FEATURE ARTICLES

·         Traffic Task Force – Citizens Working for Traffic Safety on Hawai`i Island

COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

·         New Map on Website Shows All Locations of Newly-Moved Mayor’s Office, Other Departments

·         Professionals Available to Help Those with Earthquake Damage

·         Real Property Tax Division Taking Applications for Post-Quake Tax Relief

·         Earthquake Repairs – How to Apply for a Building Permit Waiver

·         Hawai`i County Government Needs You – to Serve on County Boards and Commissions

·         Amnesty Bill for Illegal Residential, Ag Structures -- Requirements

·         Recycling Drop-Offs

·         HI 5¢ Redemption Centers – Locations and Hours of Operation

·         Kawamoto Pool Repairs

·         Kuakini Highway Update

·         Job Announcements

COMMUNITIES IN ACTION

·         2007 MasterCard Golf Championship at Hualalai January 19-21

·         Kona Outdoor Circle Takes Applications for Tropical Gardening Scholarship

·         Visitor Assistance Program Seeks West Hawai`i Manager

·         Volunteer Caseworkers Needed to Help Quake Victims

·         Free Tax Preparation Help in West Hawaii Sponsored by AARP and IRS

·         Kona Crime Prevention Committee Honors Police Officer of the Month February 7

·         10^th Annual Heart Walk and Health Fair in Hilo Saturday, February 10

·         Chinese New Year of the Pig to be Ushered into Hilo from Friday, February 16

·         Free Mulch Available at Kona Transfer Station

·         Check Out our County’s Community Development Plan Website

TRAFFIC ALERT

·         Signs and Markings Projects

·         Roadwork Accelerates in South Kona; Includes Night Paving January 28 to February 1

·         County Steps Up Curb Ramp Construction to Meet ADA Requirements

·         Kalopa Sand Gulch Road Reopens January 12 Following Accelerated Post-Quake Repairs

·         Kalawa Road, a Bypass Road in Kailua-Kona, Closes to Through Traffic

UPCOMING EVENTS

HAWAII COUNTY WEBSITE

WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK

TO ADD OR REMOVE YOUR NAME

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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FEATURE ARTICLES

Traffic Task Force  -- Citizens Working for Traffic Safety on Hawaii Island

The Traffic Task Force is a citizens group which meets regularly islandwide via videoconferencing to work for traffic safety on the Island of Hawai`i.  The Traffic Task Force contributed the information for this brief article.

 

The Traffic Task Force is an ongoing citizens initiative aimed at making our roads and pedestrian areas safer for the people of Hawai`i Island.  The mission is to engage community members and Hawai`i County agencies to create safer streets and roads in our neighborhoods by working together on legislation and projects.

 

Among their objectives since the group’s inception in 2003, are the following:

• To motivate residents to modify their own driving behavior
• To take direct action to reduce the incidence of speeding
• To reduce the incidence of other threats to transportation safety on our island

 

What strategies has the Traffic Task Force adopted?

• Creation of and training of a Roadwatchers citizens group to monitor traffic behaviors
• The launching of traffic safety media campaigns that target truck safety, safe driving behaviors and attitudes
• Traffic safety media campaigns that target visitors and new residents
• Analysis of conditions on transportation corridors using the so-called SARA (scanning, analysis, response and assessment) method to address concerns raised by residents, property owners and visitors
• Site inspections to view traffic conditions.

 

Community Road Safety Watch – Anyone can participate

 

Community Road Safety Watch is a program that gives you the chance to help reduce irresponsible drivers’ speeding and reckless driving.

 

To participate, you can download a form at www.solutionsislandhawaii.com/traffic.html .  The form has spaces to report:

·        Date of event

·        Time of event

·        Vehicle license number

·        Violator:  Male or Female?

·        Location of violation

·        Description of violation

·        Reporter name and phone number

 

For obvious safety reasons, t he Traffic Task Force urges citizens NOT to fill out the form while driving.

 

What do I do with the form once I fill it out?

You can:

• Mail the report to the Hawaii Police Department at 349 Kapiolani Street, Hilo, 96720
• Drop it off at the Hawai`i Police Department or at any police sub-station.
• Call in the report to Traffic Services at 961-2226.
• Fax the report to Traffic Services at 961-2228.
• Email the report to Traffic Services at hcpd4024@co.hawaii.hi.us

 

In 2006, a total of 630 reports were received by Traffic Services (Hilo).  After the reports were received, Traffic Services contacted the alleged violators, according to the Traffic Task Force.

 

Mahalo for your contribution to the safety of our roads.

 

Drive with Aloha

 

Please remember:

·        Make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up

·        Make sure all keiki are in a baby car seat or booster seat

·        Keep both hands on the steering wheel throughout the time you’re driving.

·        Observe all traffic signs, observe the speed limit

·        Never pass on the shoulder of the road

·        If you’ve been drinking, don’t drive.

 

How You Die in Seven-Tenths of a Second – a scary scenario of a traffic fatality on Traffic Task Force’s website

 

The Traffic Task Force website offers a hair-raising but effective slide show simulation of how quickly a driver going 55 mph – not wearing a seat belt – can die in an accident .  Seven-tenths of a second.

 

The slide show takes you through the process, which comes from a study done at Yale and Cornell Universities.  The study breaks down the process into one-tenth second increments.

 

The fatal injuries sustained by the driver in the simulated scenarios depict lack of seat belt use.   Safety belts and air bags, if properly used, could save your life or lessen your injuries.

 

View the slide show at www.solutionsislandhawaii.com , and Click on How to Die in Seven-Tenths of a Second.   The Community Road Safety Watch program form and related information are in that section.

