawn sprinkling.

• Stop car and boat washing.

• Stop dust control watering.

• Use drinking water wisely.

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

If this trend of large consumption continues, the next water conservation action will be mandatory reduction. Please conserve water.

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

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The Department of Research and Development annually solicits proposals for projects/activities that aim to improve the economic condition of Hawai`i County. The department is currently soliciting proposals in preparation of the fiscal year 2005-2006.

The Department will consider proposals for supplemental grants in fiscal year 2005-2006 for the following project areas:

• Agriculture. The Department funds small grants in the following areas: 1) innovative agricultural research with application to Hawai`i County; 2) research in areas of urgent interest to the agricultural community; 3) agricultural market research and promotion; and 4) collection and dissemination of agricultural information related to Hawai`i County.

• Tourism. The Department funds programs that market and advertise Hawai`i County as a visitor destination at the national and international levels and provides partial sponsorships of sporting events.

• New Industry and Industry Development. The Department funds small grants in the following areas: 1) development of heritage corridor in Hawai`i County; 2) dissemination of business related information that will enable Hawai`i County businesses to expand, diversify and compete; 3) development of local workforce; and 4) partial sponsorship of leadership capacity building training.

• Energy. The Department funds small grants in the following areas: 1) improvement in efficiency of energy use in Hawai`i County; 2) utilization of renewable energy resources for electricity generation or fuel production; and 3) energy education at K-12 scholastic levels.

• Film. The Department funds small grants to showcase multi-cultural films to the Big Island community.

Sealed proposals must be received on or before 2:00 p.m., January 31, 2005, in the office of the Department of Research and Development, County of Hawai`i, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawai`i.

All proposals reviewed and recommended for supplemental funding by the Department of Research and Development shall be subject to the County of Hawai`i’s Executive and Legislative budget review process.

Notification of the Department’s approval and recommendation for funding will be on February 27, 2005. Proposals submitted after the deadline may be considered, depending on availability of funds.

Questions regarding clarification of any information contained in the Solicitation for Proposals document, including all attachments, must be received in writing on or before January 17, 2005.

For further information call the Department of Research and Development at 961-8366.

The County of Hawai`i reserves the right to reject any proposal.

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Construction work to widen Kuakini Highway, from Palani Road to Hualalai Road, commenced on November 8.

Kuakini Highway will be widened to four lanes for automobiles, including two through-lanes in each direction, and a pocket lane for left turns where appropriate. In addition, there will bicycle lanes on both sides throughout most of the project. The construction will last 18-24 months.

One lane will be open at all times from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. while construction is in progress. Outside of these hours, one lane in each direction will be open.

The contractor, Hawaiian Dredging, will work with the adjacent businesses and residences to assure that a reasonable access to the businesses and residences will be maintained throughout the construction period. However, motorists traveling in the area should drive with caution.

We are most grateful for the public’s patience and apologize for any inconvenience caused.

The public is invited to a weekly update on the Kuakini Highway, Palani Road to Hualalai project every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. at the Kona Mayor’s West Hawai`i Office conference room at Hanama Place. Light refreshments will be served.

Representatives from the contractor, Hawaiian Dredging, and the County, Public Works Department are available at the meetings. Everyone is welcome at these informal "talk story" sessions.

A large project map and a complete set of plans are available for reference at the Kona Mayor's office.

The Tuesday morning updates will continue, and information will also be available via the County website.

For more detailed information on the construction, please contact Hawaiian Dredging Contracting Co., Inc. at (808) 483-4270. You can also call 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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Destination Kona Coast Features Council Members Isbell, Pilago Jan 25

Hawaii County Council members Virginia Isbell and Angel Pilago will be the featured speakers at the next general meeting of Destination Kona Coast on Tuesday, January 25 at noon at the Royal Kona Resort Ali'i Room.

Ms. Isbell and Mr. Pilago will make brief remarks about their plans and priorities relative to West Hawaii, and then open the floor to questions.

Destination Kona Coast, an organization of businesses and individuals focused on maximizing cruise ship visitors’ experiences in Kona, invites all members and the public to this event.

Those wishing to have lunch may do so for $12 (members or volunteers who assist in greeting the cruise ship passengers), and $15 (non-members)

Reservations required whether luncheon is ordered or not. Please call DKC's Executive Assistant Jenica Truax at 328-0614 or send an email to 4truaxs@hawaii.rr.com . Those wishing to submit questions in advance may do so via email or fax to 328-0614.

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Recycle Hawai`i, with assistance from Community Technology Center Hawai`i and a generous grant from the Hawai`i County Department of Environmental Management and Dell, Inc., is sponsoring a computer recycling project.

When: Saturday, January 29^th 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Where: Old Airport Park Pavilion in Kailua-Kona.

Bring in any make or model of computer and related equipment, including monitors, printers, scanners, keyboards, mice, laptops and cell phones.

Usable equipment will be refurbished and, for a small fee, made available to local schools and non-profit groups. To sign up for a refurbished computer, please contact Community Technology Center Hawai`i at 934-7748.

Electronic items NOT accepted include televisions, stereo equipment and other appliances.

For more information contact Recycle Hawai`i at (808) 329-2886 or email at: info@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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UH-Hilo’s Senior College offers lifelong learning outreach classes to adults over the age of 45 years, in communities throughout the Big Island.

Spring semester classes start Jan. 10, 2005 and run through May 2005. Schedules vary by location. Classes are generally for 4 weeks, 1.5 hours a week, and generally cost $25. (Note: Some courses are free with the teachers donating their time; while other courses are sponsored by community agencies.)

