September 30, 2005

Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

CONTENTS

A recycled aluminum beverage can returns to the store's shelf as a new, filled can in as few as 60 days after collection.

As many as 19 billion cans get recycled into new products every year, which translates into about 600 cans per second.

Recycling and composting in the United States diverted nearly 70 million tons of material away from landfills and incinerators in 2000, up from 34 million tons in 1990 -- doubling in just 10 years.

Recycling diverts lots of our trash from the landfills, extending the life of the landfills.

The Hilo landfill is approaching capacity, and measures such as recycling that help divert large volumes of trash are an important way of extending its life span.

Once a family gets into the habit of separating recyclable items like bottles and glass from the rest of the trash, it becomes a routine course of action.

Taking the recyclable items to our island's drop-off centers becomes just another routine errand. And yet it's a real contribution to the welfare of our community.

Recycling conserves timber, water and minerals. Every bit counts.

Students at Stanford University found that after one year of recycling on campus they saved the equivalent of 33,913 trees and the need for 636 tons of iron ore, coal and limestone.

Choose recycled paper products when you shop. Recycled paper supplies more than 37% of the raw materials used to make new paper products in the United States.

Every ton of newsprint is the equivalent of 12 trees. Every ton of office paper recycled is the equivalent of 24 trees.

When one ton of steel is recycled, 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal and 120 pounds of limestone are conserved.

Recycling prevents habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity and soil erosion associated with logging and mining.

The single largest source of raw material for the steel industry is scrap steel, because it is less expensive to recycle old steel into new steel.

Glass recycling makes good economic sense to glass manufacturers, since it takes less of a toll on furnaces and takes less energy. On our island, glass is reused on-island. First it is crushed and then used as fill for construction and cushioning for pipes.

More than 80% of U.S. papermakers use some recycled fiber to make their products.

International demand for recycled materials -- especially paper -- is huge, amid the rapid industrial development in countries like China and India.

The recycling industry today is comparable in size to the auto and truck manufacturing industry, to which it provides raw materials.

Some communities in the U.S. have achieved recycling rates of 50% or more.

Crowded San Francisco reports that local residents and businesses are recycling 60% of their waste stream, and are pushing for even higher levels of diversion from their landfills.

Hawai`i County initially is aiming for 45% diversion from the landfills, from its current level of approximately 20%.

In fiscal year 2004-2005, Hawai`i County diverted more than 55,000 tons of trash from the landfills through recycling. In comparison, we diverted 24,000 tons in fiscal year 2001-02, for a diversion rate of 12.6%.

In fiscal year 2004-05, Hawai`i County's recycling education budget translated into about $1.20 per capita. Other municipalities spend up to $5.00 per capita to encourage people to change their disposal habits and recycle.

Most Americans focus on recycling in the kitchen, but overlook products and packaging used elsewhere such as the bathroom, laundry room and the garage.

The true value of recycling comes from preventing pollution and saving precious natural resources and energy.

Recycling results in a net reduction in ten major categories of air pollutants and eight major categories of water pollutants.

Recycling can greatly reduce the amount of emissions into our air and water, which processing minerals creates.

Recycling, by saving energy, can help reduce our reliance on foreign oil, and on fossil fuels in general.

Manufacturing with recycled materials, with very few exceptions, saves energy and water and produces less air and water pollution than manufacturing with virgin materials.

For example, it takes 95% less energy to recycle aluminum than it does to make it from raw materials. Making recycled steel saves 60%, recycled newspaper 40%, recycled glass 40% and recycled plastic 70%.

The National Recycling Coalition reports that in 2000, recycling resulted in an annual energy savings equal to the amount of energy used in 6 million homes (more than 660 trillion BTUs). In 2005, recycling is projected to save the amount of energy used in 9 million homes (900 trillion BTUs).

A national recycling rate of 30%, the current average nationwide, reduces greenhouse gas emissions as much as removing 25 million cars from the road.

