8/29/08 Weekly Report: Hawai`i County Unveils Prescription Drug Discount Card Program; County Departments of Water Supply, Public Works Win EPA Awards

The following information is courtesy of the Hawai`i County Council, which helped arrange for this program through the National Association of Counties (NACo).

The Hawai`i County Council has announced the introduction of a discount card program to help Hawai`i County residents cope with the high cost of prescription drugs. The program is scheduled to begin on September 1, 2008.

The County is making free prescription drug discount cards available under a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo) that offers average savings of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs.

Who is eligible to use the discount card?

It’s one card per person.

The cards may be used by all Hawai`i County residents, regardless of age, income, or existing health coverage, and are accepted by nearly all the island’s pharmacies.

In addition, a national network of more than 59,000 participating retail pharmacies, including many Neighbor Island pharmacies, will honor the NACo prescription discount card.

Best of all, there is no cost to our taxpayers for NACo and the County to make these money-saving cards available to residents.

Who may benefit from using this card?

The prescription drug discount card can be used anytime a prescription is not covered by insurance.

Those who may benefit include the uninsured, underinsured, and Medicare Plan D participants for non-covered drugs.

The discount card can be used to pay for meds not covered by your insurance plan (i.e. prescription meds you would have to pay out of pocket.)

Can I use my insurance and the discount card on the same purchase?

You cannot use your insurance and the discount card on the same purchase. However, you can choose whichever gives you the better price.

Call CVS-Caremark at 1-877-321-2652 to get an estimated price using the discount card on a particular prescription. Then you can compare prices before going to the pharmacy.

The prescription card is activated the first time it’s used at the pharmacy. The person’s name and ID number are joined for the first time, for ease in processing thereafter.

Pet prescriptions may also be covered

Residents may also save on prescriptions for their pets. If a pet is prescribed a medicine that is also used to treat human conditions (such as antibiotics), the pet owner may save by using the prescription discount card. Simply ask the veterinarian to write a prescription and present it at a participating pharmacy, along with the prescription discount card.

The pet owner will pay either a discount price or the retail pharmacy’s regular retail price, whichever is lower.

How do I get a discount card?

Cards will be available at the County Clerk’s’ Office, the Mayor’s Office in Hilo and Kona and at all County Council Offices.

Cards are also available at the RSVP desk in the lobby of the County building at 101 Pauahi Street, in Hilo, the Office of Aging at Hilo Lagoon building and Coordinated Services for the Elderly in Hilo and Kona.

What pharmacies are participating in the program so far?

The following Big Island pharmacies are currently participating in this program:

Costco Pharmacy
Foodland Medicine Cabinet
Hilo Pharmacy
K Mart Pharmacy
Kamehameha Pharmacy
KTA Pharmacy
Longs Drug
Malama Compounding Pharmacy
Mina Pharmacy
Oshima Drug
Pahoa RX Pharmacy
Pharmerica 4237
Puna Pharmacy
Safeway
Shiigi Drug Company
Ululani Pharmacy
Village Pharmacy-Waimea, LLC
Waikoloa Pharmacy
Wal Mart Pharmacy
Windward Pharmacy

**The above is a preliminary list; pharmacies not listed here may subsequently opt to participate.

The discount card program is administered by Caremark Rx, Inc. Big Island residents can get more information about the program by:

Calling Caremark toll free at 1-877-321-2652
Going online at www.caremark.com/naco .

NACo is a national organization that represents county governments in the United States. Founded in 1935, NACo provides essential services to the nation’s 3,600 counties.

NACo advances issues with a unified voice before the federal government, improves the public’s understanding of county government, assists counties in finding and sharing innovative solutions through education and research, and provides value-added services to save counties and taxpayers’ money.

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County Depts of Water Supply, Public Works Win EPA Awards

The 2008 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Award for Sustainable Health Protection Assistance Award was presented to Mayor Harry Kim and the Department of Water Supply yesterday at the Mayor’s Office in Kailua-Kona by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Stephen Johnson on August 26, 2008.

The County was honored with awards for its 2008 Hawai`i Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Project and Clean Water State Revolving Fund Project of the Year.

Earlier this year, Stuart Yamada, Administrator of the State Department of Health Safe Drinking Water Branch nominated the Department of Water Supply for their award. States nominate one project for the “Pisces Award”, which recognizes the most innovative and effective clean water loan projects. The “Aquarius Award” recognizes the most innovative and effective drinking water loan projects.

“The EPA applauds Mayor Kim and the County of Hawai`i for its work on projects that will supply safe drinking water and provide improved wastewater treatment for the Big Island’s residents,” said EPA Administrator Johnson.

The drinking water award was in recognition of the Department of Water Supply’s work in improving drinking water sources for the Pahala and Honomu communities. The projects included drilling new wells and installing new pumps, piping and chlorination systems, and at Honomu the building of a new concrete reservoir, the EPA said in a news release.

The County Department of Public Works was recognized for its innovative financing and leadership on replacing existing cesspools at County facilities with on-site wastewater systems. It also assisted other partners in improving wastewater systems, according to the EPA.