 

How can you help keep our roads safe?

 

To find out how you can participate as a member of the Traffic Task Force, visit www.solutionsislandhawaii.com/traffic.html .  The Traffic Task Force holds frequent video-conference meetings, with videoconferencing at locations near you.

 

Keep safe, drive with aloha – and commonsense.

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COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

New Map Shows Locations of Newly-Moved Mayor’s Office, Other Departments

To help our residents find their way to the various County offices following six departments’ move in December, the Data Systems Department has put a pdf file on the web with a map showing the location of all of the County offices. The link to the pdf file is http://co.hawaii.hi.us/maps/County_buildings.pdf

The link can be found on http://co.hawaii.hi.us/maps/maps.html . .

 

The Mayor’s Office and employees from various other County departments moved their offices in early December, 2006.  They vacated their offices at the old County Building at 25 Aupuni Street in Hilo, and moved to temporary quarters while the building is being renovated.  The renovation work is expected to take at least two years to complete.

 

The move involved employees in six departments including:

·        Data Systems

·        Environmental Management

·        Fire Administration

·        Research and Development

·        Finance

·        Mayor’s Office

 

To recap the relocated offices:

The following departments have moved to 2100 Kanoelehua Avenue, Bay C-5, in Puainako Town Center, (next to Checkers).  Please note: Some of the phone numbers have changed and are as follows:

 

·        Data Systems – 981-8399

·        Environmental Management – 961-8083 (admin phone number unchanged)

·        Fire Administration – 981-8394

·        Research & Development – 981-8395

 

The following departments moved to 891 Ululani Street (Maluhia Place building):  Phone numbers, fax and e-mails will remain the same.

·        Mayor’s Office – 961-8211

·        Finance          -- 961-8231

·        Data Systems staffers – 961-8208

 

The County estimates that repairs and renovation of the Aupuni Street location to take two or more years to complete.  The bid process to renovate Aupuni Street begins March 2007.

 

For more information about the move, please contact the Department of Public Works at 961-8321.

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Professionals Available to Help Those with Earthquake Damage

The Hawai`i County Department of Public Works offers a list of 30 Hawai`i-based architects and structural engineers available to help homeowners and businesses seeking to restore property damaged during the October 15th earthquake. These professionals from the AIA Hawai`i Island Section and the Structural Engineers Association of Hawai`i can be hired for a fee for restoration design to homes and businesses to their original condition.

 

The list is available on the Hawai`i County website at www.co.hawaii.hi.us . Click on earthquake emergency information, or by calling Public Works at (808) 961-8321 weekdays between the hours of 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

Homeowners and businesses with buildings that have a red (unsafe) declaration require the use of these professionals. Those with a yellow (restricted use) may or may not require the use of these professionals. Buildings with minor repairs do not. For clarification call Brian Kajikawa, Building Division Chief at (808) 961-8331.

 

As of October 26, the County has red-tagged 61 buildings and yellow-tagged 161 buildings; only a Public Works inspector can remove a tag.

 

Those directly affected by the October 15th earthquake can start emergency repair work now. Under an emergency ordinance, homeowners and businesses have 60 days to apply for permits to restore structures to their original condition. Other incentives include real property tax relief, no building permit fees and waiver of tipping fees for removal and hauling of debris. To apply, visit www.hawaiipropertytax.com  for a real property tax reassessment.

 

County Calls for All Licensed Contractors to Register

As a service to the community, the County is also compiling a list of licensed Hawai`i General, Plumbing and Electrical Contractors. These contractors are asked to submit their names and contact information to Jiro Sumada, Deputy Director of the Department of Public Works at (808) 961-8321 at their earliest convenience.

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Real Property Tax Division Taking Applications for Post-Quake Tax Relief

The Hawai`i County Real Property Division encourages property owners with earthquake damages to apply for real property tax relief.

 

To start the process, please download the application form at www.hawaiipropertytax.com .  Real Property Tax assessors will visit the affected properties whose owners apply for such tax relief.  Besides damage to buildings, land lost in the earthquake, such as landslides into the ocean, will also be eligible for reassessment.

 

Substantiating documents of damage such as photographs, contractor’s quotations or appraisals may be submitted at the time of application.  The deadline to file applications is June 30, 2007.

 

Steps to complete the application:

1. Fill in the Tax Map Key Number of the parcel. This can be obtained from your last tax bill or assessment notice.
2. Fill in the name and address of the Claimant along with their telephone numbers. Telephone numbers are very important so that the tax office or appraiser can contact you if information is missing, or if an inspection is necessary.
3. Fill in the type of disaster (Earthquake) and date the quake occurred, October 15, 2006.
4. Describe exactly what was damaged. Then in the section listing the major building components, fill in the approximate percentage of each category that was damaged. If a particular component was not damaged, leave it blank. (For example, if half of the windows in the house were broken you would put 50% in that box.)
5. Sign, date and mail in the application by June 30, 2007.

 

Note:  This application is only for real property taxes paid, or due. In all cases, the amount of relief will not reduce the total annual taxes to less than the minimum tax for the parcel.  If you are currently paying the minimum tax, please do not complete this form, as no relief will be calculated. The tax relief calculation will be based on the balance of the tax year, October 15, 2006 to June 30, 2007.

 

Please be advised that the Real Property Tax Office does not assess, or tax, improvements such as retaining walls, fences, landscaping, and driveways. Therefore, damage of this type would not result in any tax relief.

 

For further information, please call Real Property Tax Division at 961-8201.