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Members of the community came out this week to two public meetings in Hilo and Kona to share their thoughts, concerns and suggestions about planning for tourism within Hawai`i County.

Public input was gathered in the following key areas, including:

• Access
• Communications and outreach
• Hawaiian culture
• Marketing
• Natural resources
• Research and planning
• Safety and security
• Tourism product development
• Workforce development.

These meetings are part of a year-long process to develop the Hawai`i County Tourism Strategic Plan. The County plan will follow the statewide Hawai`i Tourism Strategic Plan 2005-2015, which was developed through a combined effort among the visitor industry, community, the Hawai`i Tourism Authority and other government agencies. The State plan identifies a shared vision for Hawai`i tourism and outlines a roadmap for achieving that vision.

Issues surfaced by the community included agricultural tourism and eco-tourism as desired economic activities. Concern was expressed for the need to monitor and address increasing impacts on our natural resources and to determine a sustainable balance.

The community also identified an opportunity to showcase Hawaiian cultural values, protocol, arts and architecture, which will provide authentic experiences visitors are looking for and demonstrate respect and honor for the host culture, while providing additional entrepreneurial opportunities.

"While the State Plan provides an overall direction for Hawai`i as a whole, each county and island has special and unique attributes," said Jane Testa, the County's Director of the Department of Research and Development. "Creating a strategic plan specifically for Hawai`i County will provide focused direction to address our residents and businesses desired outcomes. We urge the community and related businesses to fully participate in this process."

The development process for the State Strategic Plan made it evident that each county would benefit from its own strategic plan, according to Faith Sereno Rex, President of SMS Consulting, which has been contracted by the Hawai`i Tourism Authority to facilitate the planning process for the county strategic plans.

The HTA is funding the development of these plans to supplement the State Tourism Strategic Plan and to effect tourism goals, priorities and community interests for each county.

Community members may share their thoughts through the Hawai’i Island TSP Community Website located at http:hawaii.smshawaii.biz. (Please note: there is no www in the address.) The website provides a link to the State Tourism Strategic Plan and more information about the County planning process.

The County Strategic Tourism Plan will be finalized in June 2006. For more information contact Jan Snyder at SMS in Honolulu at 1-877-535-5767 (toll free).

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The Hawai‘i County Council will start videoconferencing its committee meetings from October 4, 2005, and is expected to continue to do so on a regular basis.

Videoconferencing of committee meetings is available from the County Council Room in Hilo.

It will also be available at the following locations:

• Kona Council Office at the Kailua Trade Center, 75-5706 Hanama Place, Suite 109, Kailua-Kona.
• Waimea Council Office at the Holomua Center, 64-1067 Mamalahoa Highway, Suite 5, Waimea.

Any persons wishing to testify may do so at the above locations:

The Hawai‘i County Council is committed to bringing local government closer to the people and encourages the public to become involved voicing your opinions. Do not let others speak for you.

For further information, please contact the County Clerk's Office at 961-8255.

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Hawai`i County is currently recruiting citizen volunteers to serve as commissioners on the Cost of Government Commission.

This Commission was created by Charter amendment in 2000. The Commission serves for a period of 11 months only, and is empaneled one year after the Mayor is elected into office.

Their mission is to study and investigate present operations within the County of Hawai`i, and make recommendations to the Mayor and Hawai`i County Council on how improvements in County government may be made.

Amid rising demands placed on the County, limited resources and the need to provide our citizens the very best service, the importance of this Commission is evident. Please consider volunteering your time and life experience to help your County government to better serve you and your fellow citizens.

Completed applications can be dropped off at the above County offices.

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Residents can once again recycle many of the same types of items that they used to bring to the now-closed Community Recycling Center on Railroad Avenue in Hilo.