“The Finance and Engineering Divisions within our Department (of Water Supply) deserve this accolade of excellent service to the people,” stated Manager Milton Pavao. “Specifically, the Department of Water Supply demonstrated financial integrity in its management of the project and achieved regular compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, ensuring public health benefits.”

Department of Water Supply Civil Engineer Keith Okamoto worked closely on the project: “The use of the two new wells ensures that a sustainable water source with exceptional water quality is available for two small communities on the Island of Hawai`i, particularly during a drought event,” Okamoto said.

The Department of Water Supply is a semi-autonomous agency of the County of Hawai`i which operates by rules and regulations adopted by the Water Board.

As a semi-autonomous agency, the Department operates and maintains its water systems with revenues generated wholly through water sales. The primary function of the Department is to provide safe domestic water service through its 24 water systems and 67 sources scattered throughout the island.

The individual water systems are not interconnected except in the more densely populated districts of South Hilo and Kona. The Department continually strives to provide dependable, high quality, potable water at a reasonable cost.

For further information, please contact Kanani Aton, Public Information and Education Specialist at (808) 961-8050 ext. 204 or 0Hkaton@hawaiidws.org

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COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

Konawaena Pool Reopens September 2 Following Repairs

The Konawaena Pool will reopen on Tuesday, September 2 following extensive renovations that provide the public a newly tiled pool basin, a completely new pool circulation and filtration system, a new solar heating system for the pool's water, a new roof system, and a new paint and deck coating system for the entire facility.

The pool also sports new accessories such as 1-meter diving board, lane markers, water polo goals and similar items.

The following is the Konawaena Pool schedule, which is currently opened on weekdays only:

WEEKDAYS

September - November 2008

Public Recreational & Adult Lap Swim

9:30 – 11:45 am Mon-Fri

Public Recreational & Adult Lap Swim

1:15 – 3:00 pm Mon-Fri

Novice Swim Team

3:00 – 4:00 pm Mon-Fri

Public Recreational & Adult Lap Swim

4:15 – 5:15 pm Mon-Fri

The pool is closed on Weekends & Holidays. Schedule subject to change.

The staff of the Department of Parks and Recreation would like to thank the public for their patience throughout this lengthy repair project. For more information regarding schedule or facility call 961-8694.

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Block Grant Evaluation Report Available for Review thru Sept 12

The County of Hawai`i, through its Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD), has developed its proposed consolidated annual performance evaluation report (CAPER) for its 2007-2008 CDBG program.

The purpose of the report is to provide the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with information on the financial and physical development status of each CDBG-assisted activity within the County.

The proposed report will be available for public review and comment from August 29, 2008 through September 12, 2008, at the following locations:

Office of Housing and Hawai`i County Services

Community Development (Hanama Place)

50 Wailuku Drive 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Ste. 103

Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i 96740

Phone: (808)961-8379 Phone: (808)329-5226

Copies of the draft CAPER may also be obtained by calling the OHCD at (808) 961-8379.

The OHCD will consider any written comments and views expressed by citizens on the draft CAPER and may modify the reports, if it is deemed appropriate.

Citizens who wish to comment on the draft CAPER must submit their comments in writing to the OHCD, 50 Wailuku Drive, Hilo, Hawai`i 96720-2484, or fax your comments 808/961-8685 by 4:30 p.m. on September 12, 2008.

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Apply for Mail-In Absentee Ballot for Primary by Sept 13

One of the most convenient ways to cast your vote in the upcoming Primary and General Elections is by absentee voting. Registered voters in Hawai`i may apply for a mail-in absentee ballot now. Please note that the deadline to apply for a mail-in absentee ballot for the Primary Election is Saturday, September 13 at 4:30 pm.

Please remember, you must be registered to be allowed to vote. Here are two key deadlines:

(2008 Primary Election Voter Registration Deadline was August 21, 2008.)
2008 General Election Voter Registration Deadline: October 6, 2008.

What is absentee voting?

Absentee voting is designed to make voting more convenient for voters. Any registered voter may request to vote absentee, either:

In person
or By mail

How do I vote by absentee ballot?

In Person

Walk-in absentee polling places in Hawai`i County are located at:

Hilo -The Elections Division in the Hilo Iron Works Building
Kona - The Elections Satellite Office in the Ali`i Plaza (at the corner Hualalai and Kuakini across from Union 76 station)
Pahoa – The Pahoa Market Place
Kohala – The North Kohala District Courthouse
Waimea – The Waimea Community Center
Pahala – The Pahala Community Center

Please contact the Hawai`i County Elections Office at 961-8277 to find your nearest Walk-In Absentee Polling place.

When does in-person absentee voting take place this year?

2008 Primary Election: from September 8 through September 18, 2008

2008 General Election: from October 21 through November 1, 2008

What should I do to get an absentee ballot by mail?

To vote an absentee ballot by mail you may do one of the following:

Write to request an Application for Absentee Ballot:

Hawai`i County Elections Office

Hilo Ironworks Building, 1266 Kamehameha Ave., A-1, Hilo, HI 96720

Or call: 961-8277 (or the Neighbor Islands toll-free number: 1-800-345-5915)

Note: This information is available in alternate formats. If you require special assistance (i.e., large print, taped materials, etc.) please call 961-8277 (or the Neighbor Islands toll-free number: 1-800-345-5915).