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Earthquake Repairs -- How to Apply for Building Permit Waiver

Here is some information who qualifies under the emergency ordinance for waiver of certain requirements and fees for emergency repair work.

• A homeowner, partnership or corporation can participate under this ordinance if the structures or buildings were directly affected on October 15, 2006 by the earthquakes.
• Emergency repairs and waivers apply to electrical, plumbing, signs, driveway approaches, sidewalks, businesses and homes.
• Structures must be restored to their original condition prior to the earthquakes of October 15, 2006.
• Electrical and plumbing work must be performed by a licensed electrician and a plumber.
• Renovations are not permitted under this ordinance.
• Please be aware that a building permit is required and applicants should apply sixty (60) days from the approval of the ordinance.

 

To qualify for the waiver of certain requirements, the applicant must complete the “Waiver of Certain Requirements Form.” It is available either at Public Works, by fax or online. The form must be completed and brought in at the time they apply for a permit to the Hilo or Kona Public Works offices within sixty (60) days from the approval of the ordinance.

 

Proof of Earthquake Damage

To qualify for the emergency repair work and take advantage of the waiver, the applicant must show proof that damages were caused by the earthquakes. This can be done by filing an incident report with Civil Defense by calling 935-0031 or online at www.co.hawaii.hi.us .  Click on EarthQuake Emergency Information.

 

Homes that received a green tag following the earthquake may make repairs without a permit. No inspections are required.

 

How do you get a “yellow tag” (restricted use) declaration removed?

This is a yellow tag that only an inspector with the Building Division of Public Works can remove.

 

Visit either the Hilo or Kona Building Division of Public Works or call Civil Defense at 961-8604 and give them your name and the district you reside in.

 

Electrical and plumbing work must be performed by a licensed electrician or plumber.

 

Structures must be restored to their original condition prior to the earthquakes of October 15, 2006. An inspection by the Building Division of Public Works may be required depending on the extent of damage.

 

The Building Division of Public Works in Kona or Hilo can answer your questions.

 

The Kailua-Kona office of the County Department of Public Works is located in Hanama Place at 75-5706 Kuakini Highway; phone 327-3520 for Building Division or 327-3530 for Engineering Division. In Hilo, the office is located at Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7; phone 961-8331 for Building Division and 961-8327 for Engineering Division.

 

Both offices are open from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, closed on State holidays.

 

Helpful tip to make sure you’re hiring a licensed contractor

 

To verify if a contractor is licensed, and has workers compensation insurance, go to the website for the State of Hawai`i, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs at http://plv.ehawaii.gov/pvlsearch/app .

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Hawai`i County Govt Needs You – to Serve on County Boards and Commissions

As the calendar year 2006 nears an end, there will be numerous openings on many County boards and commissions.

 

Boards and commissions are volunteer groups created by our laws that formulate policy and oversee many important areas of County government.  Our commissions hire and fire the Police Chief and Fire Chief, set water rates for our citizens, set salaries for our County officials, oversee decisions made concerning our solid waste and our landfills, make recommendations concerning land use on our island, and oversee government ethics, to name just a few responsibilities.

 

Service on a board or commission is a very rewarding experience.  It is an excellent opportunity to meet and work with fellow citizens from different walks of life, with the common purpose of making our community a better place for everyone.

 

Two very boards that will have vacancies are the Planning Commission and Board of Appeals.

 

The Planning Commission oversees land use matters in the County of Hawai`i, and is responsible for making recommendations to the Mayor and Council concerning the future use of land in Hawai`i that will affect many generations to come.

 

The Board of Appeals is responsible for hearing disputes concerning final decisions made by the Planning Director and Public Works Director concerning land use matters, and matters relating to the building code.

 

If you are interested in applying, stop by the Mayor’s Office in Hilo or Kona to pick up an application form.  You may also contact Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida directly at 961-8304, extension 118 (or email at Lashida@co.hawaii.hi.us ) if you have any questions.

 

Hawai`i County is a wonderful place to live because of the involvement of our citizens in their government.  Please consider applying to serve on a County board or commission.

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Amnesty Bill for Illegal Residential, Ag Structures  - Requirements

The County Council has recently passed an Amnesty Bill which will allow the homeowner to apply for permits for illegal structures (residential dwellings   R-3 occupancies and agricultural buildings M-1 occupancies) that were constructed and finished before January 1, 2006.

 

Should you choose to take advantage of the Amnesty Bill, please be aware of the following minimum requirements:

 

BUILDING

• Submit complete architectural drawings which will include but not limited to a site plan, existing floor plan, demolition floor plan, revised floor plan, foundation plan, floor framing plan, section, exterior elevations, details, etc.
• All drawings submitted for building permit must be stamped with a seal of a registered architect/structural engineer licensed in the State of Hawaii along with statements “This work was prepared by me our under my supervision” and  “Construction of this project will be under my observation.”  The architect/structural engineer must also submit a letter certifying that he/she had conducted all inspections during construction and that the construction was done in accordance to the code that the construction was done.

 

Additions, Alterations and Repairs:

• Alterations or repairs, not exceeding 25% of the value of an existing building or structure, which are nonstructural and do not affect any member or part of the building or structure having required fire resistance, may be made with the same material of which the building or structure is constructed.
• Additions, alterations and repairs not exceeding 50% of replacement value of an existing building or structure, the new construction shall conform to the requirements of present code enforced.
• Additions, alterations and repairs exceeding 50% of replacement value of an existing building or structure, the entire structure shall be made to conform to requirements of present code enforced.
• Architect/Structural Engineer is responsible for inspections up to final inspection.  The County Building Inspector is responsible to do the final inspection.