At the Hilo Transfer Station (just beyond the HI5 Redemption Center), residents can now recycle the following:

• Cardboard and brown paper bags
• Newspapers and magazines
• Glass (mayo jars, wine bottles, etc.)
• Aluminum (pie tins, etc.)
• Plastics #1 & #2 (milk jugs, detergent bottles, etc.)
• Office paper (white, ledger, colors – no brights)

Got recycling questions? Call the County Recycling Specialists at 961-8527, 961-8549 or 961-8554.

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Waimea area residents can now recycle non-HI5 glass and other recyclables at the Waimea Transfer Station, just opposite the transfer station chutes.

Two separate containers are accepting the following:

• Glass – all non-HI5 glass, such as mayonnaise jars and wine bottles;
• Mixed Recyclables – flattened cardboard and boxboard, newspaper and magazines, mixed office paper, junk mail, phone books, rinsed aluminum and tin cans, plastics #1 and #2 (rinsed & no caps).

What happens to these recyclables?

The glass is crushed and used on the Big Island. The mixed recyclables are bailed and shipped to mainland sorting facilities, where they’re earmarked for new product markets.

Got recycling questions? Call the County Recycling Specialists at 961-8527, 961-8549 or 961-8554.

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With the Pacific hurricane season now upon us, it is very important for all of our Hawai`i residents to be familiar with hurricane preparedness measures.

The County of Hawai`i’s Civil Defense Agency reminds the community that all areas of our Island of Hawai`i can be prone to hurricane hazards.

Residents must be aware that all parts of Hawai`i Island could be exposed to hurricane hazards, despite a common belief that our mountains of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa shield parts of the island from hurricane winds.

We hope our residents will take the time to familiarize themselves with hurricane preparedness measures by reading the County of Hawai`i’s Hurricane Preparedness Guide.

The Hurricane Preparedness Guide is now available on the County’s website . To access the Hurricane Preparedness Guide, click on http://co.hawaii.hi.us/cd/hpg/main.html. There is also a link to the Civil Defense page http://co.hawaii.hi.us/directory/dir_defense.htm.

If you’d like a hard copy of the Hurricane Preparedness Guide, copies will be available from the Civil Defense Agency after July 1.

For further information, contact the Civil Defense Agency at 935-0031.

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The County of Hawai’i’s beverage container redemption sites have new hours of operation beginning August 1. There is a new site that recently opened in Hawi on Saturday, August 20. Hawi now has official certification and is open Saturdays and Sundays from 8 am-4:30 pm, closed from 1-1:30 pm for lunch.

Qualifying Beverage Containers:

What’s IN: Eligible (redeemable) beverage containers include: soft drinks, soda, water, juice, tea and coffee drinks, and low alcohol content drinks (beer, malt beverages, wine coolers, mixed spirits) in metal, glass or #1&#2 plastic, 64 oz. or less.

What’s OUT: Ineligible (unredeemable) containers include: milk, wine and liquor containers.

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

**Transfer Station centers closed daily from 1:00-1:30pm for lunch.**

Please contact Atlas Recycling LLC at 935-9328 (Hilo) or 329-6868 (Kona) for further information about additional scrap value paid on aluminum cans and their mobile redemption sites in rural communities.

Certified redemption centers are now accepting flattened aluminum and plastic HI5¢ beverage containers.

Flattened containers are weighed at redemption sites to determine deposit payment. The public is reminded that reverse vending machines will not accept flattened or crushed containers.

Please call the Recycling Specialists with the Department of Environmental Management, County of’ Hawai’i, at 961-8527 or 961-8549 for information about the HI5¢ program or visit:

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Construction work to widen Kuakini Highway, from Palani Road to Hualalai Road, commenced on November 8, 2004.

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.

Information is also available via the County website.

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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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The community is invited to "Facilitating Extraordinary Accomplishments of Hawaii's Youth," a conference on building youth activities organized by Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) Big Island and the County of Hawaii.

WHEN: Friday, October 7 Registration: 8:00 am, Workshop: 8:25 am to 4:00 pm

WHERE: Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, South Kohala

FEE: $20.00 fee covers breakfast, lunch and conference materials

To facilitate extraordinary accomplishments in Hawaii's youth by implementing a systematic plan composed of community recommendations, continued involvement and collaboration supported by character education.