Write a letter of request to Hawai`i County Elections Office your request must include the following information:

Name under which you are registered to vote
Address as registered
Birth Date
Social Security Number
Election(s) in which you intend to vote absentee: Primary, General or both elections.
Address to which your ballot should be mailed (for each election you are requesting an absentee ballot), if different from registered address.
Your signature

Applications for Absentee Ballots shall be mailed to: Hawai`i County Elections Office, Hilo Ironworks Building, 1266 Kamehameha Ave., A-1, Hilo, HI 96720

Applications are also available at the following locations:

Hawai`i State Libraries
Office of Election’s website at www.hawaii.gov/elections .
At 23 Satellite locations islandwide. Please see www.co.hawaii.hi.us/elections/Satellite_VR_Locations.html
U. S. Post Offices

And you can go online to download an Absentee Ballot application at http://hawaii.gov/elections/voters/voteabsentee.htm .

What are the deadlines for Absentee Ballot applications/requests?

Absentee Applications/requests will be accepted:

2008 Primary Election: from July 22, 2008 through Saturday, September 13, 2008

2008 General Election: from October 2, 2008 through Tuesday, October 28, 2008

All absentee ballots must be received by the clerk issuing the ballots no later than the close of polls on Election Day.

For more information, please contact:

Hawai`i County Elections Office

Hilo Ironworks Building, 1266 Kamehameha Ave., A-1, Hilo, HI 96720

Call: Toll Free: 1-800-345-5915 or 961-8277

Or you can go to www.hawaii.gov/elections .

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Hawai`i Farmers Urged to Apply for 2008 Crop Year Disaster Assistance

The following information is courtesy of the Hilo branch of the Farm Service Agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This program is geared to help farmers who have sustained crop losses during the 2008 crop year.

Overview of the Buy-In for Disaster Assistance Programs

On June 18, 2008, the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill) was enacted into Public Law 110-246. This Act amended the Trade Act of 1974 to create five new disaster programs, collectively referred to as Supplemental Agriculture Disaster Assistance programs. Those programs include:

Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP)
Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP)
Livestock Indemnity Program* (LIP)
Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE) Program
Tree Assistance Program (TAP)

To be eligible for these programs, producers must purchase at least catastrophic risk protection (CAT) level of crop insurance for all insurable crops and/or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage for non-insurable crops.

For the 2008 crop year only -- how the Buy-In works

For the 2008 crop year only, producers who were eligible to obtain at least CAT level crop insurance or NAP, but did not, can “buy-in” to be eligible to participate in the applicable Supplemental Agriculture Disaster Assistance programs by paying the administrative fee that would have been applicable if the producer had timely applied for CAT or NAP.

Deadline to pay Buy-In fee is September 16, 2008

The 2008 Act allows producers to pay a “buy-in fee” at their administrative county Farm Service Agency office by the deadline date of Sept. 16, 2008.

The buy-in fees do not provide any CAT crop insurance coverage or NAP coverage but do allow producers to gain eligibility to participate in the applicable Supplemental Agriculture Disaster Assistance programs.

How to “Buy-In”

All producers who wish to become eligible in 2008 for the Supplemental Agriculture Disaster Assistance programs must visit their administrative county FSA office and fill out form CCC-752 and/or form CCC-753. The county offices will determine the appropriate buy-in fee required.

The deadline for the buy-in is Sept. 16, 2008.

Call your Farm Service Agency office in Hilo at 933-8340, 933-8341 or 933-8335 for more information.

How much is the Buy-in Fee?

The 2008 Buy-in Fees for CAT and NAP Covered Crops are as follows:

$100 per crop, but not more than $300 per producer per county, or $900 total per producer, for all counties, less any previously paid fees for CAT and/or NAP.

These fees and limits apply separately to both CAT and NAP covered crops.

Therefore, producers may be required to pay buy-in fees under both CAT and NAP to meet whole farm eligibility requirements for the new disaster programs of SURE, ELAP and TAP.

For more information, please call the Farm Service Agency at 933-8340, 933-8341 or 933-8335.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for Supplemental Agriculture Disaster Assistance Programs?

Eligibility for the SURE, (Supplemental Revenue Assistance Programs), TAP (Tree Assistance Programs) and ELAP (Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-Raised Fish):

Producers must obtain a crop insurance policy for each insurable commodity, and Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage for each non-insurable commodity on the farm to be eligible for assistance under SURE, TAP, and ELAP.

What qualifies as a farm under these assistance programs?

In the 2008 Farm Bill; in general, the term “farm” means the sum of all crop acreage in all counties that is planted or intended to be planted for harvest by the eligible producer.

In the case of aquaculture, the term “farm” means all fish being produced in all counties that are intended to be harvested for sale by the eligible producer.

In the case of honey, the term “farm” means all bees and beehives in all counties that are intended to be harvested for a honey crop by the eligible producer.

Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP)

Producers must timely obtain a crop insurance policy for insured crops or timely file the required paperwork for NAP for the grazed land.

Any insurance already purchased to meet the eligibility requirements for these programs must be at a minimum level of 50 percent yield coverage and at 55 percent of the insurable price.

Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP)

The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) is exempt from the risk management purchase requirement and therefore, does not require a waiver.

The background of the Buy-In program

For the 2008 crop year, the deadline to apply for crop insurance and NAP passed prior to enactment of the 2008 Farm Bill. As a result, when the requirement to obtain insurance or NAP as a condition of eligibility for SURE, TAP, ELAP and LFP was enacted, many producers would have been excluded from eligibility.

Therefore, for the 2008 crop year only, producers who do not have all crops on the farm covered with the risk management protection programs of crop insurance and/or NAP and wish to be eligible for the SURE, TAP, and ELAP in 2008, or wish to have grazing acres eligible for LFP in 2008, can do so by paying the applicable buy-in fee by Sept. 16, 2008.

Note: Payment of the fees will NOT provide crop insurance coverage or NAP eligibility.

How the program works and what is covered

The Supplemental AG Disaster Program supplements our NAP (Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program). For the NAP program, crop damage from natural disasters such as the vog (sulfur dioxide emissions), heavy rains, flooding, drought, high winds, earthquake or frost triggers the claim process. The loss threshold that makes a farmer or rancher eligible for payment is 50 percent. The NAP works on what is planted in the ground as of the disaster. It is yield-based.

The SURE program is revenue-based and is calculated over the entire year for all crops. Any crop damaged by a natural event such as vog is eligible.

For example, Protea are badly affected by the vog from Kilauea Volcano.

Other examples include:

Fruits damaged by high winds.
Vegetables damaged by flooding.
Forage damaged by drought.
Virtually any vegetable, flower, foliage, fruit is eligible for coverage.

Important note:

Farmers and ranchers need to purchase the NAP insurance for the year 2009 to be eligible for the supplemental programs next year.

Waivers of the Buy-In fee for some producers

Producers who meet the definition of a Socially Disadvantaged, Limited Resource Producer, or Beginning Farmer or Rancher as defined in section 2501 (e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e)), do not have to meet this risk management purchase requirement and, therefore, are not required to pay the buy-in fee.

Definitions

A Socially Disadvantaged farmer or rancher is a farmer or rancher who is a member of a socially disadvantaged group. For entity applicants, all members of the entity must be socially disadvantaged. A Socially Disadvantaged Group is a group whose members have been subject to racial or ethnic prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities.

On Hawai`i Island, a majority of our farmers are social disadvantaged, so farmers are urged to call the Farm Service Agency at 933-8340, 933-8341 and 933-8335 to find out if their fee will be waived for the buy-in.

A Limited Resource Producer is a producer with both of the following:

Direct or indirect gross farm sales not more than $100,000 in both of the previous 2 years (as adjusted for inflation using Price Paid by Farmer Index as compiled by NASS); and
Total household income at or below the national poverty level for a family of 4, or less than 50 percent of county median household income in both of the previous 2 years (to be determined annually using Commerce Department Data).

Limited Resource Producer status can be determined in an automated system using the Web site for USDA Limited Resource Farmer and Rancher Online Self Determination Tool at http://www.lrftool.sc.egov.usda.gov/tool.asp . The automated system calculates and displays the adjusted gross farm sales per year and the higher of the national poverty level or county median household income.

A Beginning Farmer or Rancher is an individual or entity who: (1) has not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 years, AND (2) substantially participates in the operation. If the applicant is an entity, all members must be eligible beginning farmers or ranchers.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of Discrimination, please write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Laupahoehoe Pool to Close for Six Months for Renovations from August 11

The Department of Parks and Recreation announced that as of Monday, August 11 the Laupahoehoe Swimming Pool will close for approximately six months during an accessibility improvement and renovations project.

The nearest public swimming pools are Honokaa Pool and the Sparky Kawamoto Pool in Hilo. Please see P&R website at http://co.hawaii.hi.us/parks/aquatics_program_guide.htm or the schedule below:

Honokaa Pool Schedule (Ph# 775-0650)

August 2008

Early Bird Swim	8:00 – 10:00 am	Mon-Fri
Public Recreational Swim	10:00 – 11:45 am	Mon-Fri
Adult Lap Swim	1:00 – 2:30 pm	Mon-Fri
Public Recreational Swim	2:30 – 3:45 pm	Mon-Fri

WEEKENDS

Adult Lap Swim	9:00 – 10:45 am	Sat/Sun
Public Recreational Swim	10:45 – 11:45 am	Sat/Sun
Public Recreational & Adult Lap Swim	1:00 – 3:45 pm	Sat/Sun

The pool is closed on Holidays. (Schedule subject to change.)