 

Electrical & Plumbing

·        A licensed Electrical and Plumbing contractor licensed in the State of Hawaii must perform all work.

·        Both permits must be applied for along with the Building Permit application.

·        All Electrical and Plumbing Work must conform to the code that is presently being enforced by the County of Hawaii.

·        County Electrical and Plumbing Inspectors shall perform all inspections.

 

Altogether, Three Permits – Building, electrical and plumbing

• Two sets of complete drawings stamped by architect/structural engineer along with letter and electrical and plumbing permit applications shall be submitted for permit processing.
• All plans must be routed to the other agencies for their approval prior plan review by Building Division.
• Building Division shall do plan reviews of all three applications: building, electrical and plumbing.
• All three permits will be issued after review is approved and completed.

 

 For further information, please contact  Brian Kajikawa, Building Division of the Department of Public Works at 961-8331.  The division’s Kona office number is 327-3520.

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Recycling Drop-offs

Due to a temporary transition in our recycler’s processing facility, the following Transfer Stations will be affected:

·        Hawi

·        Honokaa

·        Keauhou

·        Laupahoehoe

·        Pahala

·        Pahoa

·        Puako

·        Waimea

 

We WILL NOT be accepting the following recyclable materials in the mixed recycling bins ONLY.

NO Paperboard or boxboard   (cereal or tea boxes, snack food boxes, etc.)

NO Plastics #1&2   (milk jugs, detergent and bleach bottles, etc.)

NO Metal cans    (tuna and cat food cans, soup cans, etc.)

 

These materials can be taken to the Kealakehe, Hilo or the Kea‘au Transfer Stations.  We will let you know if and when other sites become available.

 

Still accepted in the mixed recycling bins are:

YES for Newspapers and magazines

YES for Cardboard (flattened)

YES for Mixed office paper (No Brites) and

YES for Phonebooks   

 

This is a temporary change until January 2007.  Look for signage at your Transfer Station. Thank you for your kokua.  For more information, please call 961-8554 or 961-8942.

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Redemption Centers – Hours of Operation

The following is a primer on the State of Hawai`i's beverage container redemption program works, and the location of the County of Hawai’i’s beverage container redemption sites:

 

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.

Reminder:  ONLY eligible HI5¢ labeled containers can be redeemed.

 

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

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

 

Atlas Recycling LLC operates Mobile Redemption Sites (monthly 9am- 1pm) at:

• Ocean View (South Point U-Cart) every 2^nd Saturday and
• Na`alehu Elem. & Inter. School every 3^rd Saturday.

For further information about Atlas Recycling’s operations on the island of Hawai`i, call 935-9328 (Hilo) or 329-6868 (Kona).

 

Reynolds Recycling at 1260 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo also participates in the HI5¢ program:  Tues-Saturday 9am-5pm.  For further information, call 754-8984.

 

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.

 

DID YOU KNOW….that the Department of Environmental Management has an information line?  Call 961-5044 for HI5¢ redemption, recycling, and other solid waste information.  Or visit:

www.hi5deposit.com / http://co.hawaii.hi.us/directory/dir_envmng.htm

 

****Check out this new Recycle Hawaii website page for "special event" disposal bins for recyclable beverage containers:

 http://recyclehawaii.org/HI5PurchaseRentBin.htm

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Kawamoto Pool Repairs

Plans for repairs to the Kawamoto Pool, a County Parks & Recreation facility, have been reviewed and approved by the County.

 

*NOTE: This project will involve two different bid processes:

1.      Bidding for construction, (bids reviewed by Department of Public Works)

2.      Bidding for equipment (Purchasing as put out to bid the filtration equipment and pumps.) 

 

Final plans and specifications were received by Parks and Recreation on January 12, 2007, and the department is in the process of preparing the documents to be publicly bid for construction.  Once the bid documents have been completed and advertised for bid later this month, the plans will go out to bid for a minimum of 3-4 weeks.

 

Meanwhile, bids for the pool pump, filters and associated equipment were received and opened January 16, 2007 by Purchasing Division.  The department is waiting for the bidders to provide additional technical data for some of the components.  Assuming the data meets the requirements, the department will approve the bid results and request Purchasing Division to issue the award to the winning bidder which will have 8 to 9 weeks to deliver the equipment for use during construction.

 

Actual construction is anticipated to take 2 to 3 months, with the total project estimated for completion around early fall 2007.  However, every effort will be made to expedite completion of the project so that the pool will reopen at the earliest possible date.

 

For further information, please contact James M. Komata, Park Planner at 961-8531.

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Kuakini Highway Construction Update

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 is anticipated to end during the first quarter of 2007.

 

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.

 

Here is the update for this week:

The Contractor is currently doing the following:

• Miscellaneous work along the project corridor.

 

**Bypass Road in Kailua-Kona to close to through traffic

Effective January 15, 2007, Kalawa Road in Kailua-Kona will close to through traffic.

 

About two years ago Kalawa Road was extended to Hualalai Road, allowing motorists to bypass some of the ongoing construction work on Kuakini Highway. The extension, about 160 feet of roadway, was part of the costs associated with the $17.5 million improvements to Kuakini Highway.

 

Construction along Kuakini Highway is anticipated to end during the first quarter of 2007 and, as such, it is no longer necessary to have Kalawa Road open to through traffic.

 

“We’d like to thank the Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union and the State Department of Land and Natural Resources for allowing us to temporarily extend Kalawa through their property in order to give motorists some relief during the widening of and improvements to Kuakini Highway,” said Bruce McClure, Director of the Department of Public Works.