Among the courses will be Hawaiian ethnobotany in Kona, docent training at the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo and golf basics in Volcano.

Call the College of Continuing Education and Community Service (CCECS) at 974-7664 for course offerings, schedules, registration and payment.

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The West Hawai’i Fisheries Council, a community-based advisory organization,

will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, January 20, 2005, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hawaii Big Game Fishing Club at Honokohau Marina in Kailua Kona.

The Council is welcoming four new 2005 members:

• Donna Goodale, a recreational diver and science teacher at Hualalai Academy;
• Kai Hoover of Waikoloa who has experienced almost all the aspects of the fisheries in West Hawaii from the age of 12;
• Kawika Leicher, a long-time Kona resident who is a dive and snorkel operator
• George Paleudis of Captain Cook who is a recreational diver and scientist.

The Council is excited to bring on these individuals who love and understand West Hawaii’s coastal attributes. We are confident they can help achieve the mission of the Council: to manage fishery activities to ensure sustainability, enhance nearshore resources, minimize resource depletion and manage conflicts of use.

The West Hawai’i Fisheries Council was established to serve as the community source for formulating and recommending West Hawai’i fisheries management actions and changes to the Division of Aquatic Resources and the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

The Council has eight very active committees which are always seeking new members to sustain their broad scope. Members of the public are cordially invited to the Council meetings on the third Thursday of every month.

For further information, contact: Marni Herkes at 987-2171 or marnih@turquoise.net

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Hawaii's oldest Hawaiian quilting club, Ka Hui Kapa Apana O Waimea, presents its biennial Hawaiian Quilt Show February 26-27 at Kuhio Hale in Waimea. Club members will display their quilts and offer lessons on the Hawaiian style of quilting.

How-to sessions will include pattern tracing. The Hawaiian quilt traditionally features a pattern in a single color that is appliqued on to a background of white or solid color. Stitches in Hawaiian quilts follow the outlines of Hawaiian motifs like breadfruit, explains Dorothy Badua, Ka Hui Kapa Apana O Waimea president.

"It’s as if they echo a pattern’s shape, just as the ocean waves echo the shores of the islands." The topographical lines of Hawaiian contour quilting create a subtle and effective visual rhythm that is special in the world of quilting, " Badua said.

The non-profit group will sells patterns, pillows, wall hangings and quilts during the show from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday February 26 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, February 27. For further information, call 775-9894.

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(All project schedules based on weather permitting.)

Where/Location: Holiday

What: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Where/Location: South Hilo – Ponohawai Street from Komohana Street to Kamehameha Avenue.

What: Repaint centerline.

Where/Location: South Hilo – Haili Street from Halai Street to Kamehameha Avenue.

What: Repaint centerline.

Where/Location: South Hilo – Kilauea Avenue from Puainako Street to Kamana Street.

What: Repaint centerline.

Where/ Location: No work scheduled.

Where/Location: No projects scheduled.

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The County of Hawai’i Department of Public Works advises the public that from December 21, 2004 four temporary loading zones will go into effect along Ali’i Drive as follows:

• 30-minute freight loading zone on mauka side of Ali’i Drive north of the Ocean View Restaurant
• 30-minute freight loading zone on the mauka side of Ali’i Drive south of the Ocean View Restaurant
• Three-minute passenger loading zone on mauka side of Ali’i Drive south of the Ocean View Restaurant
• 30-minute freight loading zone on the makai side of Ali’i Drive across from Uncle Billy’s Kona Bay Hotel

This change will be in effect for a 90-day trial period and will remain in force until 12 noon on March 18, 2005. No parking will be allowed in these zones, and the no-parking rule will be enforced. The Department of Public Works asks for your patience and cooperation during this trial period.

For further information, please contact the Department of Public Works, Traffic Division at 961-8341.

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The County of Hawai’i, Department of Public Works advises the public that the Akolea Road Bridge in South Hilo will be closed to traffic from Monday, January 3, 2005 through Friday, January 21, 2005.

The road closure period may be extended due to inclement weather. The closure is required to construct flood damage-related improvements to Akolea Road Bridge and its approaches.

The public is advised to use alternate routes around the project area and to allow for extra travel time. The Department of Public Works’ Engineering Division asks for your patience and cooperation during this construction period and apologizes for the inconvenience.

For more detailed schedule information, please contact R. I. Namba Construction, Inc. at (808) 839-1786.

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The County of Hawai’i Department of Public Works advises the public that Kawailani Street will be closed to traffic between Oihana Street and Kikaha Street from Monday, January 3, 2005 through Friday, March 18, 2005. The closure is required for the demolition and reconstruction of the Kawailani Street Bridge.

The public is advised to use alternate routes around the project area and to allow for extra travel time. The Department of Public Works, Engineering Division asks for your patience and cooperation during this construction period and apologizes for the inconvenience.

For more detailed schedule information, please contact Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, Inc. at (808) 483-4270.

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The County of Hawaii, Department of Public Works announces the reopening of the Kealakehe Connector Road, between Kealakehe Street and Keanalehu Drive. This road is open only for school bus travel, beginning with the new school semester on Monday, January 3, 2005.

School buses are allowed to use this connector road on school days, during the following times:

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

The purpose of this reopening is to help:

(1) Reduce the vehicular traffic on the Queen Kaahumanu Highway and Palani Road;

(2) Substantially reduce the travel-times for the school buses;

(3) Encourage student ridership.

The Kealakehe Neighborhood Watch group will be stationed in the area to monitor this activity.

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

For more details, please contact 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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Hawai‘i County ... a nice place to live.