Sparky Kawamoto Swim Stadium Schedule (Ph# 961-8698)

August 11-29, 2008

Public Recreational Swim	9:00 – 10:45 am	Mon-Fri
Adult Lap Swim (Short Course)	11:00 – 12:15 pm	Mon-Fri
Adult Lap Swim (Long Course)	12:15 – 1:30 pm	Mon-Fri
Public Recreational Swim	1:30 – 3:45 pm	Mon-Fri
Novice Swim Team Practice	3:00 – 4:00 pm	Mon-Fri
Fitness Training	4:00 – 5:00 pm	Mon-Fri
Age Group Swim Team Practice	4:00 – 6:00 pm	Mon-Fri
Public Recreational Swim	6:00 – 7:10 pm	Mon-Fri

WEEKENDS & HOLIDAYS

Public Recreational Swim	9:00 – 10:45 am	Sat/Sun/Hol
Adult Lap Swim (Long Course)	11:00 – 1:00 pm	Sat/Sun/Hol
Public Recreational Swim	1:00 – 3:45 pm	Sat/Sun/Hol

For further information please call Larry Davis, Aquatic Program Administrator, Department of Parks and Recreation at 961-8694.

P&R thanks the public for their understanding and patience during the construction period.

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Training Session on Immigrant Victims of Violence/Human Trafficking Sept 19

A training session will be held on immigrant victims of violence and human trafficking on Friday, September 19 in Kona, sponsored by the County of Hawai’i Office of the Prosecuting Attorney and Hawai’i County Immigration Information Office.

Presenters include:

Jennifer Rose, J.D., UH-Manoa Gender Equity Office
Calleen Ching, Staff Attorney, Na Loio
Frank Kalepa, US Immigration Customs Enforcement
Laura Brucia Hamm, M.ED, Hale Kipa
Dew Kaneshiro, J.D.
Rose Bautista, J.D., Hawai`i County Immigration Information

This training is open to all working with immigrant populations and or Domestic/Family Violence. Topics will include: Challenges in Assisting Immigrant Survivors of Abuse, Cultural & Organizational Barriers, Visas, Working with Interpreters and Translators, Sexual Exploitation Prevention & Human Trafficking.

WHEN: Friday, September 19, 2008, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

WHERE: Hale Halawai, Kailua-Kona

Please RSVP by September 12. Limited Seating.

Cost: FREE.

Continental Breakfast & Bento Lunch Provided. Limited parking at Hale Halewai Center; please carpool if possible.

Please RSVP by providing the information below and faxing it to (808)961-8908

Attn: Claudia Wilcox-Boucher or by email: cwb96720@yahoo.com .

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Deadline is September 18 for Affordable Housing Interest Forms

Housing interest forms for Kamakoa at Waikoloa, the new affordable workforce housing project in West Hawai`i, will be accepted until September 18.

These forms must be filled out before an island resident will be prioritized for one of the 125 units now being developed.

Housing interest forms for Kamakoa are available at the Waikoloa Workforce Housing office in Hilo at 56 Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720. Please call 935-7755 or visit online at www.Kamakoa.com .

Initiated by the County of Hawai`i, Kamakoa at Waikoloa is being developed by Waikoloa Workforce Housing (WWH), LLC. WWH is a non-profit organization established by the Hawai`i Island Housing Trust for the planning, financing, development, and management of the Kamakoa project. WWH is being assisted in the development of Kamakoa by UniDev Hawaii, LLC, a company that has assisted other states, counties, and universities in meeting their workforce housing needs through the development of exemplary communities.

Isemoto Contracting began work on June 13 at the housing site which is located north of and adjacent to Waikoloa Village in South Kohala. Phase 1A of Kamakoa is expected to include a mix of single family homes, townhouses and bungalows and a community center. Models of the homes are expected to be ready in early 2009.

WHH’s mission for Kamakoa is to create a sustainable community that responds to the affordable housing needs of the West Hawai`i workforce community. Its goal is to provide a varied selection of housing at below market prices, while maintaining the highest quality of design and construction.

Resort employees in the Waikoloa and Kohala Coast area and public sector workers will be given highest consideration for this housing.

Housing interest forms for Kamakoa are available through September 18 at the Waikoloa Workforce Housing office in Hilo – 56 Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720, Ph. 935-7755 or online at www.Kamakoa.com .

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Kokua Kailua – Enjoy Concerts and Shop, Dine, Buy Local in Kailua Village

A resourceful Kokua Kailua campaign has been created to encourage residents to enjoy the offerings found within Kailua Village. Sponsored by the Kailua Village Business Improvement District, the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Destination Kona Coast and the Kailua Village Merchants Association, Kokua Kailua is designed to rally support for merchants and restaurants affected by the economic downturn and to remind residents to shop, dine and buy local.

Offering a series of monthly celebrations with musicians, artists and merchants, Kokua Kailua is working in conjunction with the successful Hulihee Palace concerts. For each monthly Hulihee Palace Concert & Village Stroll event, Ali`i Drive will be turned into a pedestrian mall from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Concert attendees are encouraged to stay for an after-concert Village Stroll. Musicians and artists will take to the street in a fun, festive, family event where residents can listen to music, experience creativity at art demonstrations, shop for special items and dine at nearby restaurants.