 

Message boards will announce the closure of Kalawa Road to through traffic.

 

The Kuakini Highway improvement project has included widening the road from two to four lanes from Palani Road to Hualalai Road, building pocket lanes for left turns, adding bicycle lanes, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, retaining walls, and utility relocation.

 

The project is part of an action plan the County of Hawaii is using to organize and prioritize solutions to mitigate traffic congestion in Kona.  The action plan is based on a study the County commissioned in 2000, entitled Keahole to Honaunau Circulation Plan.

 

Information about this study and the Keahole to Honaunau circulation plan is available online at the County website at www.co.hawaii.hi.us  under project updates. For 24-hour information on road work, call 334-9559. For specifics about this project, contact Bruce McClure, Director, County Department of Public Works, 961-8321.

 

Information on project status will be also provided via this newsletter and the Mayor's West Hawaii Office at 329-5226.

Mahalo nui loa for your support of these\s community improvement projects.

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Job Announcements

Hawai`i County … a nice place to live. County of Hawai`i … a great place to work.

 

Consider employment with the County of Hawai`i because it offers: numerous positions, great benefits, provides valuable services, diverse culture, a beautiful island – not to mention warm and friendly residents.

Call the County of Hawai`i’s job hotline (808) 961-8618 or visit www.co.hawaii.hi.us  to download an application packet.

For job postings, visit our website: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/civil_serv/civ_serv.htm

Click on employment opportunities to download all of the forms.

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COMMUNITIES IN ACTION

2007 MasterCard Golf Championship at Hualalai January 19-21

The 2007 MasterCard Championship golf tournament will take place at Hualalai Golf Course from January 19-21, 2007.

 

Players will vie for the $1.7 million purse, with defending champion Loren Roberts.  The Pro-Am event will take place all day

 

For ticket purchases call 1-800-417-2770 or visit www.mastercardchampionship.com . Available for purchase are: “Good Any DAY ticket" at $10.00 and “Good Any WEEK ticket" at $25.00.

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Kona Outdoor Circle Takes Applications for Tropical Gardening Scholarship

The Kona Outdoor Circle is taking applications for the Julie M. Ellison Fund scholarship for the Seasonal Tropical Gardening Program. The scholarship is in the amount of $125 and isoffered four times annually, one scholarship for each series of classes. The award is retroactive, with the recipient being reimbursed for the tuition upon completion of the series of classes.

 

The Winter series of classes for the Seasonal Tropical Gardening Program begins on January 22, 2007.  Applications for the scholarship are due by 4 p.m.on February 9, 2007. Applications are available on the website, www.konaoutdoorcircle.org  or you may call Kona Outdoor Circle at 329-7286 for more information.

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Visitor Assistance Program Manager Position Opening in West Hawai`i

VASH West Hawai`i, which provides emergency assistance for visitors in distress, is seeking a Visitor Assistance Program Manager.  This organization provides vital services to travelers who may not know where to turn in an emergency far from home.  It’s an important way of showing Aloha and compassion to visitors in need of help.

 

The Visitor Assistance Program Manager receives referrals and provides emergency support to travelers in West Hawai`i.  This is a part-time position with varied work hours estimated at a maximum of 19 hours per week.

 

(On-call 5 days a week for 24 hours a day.)  The person must have his or her own vehicle and be insured.

 

Please call 756-0785 or email vashwh@yahoo.com  for job description.  Mail resume to VASH West Hawaii, P.O. Box 669, Kailua Kona, HI  96745 by February 2, 2007.

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Volunteer Caseworkers Needed to Help Quake Victims

There are many people still reeling from the devastation wrought on the Big Island of Hawaii by the earthquake of October 15, 2006.

 

The newly-formed West Hawaii Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (WHVOAD) is working hard to put people back on their feet.

 

We are currently in dire need of volunteer caseworkers—people with a heart for helping others and possess good administrative skills—who will work in concert with professional case managers in interviewing victims, most of whom reside in the North Kohala area of the Big Island.

 

These volunteers will be given training and direction. If you -- or someone you know --- would be interested in helping with this important task, please call Linda Petrucelli at 889-6869.

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Free Tax Preparation Help in West Hawaii Sponsored by AARP and IRS

AARP and the IRS are again sponsoring a group of volunteer IRS trained FREE tax preparation assistors in the Kona and Capt. Cook areas. This assistance is offered in four different locations that also includes a new site, the Mayor's Kona Office.

 

Sites are open on four different days (see the schedule below).  Also new this year is a counselor who is trained to prepare military returns.

 

The free tax preparation assistance runs at the various locations between February 1, 2007 and April 15, 2007.

 

All sites offer electronic filing.

 

The purpose of this program is to serve low- and moderate-income people, with priority to those over 60.

 

Kona

Mondays:       Royal Kona Resort    - AARP Information Center  1:00 pm – 5:00 pm by appointment only For appointments,  please call 334-1212.

Wednesdays:            Royal Kona Resort    AARP Information Center   1:00 pm – 5:00 pm by appointment only

Thursdays:     Hale Halawai, on Ali`i Drive 8am - Noon Walk-In

Saturdays:      Hanama Place (Mayor's Kona Office)        8am - Noon Walk-In

**Combat-Zone veterans welcome. A military-trained tax counselor will be available**

Capt. Cook

Wednesdays:            Yano Hall        9am - Noon Walk-In

Waimea

Mondays & Thursdays from 8 am-Noon, at the Senior Housing Rec Room starting February 1 through April 16. Closed for holidays on February 19 and March 26. To schedule a time, call Anne Gomes at 885-4560.