Two panels, one of high-achieving youth and the other of program administrators and parents, will discuss their successes and program building for the future.

Presentations about "Achieving Health and Fitness through Partnerships" and "Bully-Proof Sports" will be presented by Hawaii specialists.

A Positive Coaching Alliance training workshop for parents and a proposal writing and funding resource workshop will be offered in the afternoon break-out sessions.

PCA Big Island board members, advisers, and other community supporters of Positive Coaching Alliance programs on the Big Island of Hawaii, educators, and others.

Please register by Monday, September 19, 2005. Registration forms are available from the County Parks and Recreation's Recreation Division at 799 Piilani Street, Hilo, HI 96720. Phone: 961-8740.

For further information, call Sports Line Hawaii at 969-3633 and leave your name and telephone number or email PCABigIsland@verizon.net.

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FREE MULCH is now available at both the Hilo and Kailua-Kona (Kealakehe) Transfer Stations. At the present time, no loading fees are being charged, although the public is advised to ask the operator for loading assistance. There may be a short wait time if the operator is busy.

The public may drop off green waste at either facility between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm seven days a week. Loading assistance is available at the Hilo and Kailua-Kona processing sites Monday through Saturday.

Residents are encouraged to contact any of the local trucking firms to arrange for delivery of large loads of mulch to their homes or places of business. Although there is no charge for the mulch and loading fees are waived, the public will need to pay their own delivery charges as negotiated with a local trucking firm.

EKO Composting Systems has assumed the operations of the County of Hawaii’s green waste drop-off and pick-up areas at the Hilo and Kailua-Kona (Kealakehe) Transfer Stations as of July 1, 2005.

The County is working on the development of a composting facility at the materials recovery area of the West Hawai`i Sanitary Landfill, which will also include receiving bays for used cooking oil and grease trap waste. When the new composting facility is completed, EKO will commence the production of high quality, U.S. Council certified, compost.

In addition, EKO Composting Systems along with partner company Pacific Biodiesel will be initiating the capture of waste oils for the production of biodiesel.

The public should be aware that there are size requirements that must be met in order to drop off residential and commercially hauled green waste at the processing facilities at Kailua-Kona and Hilo green waste yards.

These size requirements must also be followed for any green waste dropped at the Keaau Recycling and Reuse Center, as well as for any green waste disposed of at one of the County’s 21 residential solid waste transfer stations.

At this time, no pallets may be delivered to the green waste processing facilities although the County intends to begin receiving pallets for chipping starting next year.

If loads delivered to the green waste drop-off sites and/or County transfer stations do not meet these criteria, the other option will be to dispose of the load at either the County’s South Hilo or West Hawai’i Sanitary Landfills. Green waste loads that do not meet acceptable requirements will be charged a special handling fee of $85/load in addition to the tip fee of $65/ton IF taken to either County landfill.

For further information, please contact the County’s recycling coordinator at 961-8942.

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Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge will be celebrating its 20th anniversary during its annual open house on Saturday, October 15.

Reservations are now being accepted to participate in hikes through portions of this first-of-its-kind refuge set aside to protect Hawaii’s unique rainforest birds and their habitat.

Residents and visitors are invited to hike through the Pua ‘Akala Tract, which harbors a high-elevation rainforest. It is home to many native birds such as ‘i‘iwi and ‘elepaio, and significant numbers of endangered species including the Hawai‘i creeper and Hawai‘i ‘akepa.

A historic 110-year old koa cabin also will be open for viewing.

Visitors will be met by refuge staff and tour leaders at the Pua ‘Akala Barn anytime between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. They will receive a briefing on refuge management objectives and strategies and a description of the plants and animals the Refuge protects. Rainforest hikes of varying lengths will be offered.