The Hulihee Palace Concert on Sunday, August 24 at 4:00 p.m. is a hula concert that honors King Kamehameha III on the Kuakini Lanai adjacent to Hulihee Palace. Concert attendees can take full advantage of the free chair check offered at Emma's Square.

Merchants will offer display booths in the street, featuring unique products along with special discounts for additional shopping in their stores. Prize drawings are scheduled to take place throughout the afternoon with merchandise and certificates donated by Honu Huts, Kona Gem & Mineral, Pikake Beads, Tropical Bags, Splasher's, Big Island Triathlon and Del Sol.

While you’re in Kailua Village, come to the Hulihe`e Palace Sunday Concert Series, featuring free Hawaiian music concerts featuring local musicians and artists on the Hulihe`e Palace south lawn at 4:00 p.m. the following Sundays:

August 24
September 21
October 19
November 16
December 21

For your comfort, bring your own beach mat or chair.

After the concert, take a stroll through Kailua Village and enjoy our outdoor cafés and restaurants, with special kama`aina pricing at participating restaurants and merchants.

For more information contact Marie Aguilar at 334-0562 or Inde Coggin at 329-9694.

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County Info Meetings on Housing Programs to Boost Home Ownership

The County of Hawaii – Office of Housing and Community Development will be holding informational meetings for the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program and Homeownership Option Program (HOP).

The FSS program is a voluntary, employment based program which helps Section 8 families obtain the skills they need to achieve financial independence. Support is offered to participating families through local agencies, case management, education, job training, newsletters, workshops, support meetings and other appropriate services.

A key benefit is that an escrow savings account may be established for the family.

The HOP allows first time homeowners to use their Section 8 rental subsidy to meet their monthly homeownership expenses. Participants must meet certain eligibility requirements.

You must call 959-7476 (Glen Shigehara) to reserve a space.

If there is insufficient participation, times may be cancelled or combined.

The meetings are scheduled for:

WHEN: Tuesday, October 7, 2008. Sessions are at 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: Pahoa Community Center.

WHEN: Thursday, October 16, 2008. Sessions are at 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: 1990 Kinoole Street, Ste. 104, Hilo.

WHEN: Monday, October 20, 2008. Sessions are at 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: 1990 Kinoole Street, Ste. 104, Hilo.

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Hawai`i Island Community Group Collects Backpacks for our Homeless Neighbors

Now that school is ending for the summer, many students will be discarding their backpacks and then purchasing new ones at the start of the next school year. The Hawai`i Island Leadership Series (Ulumau), a community group with members islandwide, hopes to take advantage of that with a drive to collect backpacks to donate to the homeless population of our island.

Why does this group want to give backpacks to the homeless?

Backpacks were determined to be among the items homeless individuals need most.

How many homeless people are there on this island?

The state commissioned a study, which found that in 2007 the Island of Hawai`i had 1,290 homeless individuals, including 688 in families with children. While the overall homeless population dropped two percent on the Island of Hawai`i between 2005 and 2007, the number of unsheltered chronically homeless rose 25 percent, according to the 2007 Point-in-Time Count, published by the state’s Hawai`i Public Housing Authority Homeless Programs Branch.

Do any of the unsheltered homeless include children?

Yes. The unsheltered individuals in families with children numbered 534, while the number of sheltered individuals in families with children was 154.

How do I donate a backpack?

You may drop it off either with a School Resource Officer at your school or at any police station on the island. The Hawai`i Island Leadership Series (Ulumau) is partnering with the Office for Social Ministries, which will distribute the backpacks to homeless persons in need.

What is The Hawai`i Island Leadership Series (Ulumau)?

It is an organization of government and community members who work to provide leadership for confronting the needs of the community. For more information please go to www.ulumau.org .

What do I do if I have any questions about this initiative?

You may call Deputy Police Chief Harry Kubojiri at 961-2244 or Brandee Cachola Menino, Homeless Programs Manager for the Office for Social Ministries, at 935-3050, extension 113.

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County Seeks Applicants for Two Vacancies on Ethics Board

The County of Hawai`i is seeking applicants for two immediate vacancies on the Board of Ethics. The Board has a total of five at-large members (not pegged to Council districts), so anyone can apply.

The Board of Ethics is one of the major boards in our County, vested with tremendous responsibility.

Interested applicants can complete and submit the "Application for Hawai`i County Boards and Commissions" found at the following web site: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/mayor/boards_&_commissions.htm

You may also pick up an application at the Mayor’s Office at 891 Ululani Street, Hilo 96720 or the Kona mayor’s office at Hanama Place, 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Suite 103, Kailua-Kona 96750. Applications may also be found on line at www.hawaii-county.com , after clicking on the board/commission link.

Upon completing the application, you may drop off or mail the application to either of the above addresses or to Lincoln Ashida, Corporation Counsel at Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo 96720. Phone: (808) 961-8304, extension 118, or via email at Lashida@co.hawaii.hi.us .

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Brochure on Emissions from Kilauea Volcano Available Online

An updated version of the County’s brochure on Emissions from Kilauea Volcano, dated April 2008, is now available online. It was emailed to all County Newsletter subscribers earlier this week.