 

There are also two sites in Hilo: the Senior Center and St. Joseph's hall.  To schedule a time, call Coordinated Services at 961-8777.

 

For more information please call the AARP office in Kona at 334-1212.

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Kona Crime Prevention Committee Honors Police Officer of the Month Feb 7

The February 7th, 2007, “Officer of the Month” Luncheon will feature Office Mekia Rose as the Honoree.  The setting for the 12 noon event will be the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel.  Office Rose is being recognized for his efforts in apprehending three suspects shortly after the victim was robbed of his cell phone, money and jewelry at Kailua Pier.

 

Major John Dawrs will be the featured speaker at the lunch, and will speak about “New Crime Trends”.

 

The Kona Crime Prevention Committee is an organization that encourages community involvement in aiding and supporting the Kona Police Department in their efforts to prevent crime, deter potential criminals and enforce the law.  Membership is open to organizations or individuals wishing to further the purposes of the Kona Crime Prevention Committee and is effective upon payment of dues.

 

The public is invited to attend the Office of the Month luncheons held on the first Wednesday of each month.  Cost of the luncheon is $18. Parking in the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel lot is an additional $2.  Reservations are necessary and may be made by contacting Liz Holey at 326-7787.

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10^th Annual American Heart Walk and Health Fair in Hilo on Saturday, Feb 10

The community is cordially invited to participate in the 10^th Annual American Heart Walk and Health Fair in Hilo on Saturday, February 10.  Get your friends, family and co-workers together to form a team to help raise funds to support research, education and community programs on the Big Island.  The funds will help promote good health to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

 

WHEN:          Saturday, February 10.  Registration from: 6:30 a.m., Walk starts 8:00 a.m. Health Fair: 7 am- Noon

WHERE:       Walk starts from Liliuokalani Park, Health Fair located at the park.

 

Park at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium and take the free shuttle bus to Liliuokalani Park.

 

For more information, call the American Heart Association in Hilo at 961-2825.  Or sign up online at: www.heartwalk.kintera.org/hilohi  .

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Chinese New Year of the Pig to be Ushered into Hilo from Friday February 16

Hilo's 5th Annual Chinese New Year Festival commemorates the Year of the Pig, and the year of the golden pig at that, believed by Chinese astrologers to be the luckiest in 600 years.

 

The festivities commence at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 16 at the historic Palace Theater with a performance blending martial arts, ballet, Chinese classical and folk dancing.  Woven into choreographies by the Big Island Shaolin Arts and the Oahu-based Sing Sing Chinese Dance Company is distinctive Chinese music, setting the mood for this festive town gathering.  Chinese violins, a butterfly harp, vertical flute, a Chinese banjo, a moon guitar and percussion instruments like taiko drums, cymbals, bells, gongs and wood blocks are the Guang Zhong Chinese Music Ensemble's instruments for expression.  With the exotic music and dance fronting this 82-year-old theater, there is also a lively fireworks display meant to ward off evil spirits for the coming year.

 

Tickets are $10 for adults and kids 16 and under are free with a paid adult ticket.  Call the Palace Theater Box Office for more information (808) 934-7010.

 

The second day of festivities starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, February 17 with lion dancers who will parade through Downtown Hilo, blessing homes and businesses as they make their way to Kalakaua Park.  The park is the setting for a free daylong celebration packed with tai chi, taiko drumming, art and keiki costume contests, a cooking demonstration by Hawaii Community College culinary art students – with free samples for onlookers, and special guests highlighting the cultural diversity that thrives here.

 

You’re all invited to this celebration of Chinese culture and tradition.  Gong Hee Fat Choy!

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High Quality Mulch at Kealakehe Transfer Station

The County of Hawai’i has FREE MULCH at the public pick-up area of the Kailua-Kona (Kealakehe) Transfer Station available 7 days a week from 6:30 am - 6:30 pm.  This mulch is being processed by EKO Composting and is a higher-quality product than previously available.

 

Bring a pitchfork to load your own vehicle or have EKO Composting operators load with a backhoe from 7 am to 4 pm only.  No loading fees.

 

If you want large loads delivered to your property contact a local trucking firm to arrange for delivery of large loads of mulch.  Again, no fees are charged to load any sized truck.

 

For inquiries, please call the County's Recycling Specialist at 961-8554.

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Check out our County’s Community Development Plan Website

All around the island, communities are actively engaging in a monumental planning effort that has the potential of positively affecting the future of Hawaii Island for generations to come.

 

Go to the website www.hawaiiislandplan.com   to see what is happening in each of our 9 judicial districts as it relates to the Community Development Plan process.

 

In addition to finding current information about the process, you can also find, among other things, information about past planning efforts.

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TRAFFIC ALERT

Signs and Markings Projects

(All project schedules based on weather permitting.)

 

January 22, 2007 Monday

Where/Location:        S. Hilo: Railroad Ave. (Manuia St. to Puna end of Railroad Ave)

What:                          Replace raised pavement markers

January 23, 2007 Tuesday

Where/Location:        S. Hilo: East Mamaki St, Auwae Rd, & Elama Rd. (Puna side of channel)

What:                          Maintenance of centerline markings

January 24, 2007 Wednesday

Where/Location:        S. Hilo: East Mamaki St, Auwae Rd, & Elama Rd. (Puna side of channel)

What:                          Maintenance of edge-of-pavement lines

January 25, 2007 Thursday

Where/Location:        S. Hilo District: Ahuna Rd, E. Paslai St,  Maihai Rd & Manuia St.

What:                          Maintain centerlines

January 26, 2007 Friday

Where/Location:        S. Hilo District: Ahuna R., E. Paslai St,  Maihai Rd & Manuia St.