The hikes will be led by biologists and staff familiar with native Hawaiian flora and fauna. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the refuge greenhouse and learn about the forest restoration program. Cultural resource protection, weed control projects and the University of Hawaii’s field station will also be highlighted.

Participants must arrange their own transportation to the Refuge. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required for the two-hour drive from Hilo, Waimea, or Kona.

This trip is not recommended for young children or those who may have problems with the long rough ride, rugged terrain, and primitive facilities.

Visitors should come prepared for wet chilly weather and bring their own lunch, water, binoculars, and rain gear.

Reservations are required and may be made by calling the refuge office in Hilo at 933-6915 by October 12.

Directions and additional information will be mailed to all participants.

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The Kailua-Kona Lions Club is organizing its First Annual Flea Market, Car Show & Swap Meet on Saturday, October 22, from 7 am-4 pm at The Swing Zone in Kailua-Kona.

We are actively seeking people who have something they want to sell, crafters, and musical groups who want to show their talent. In addition, any group can hui together to sell those items that have been gathering dust around the house and garage all these years.

One person's trash may be another person's treasure.

The Car Show will feature all types of vehicles from antiques, hot rods, custom cars and pickups to motorcycles and low riders.

The cost to rent a 10x10 ft space is $20 for the entire day. Proceeds from the space rentals benefit local high school seniors through the Lions Scholarship Fund. For information, call Sonia at 329-7133.

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The Hilo-based Japanese Community Association of Hawaii is putting out a call for Hawaii residents to share their personal internment stories at the Japanese Culture Day in Hawaii celebration on November 19, 2005, 10-2 pm at the Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin Sangha Hall.

The story of Hawaii residents who were taken from their homes and relocated to internment camps on the U.S. Mainland during World War II is an important family story in the Japanese-American community. This occasion is an opportunity to share those experiences.

Anyone interested in sharing his or her personal story is invited to send in a written submission using the following questions:

• What is your most vivid memory of internment?
• How did internment affect your life afterwards?
• What lessons did you learn from the experience?
• What would you like to share with future generations?

The committee is planning for several relaxed settings in which the people who have stories to share can "talk story" prior to the Japanese Culture Day on November 19.

Later, several will participate onstage at Sangha Hall in a facilitated talk story session led by Randy Hirokawa, UHH dean of arts and science.

Those with a story to share should send their written submission by September 26, to Japanese Community Association, P. O. Box 1124, Hilo, HI 96721 or fax to 935-8314. Please Include your full name and contact information.

There will be a display of personal mementos during the Japanese Culture Day in Hawaii.

This year’s Japanese Culture Day will also feature Senator Daniel K. Inouye as keynote speaker who will also assist in honoring our World War II AJA Veterans.

The event will also offer demos and displays including Tea Ceremony, bonsai, ikebana, traditional crafts such as oshibana, chigiri-e and shishu, as well as mochi-tsuki, kendo, and Japanese food. Entertainment includes taiko, koto, song and dance, as well as, Calligraphy and Shichi-go-san Kimono Dressing for children ages 7-5-3.

For more information, please contact Jan Higashi at 961-6848.

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(All project schedules based on weather permitting.)

Motorists are advised of the following lane closures and work locations as contractors begin installing a conduit system in the Hilo to Banyan area. From October 3, 2005 Willocks Construction will be boring and trenching in the following locations:

• Along Waianuenue Avenue onto Kaumana Drive between Puuhina and Hala‘i Streets – (Intermittent lane closures and lane diversions)

The work will start at 8:30 am and continue until 4:00 pm on weekdays, weather permitting.

Motorists are advised to use caution while driving through the work area and to allow for extra travel time.

Contractors estimate the work to be completed at the end of February 2006.

For further information, please contact Chuck Eckman (Resident Engineer), Mid State Consultants, at 640-9509. Mahalo for your patience and cooperation!

We encourage everyone to use web-based calendar links. Please add your own events to the respective calendars so others can get the word and not conflict with your plans.

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Hawai‘i County ... a nice place to live.