The link to the brochure, which gives a brief summary of hazards and protective measures regarding sulfur dioxide (SO2) and volcanic ash emissions can be found on the lava information webpage at www.lavainfo.us . Scroll down and click on Emissions from Kilauea Volcano Brochure.

The brochure gives color-coded levels of sulfur dioxide conditions, ranging from green (trace) to purple (extreme), with recommended responses accordingly.

The volcanic conditions are being closely monitored and if any changes occur that might affect your safety, you will be informed. For further information, please call Hawai`i County Civil Defense at 935-0031 or visit the Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory’s eruption updates online, please click on http://lavainfo.us/ .

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Kalapana Safe Viewing Program Has Daily Telephone Hotline Updates

Hawai`i County Civil Defense has set up a new telephone hotline to provide daily updates on viewing at the Kalapana Safe Viewing site.

The lava hotline phone number is 961-8093, which lets you know the lava viewing hours for the day ahead. The lava hotline automated message is updated every day at 10 a.m.

The Kalapana Safe Viewing program at the volcanic eruption site is a wonderful natural attraction, and the County Civil Defense Agency wants all visitors to enjoy the experience in safety and comfort.

With that in mind, we encourage visitors to prepare not only for sunny days at the lava viewing sight but also for rain. Please note that there are no shelters at the site in case of rain.

For your comfort and convenience, please prepare for rain keeping in mind any trip hazard:

· An umbrella and/or

· Windbreaker or raincoat

Visitors are also strongly advised to take the following gear for both safety and comfort:

· Bottled water (2-3 quarts or liters per person)

· Sturdy closed boots or shoes and socks

· Flashlight (1 per person) and fresh batteries

· Long pants

· Sun hat and sunscreen

· Binoculars (optional)

Visitors are allowed entry to the viewing area every day from 2 p.m., with the last vehicles admitted at 8:00 p.m. This will allow officials to ensure that everybody is out of the area by 10 p.m. The viewing area is closed between 10 pm and 2 pm. This schedule is subject to change; hazardous conditions may require changes to the schedule or closure.

Visitors are reminded to obey all the warning signs and stay within the allowed areas to ensure their safety. The newly formed lava and black sand beach are extremely unstable, and can collapse into the ocean at any time. Visitors must stay well away from the volcanic steam clouds which contain hydrochloric acid and glass particles.

Please note: There is no cell phone coverage in the viewing area.

We ask that visitors show the greatest courtesy and respect to the local residents and property owners. Please remember never to go off the road or trail, and please dispose of all trash in the garbage cans provided. Guide/interpreters will be on hand in the viewing area to provide information and assistance. For more information, please call Civil Defense at 935-0031.

For the Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory’s eruption updates online, please click on http://lavainfo.us/ .

The Big Island Visitors Bureau has created a new section of its website with all of the information we've been trying to get out to the public. Click on http://www.bigisland.org/parks/939/volcano-eruption-update .

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Talk Story Meetings on Queen Ka`ahumanu Hwy Project - Update

The public is cordially invited to a twice-monthly update on the Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway widening project every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:30 a.m. at the Kona Mayor’s West Hawai`i Office conference room at Hanama Place. Light refreshments will be served.

WHEN: 7:30 a.m. Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.

WHERE: Kona Mayor’s West Hawai`i Office conference room, Hanama Place.

Phase 1 of the Queen Kaahumanu Highway Widening involves widening the existing two-lane highway to four-lanes with a median divider from Henry Street to Kealakehe Parkway. The widened highway will alleviate traffic congestion and improve traffic circulation through Kona. The project started July 2005 and is planned for completion in December 2008.

Here's the latest schedule through September 2008:

· Opening of Makala Boulevard Right Turn Lane Into Kona Commons Direction - by Sept. 1, 2008.

· Opening of Eho Street Intersection (Right In Only) - by Sept. 1, 2008.

· Completion of Kealakehe Parkway Intersection - by Sept. 10, 2008.

· Completion of Police Station Intersection - by Sept. 15, 2008.

· Completion of Makala Boulevard Intersection - by Sept. 24, 2008.

· Temporary Closure of Kaiwi Street Intersection - Two-week temporary closure for completion of this intersection to start at the end of September 2008.

The meeting place is accessible for persons with disabilities. Persons who need special accommodations for this meeting should call 329-5226.

For more information, please contact Mr. Sterling Chow, HDOT Construction Engineer, at 933-8866 or Mr. Dennis Lee, M&E Pacific Resident Engineer, at 326-2035.

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Water Conservation Notice in Hakalau, Wailea Areas

Due to repairs of the Hakalau Iki Spring Source, the Department of Water Supply urges consumers entire Hakalau and Wailea Areas of South Hilo to conserve water while the repairs are being made. Water Conservation Notice is a voluntary action to reduce water usage by 10%.

For customers in the affected area of the Water Conservation Notice, a list of ways to reach the 10% reduction goal is provided:

· 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 shall 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.

Should you have questions or concerns, please contact Elaine Chiu of the Department of Water Supply at 961-8790.