What:                          Maintain stop lines

Signs and Markings Project by Traffic’s Term Contractor: Central Striping

(All project schedules based on weather permitting.)

January 22, 2007 Monday – January 26, 2007 Friday

Where/Location:        S. Kona District: Napoopoo Rd (1 mile from Middle Keei mauka & 0.5 mile from Napoopoo along Middle Keei)

What:                          Striping new pavement

 

Some of our streetlights are malfunctioning.  Please call 961-8341 and report any malfunctions.

 

The Traffic Division of Public Works manages 9,020 streetlights operated by individual light sensing cells.  If your streetlight stays on all day, or is off all night, please let us know so that we can repair them.

 

Please call the Traffic Division of Public Works Monday-Friday from 7:00AM to 4:00PM at 961-8341.

 

In addition to your name and contact number, please provide the following information:

We need the streetlight pole number. It is easily spotted from a car. It is a large silver number located six to seven feet up on the streetlight pole.  If you know the street or highway name and a well-known landmark, it is also helpful.

 

For more information, please contact Ron Thiel, Traffic Division Chief at 961-8341.  Mahalo nui loa.

 

Need a Pothole Repaired?  -- Call Public Works

 

If you know of a pothole in your street, in your neighborhood or in your travels, please call the County to have it repaired.  Public Works personnel repair potholes each Friday between 6:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

 

Please call one of the numbers listed below for the community where you live.  Let the staff know you have a pothole that needs repair.  The staff will ask you the following questions:

1)         General location of the pothole

2)         Give a landmark if you can.

3)         Your phone number in case they need to contact you.

 

The office hours for each of the following nine offices are weekdays, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  If you call after hours, please leave a message on the voice mail.

S. Hilo                         Phone. 961-8636

N. Hilo/Hamakua                   Phone: 775-7500

Kamuela                                 Phone: 887-3004

Keauhou, N. Kona                 Phone: 322.2877

N. Kohala                               Phone: 887-3004

Ka’u, Waiohinu                      Phone: 939-2500

Puna                           Phone: 966-5806

 

Your County Department of Public Works thanks you for your kokua, as always.

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Roadwork Accelerates in South Kona; Includes Night Paving Jan 28 to Feb 1

Accelerated road work in South Kona by the County of Hawaii will mean almost a 24-hour schedule during the last week of January, including paving parts of Mamalahoa Highway in Captain Cook and Kealakekua.

 

The Captain Cook night work, between Kealakekua Ranch Center and Yano Hall, is scheduled for January 28 and 29 from 8:00 p.m. to approximately 6 a.m.  Night Paving in Kealakekua, between Kamigaki Market and First Hawaiian Bank, is scheduled for January 31 and February 1, and possibly to February 2 if needed.  Motorists should expect one-lane traffic during paving and delays of 10 to 15 minutes.

 

“Road work crews are aware of the steady flow of traffic from south to north in the early morning hours, so work may end earlier in the morning than 6 a.m.”, said Bruce McClure, Director of the County Department of Public Works. “Completion of the paving means the Captain Cook improvements and phase one of improvements in Kealakekua are 80 percent complete.”

 

Following completion of the paving, roadwork crews will concentrate on constructing a detour north of Captain Cook Road. The detour will allow road crew to install a left-turn pocket lane from Mamalahoa Highway onto Captain Cook Road.  A sheltered left-turn pocket onto Mamalahoa, installation of a street light and additional drainage improvements are also planned.

 

Both lanes of traffic will flow during daytime construction, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. “Because of the increased roadwork, we asked the contractors to keep construction activities off to the side and behind the barricades, and give way to motorists who are making left turns,” said McClure.

 

Phase Two construction of improvements to Mamalahoa Highway in Kealakekua from First Hawaiian Bank to Haukapila Street is expected to begin the week of February 12, 2007.

 

All projects are part of an action plan the County is using to organize and prioritize solutions to mitigate traffic congestion in Kona.  The action plan is based on the Keahole to Honaunau Circulation Plan, a study the County commissioned in 2000.

 

The current work in South Kona carries out one of the strategies of the action plan – to improve the capacity of north/south roadways by creating turning lanes and improving the flow of traffic.

 

Information about this study and the resulting Keahole to Honaunau circulation plan is available online at www.co.hawaii.hi.us  under Project Updates.  For 24-hour information on road work, please call 334-9559.  For specifics about this project, please contact Bruce McClure, Director, County Department of Public Works at 961-8321.

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County Steps Up Curb Ramp Construction to Meet ADA Requirements

Work has increased on the building and upgrading of ramps on County of Hawaii roadways, to bring them into compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Although upgrades have been ongoing for the past five years, work is being stepped up in 2007 with completion expected this summer.

 

In mid-December work started on curb ramps at the corner of Komohana and Pu’uhonua Streets in South Hilo.  In January, work will begin on ramps along Henry Street in Kona and Paniolo Drive in Waikoloa.  These curb ramp requirements apply to County streets with existing pedestrian walkways and/or sidewalks.  It is not applicable to private driveways.

 

The County estimates there are 204 ramps in Hilo, Waikoloa and Kona areas that need work.  With the cost per ramp averaging $23,530, the total for the upgrade of the ramps comes to an estimated $4.8 million.

 

This estimate does not include any repairs to ramps or sidewalks in the Waimea area or the ADA requirements for County-owned facilities and buildings.  The Waimea area upgrades -- which number less than 20 -- are currently under design.

 

Construction is scheduled to begin in April 2007 to County facilities that serve the general public, including police and fire stations.  Construction costs for County facilities are estimated at $2.2 million.

 

The County expects the ADA project that started in 2002 will be completed by the end of the summer of 2007 with an estimated total expenditure of $8.5 million.

 

Any resident aware of a curb that may need upgrading to ADA requirements is invited to submit a request for new curb ramps or modifications to existing curb ramps.  Request forms are available in Hilo at the County Department of Public Works, Engineering Division 101 Aupuni St., Ste. 7; Equal Opportunity Officer/ADA Coordinator, County Department of Human Resources, 101 Aupuni Street Ste. 2; in Kona at the Mayor’s Office, 75-5706 Hanama Place, Ste. 103, Kona County office at Kailua Trade Center, Ste. 109; the Waimea County office, Holomua Center 64-1067 Mamalahoa Highway; or online at www.co.hawaii.hi.us . Click on Departments, scroll to Public Works, click on Engineering, then click on Curb Ramp Request.

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Kalopa Sand Gulch Rd Reopens Jan 12 Following Accelerated Post-Quake Repairs

Thanks to the cooperation of local contractor George Oye Inc., the County of Hawaii fast-tracked repairs to the Kalopa Sand Gulch roadway and reopened the access road at noon on Friday, January 12, 2007.

 

Sand Gulch Road was damaged in the October 15, 2006 earthquakes and has been closed since then.  The closure forced upwards of 100 area residents to make lengthy, daily detours to get to and from their homes.  The County and FEMA assessed the damage and bids for repair work went out in November.

 

The contractor, George Oye Inc., began work on December 18, 2006, including the removal of trees and boulders which posed a hazard.

 

“What is unusual in this situation is the willingness of the contractor to move ahead with the work prior to the final execution of the contract,” said Bruce McClure, Director of the County Department of Public Works.  “We truly appreciate Alton Oye, and his understanding of the County’s need to get the work done and get relief to the residents in the area.”

 

McClure said additional work is slated for Kalopa Sand Gulch Roadway.  In the near future, crews will thin stands of trees on the hillsides.  Slope repair to the makai side of the roadway is also being planned.

 

Since the damage occurred as a result of the earthquake, FEMA will cover 75% of the $270,000 project; the remaining 25% will be paid by the County of Hawaii.

 

For information about road work or other services provided by Public Works, please call the 24-hour hotline at 334-9559 or go online to www.co.hawaii.hi.us   Click on Media Releases.

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Kalawa Road, a Bypass Road in Kailua-Kona, Closes to Through Traffic

Effective January 15, 2007, Kalawa Road in Kailua-Kona will close to through traffic.

 

About two years ago Kalawa Road was extended to Hualalai Road, allowing motorists to bypass some of the ongoing construction work on Kuakini Highway. The extension, about 160 feet of roadway, was part of the costs associated with the $17.5 million improvements to Kuakini Highway.

 

Construction along Kuakini Highway is anticipated to end during the first quarter of 2007 and, as such, it is no longer necessary to have Kalawa Road open to through traffic.

 

“We’d like to thank the Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union and the State Department of Land and Natural Resources for allowing us to temporarily extend Kalawa through their property in order to give motorists some relief during the widening of and improvements to Kuakini Highway,” said Bruce McClure, Director of the Department of Public Works.

 

Message boards announce the closure of Kalawa Road to through traffic.

 

The Kuakini Highway improvement project has included widening the road from two to four lanes from Palani Road to Hualalai Road, building pocket lanes for left turns, adding bicycle lanes, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, retaining walls, and utility relocation.

 

The project is part of an action plan the County of Hawaii is using to organize and prioritize solutions to mitigate traffic congestion in Kona.  The action plan is based on a study the County commissioned in 2000, entitled Keahole to Honaunau Circulation Plan.

 

Information about this study and the Keahole to Honaunau circulation plan is available online at the County website at www.co.hawaii.hi.us  under project updates. For 24-hour information on road work, call 334-9559. For specifics about this project, contact Bruce McClure, Director, County Department of Public Works, 961-8321.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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/
Hawaii Community Foundation: http://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/calendar/index.php
Alternative-Hawaii: http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/calendar.htm
Kamuela.com: http://kamuela.com/calendar/default.asp
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/calendar
Hilo Downtown Improvement Association Activity Guide: Send an email to dia@hilo.net with the details of your upcoming event or call 935-8850.
Prince Kuhio Plaza: http://www.princekuhioplaza.com/html/Events.asp
Substance Abuse Conference (Hawai`i Community College) www.hawaii.hawaii.edu/hsersacc/BPC.htm

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HAWAII COUNTY WEBSITE

County of Hawaii WebSite Address: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/

County Forms Online: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/forms/forms.html
County Maps Online: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/maps/maps.html
County Project Summaries And Updates Online: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/projects.htm

Use the following links to the specific region:
North Hawaii: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/nh/NH-M.htm
East Hawaii: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/eh/EH-M.htm
South Hawaii: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/sh/SH-M.htm
West Hawaii: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/info/k2k/K2K-M.htm

Procurement Notices: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/purchasing/bids.htm

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WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK

Information & Complaints:  cohinfo@co.hawaii.hi.us
County Departments: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/email.htm
Hawaii County website: co.hawaii.hi.us

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TO ADD OR REMOVE YOUR NAME

To add or remove your name from distribution, e-mail Janet Snyder: jsnyder@co.hawaii.hi.us

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information, contact:
Janet Snyder
Phone: (808) 961-8223
Fax: (808) 933-1521
e-mail: jsnyder@co.hawaii.hi.us

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