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Federal Govt Assistance for Consumers to Convert to Digital TV

The following information comes from Mary Lou Kenny, the Partnership Manager for the TV Converter Box Coupon Program being managed by the US Department of Commerce/National Telecommunications & Information Administration.

After February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations will broadcast only in digital. More than 20 million households have a television set receiving over-the-air (analog) signals. About 13.5 million of these households rely on over-the-air broadcast to receive their TV programs while another 9 million households have cable and satellite service but also have at least one broadcast-only television set in the house.

Why is the digital transition happening?

Broadcasters are transitioning to digital to provide important benefits to consumers. Because digital broadcasting is more efficient, broadcasters require less of the airwaves to provide a better television viewing experience.

Once the DTV transition is completed, some television channels will be turned over to fire and police departments for emergency communication and others will be auctioned to companies to provide new wireless services.

Who relies on over-the-air TV?

Individuals who on average are more reliant on over-the-air television include:

Seniors
The economically disadvantaged
Rural residents
Minorities
People with disabilities.

Federal program offers financial assistance to make the conversion to digital TV

There is a Federal Government financial assistance program designed to help consumers make the digital transition.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is operating the TV Converter Box Coupon Program at the direction of Congress.

Since the program began on January 1, 2008 Hawai`i consumers have applied for 13,787 coupons, but that is a small portion of those who need assistance.

What is the DTV Converter Coupon program?

The DTV Converter Coupon Program is the only program designed to ensure that every household continues to receive television service after the conversion to digital transmission.

For many people, television is more than simply entertainment. For seniors and the homebound, it is a social network and in many cases provides lifeline services.

Recent immigrants use it both for education and as a tool to learn English. All of us use it in weather emergencies to plan for the safety of our families and property.

In emergencies and disasters, television is a national unifier. We want the Hawai`i County community to know that financial assistance is available to make the conversion and maintain your existing television service.

February 17, 2009 is when the switchover to digital TV happens

Consumers who use “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna with an analog television need to take action before February 17, 2009, to continue receiving television broadcasts.

Will my TV work after February 17, 2009?

Analog television sets receiving free TV using an antenna will not work after February 17, 2009. Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay TV service will need to take action before February 17, 2009, to ensure their TV sets continue to work.

What is a TV converter box?

A TV converter box is a new product available in early 2008 that plugs into your analog TV and, along with your antenna, will keep your analog set working after February 17, 2009. A TV converter box is a one-time purchase and is expected to cost between $50 and $70. A TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box from this program.

How do I install a TV converter box?

Converter boxes plug into TV sets, either in the back or front, depending on your TV. You will still need your antenna, which works with the TV converter box.

Each TV converter box will come with installation instructions from the manufacturer. You should be able to install the converter box using the instructions provided by the manufacturer. For specific questions, you should ask your retailer or call the manufacturer’s technical support hotline. A generic “Quick Start Guide” and installation video are available at www.DigitalTips.org .

How does the TV Converter Box Coupon program work?

The Federal Government created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009.

The Program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes. Consumers must complete and submit an application to receive the coupons.

Where Can I Apply for the Coupon?

By phone: 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009)

TTY: 1-877-530-2634

Online: www.DTV2009.gov

By mail: DTV-2009, P.O. Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000.

Where can I find the information about applying for the TV converter box coupons?

You can visit the website that includes all the materials you will need to inform your members about the transition and how to apply for the coupon. Please visit the partner section at www.DTV2009.gov .

Or for more information, please contact:

Kathie Klass, Ombudsman

Television Converter Coupon Program

National Telecommunications & Information Administration

Department of Commerce

1-(202) 482-4728

KKlass@ntia.doc.gov

For Frequently Asked Questions about the Coupon Program, visit www.DTV2009.gov .

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Dept of Environmental Management Solid Waste Projects Update

The following is a list of current and upcoming projects at our Solid Waste Transfer Stations and Baseyards. These projects address safety concerns, general repair and maintenance, environmental issues and Department of Health regulations.

All project dates may be subject to change without notice due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Location of Project	Council District	Work being done
Laupahoehoe Transfer Station	1	Fence &gate installation, completed
Ka`auhuhu Transfer Station	9	Earthquake repairs, in progress
Kalapana Transfer Station	5	Fence repair, contract awarded
Waimea Transfer Station	9	Earthquake repairs, completed

For further information, please contact Terin Gloor, Solid Waste Civil Engineer at 961-8058.

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County Seeks Applicants for Arborist Advisory Committee Vacancy

The County of Hawai`i is seeking applicants for a vacancy on the Arborist Advisory Committee.

The County wants to fill the vacancy with someone from the west or north areas of Hawai`i Island who has an interest in community beautification and the protection of island's exceptional trees.

Interested applicants can complete and submit the "Application for Hawai`i County Boards and Commissions" found at the following web site: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/mayor/boards_&_commissions.htm

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County Seeks Applicants for Public Access, Salary Commission Vacancies

The County of Hawai`i is seeking civic-minded applicants to fill vacancies on County commissions. Citizens have the opportunity to serve on important boards and commissions that make decisions which affect the quality of life on our island, and determine the future for generations to come.

The following commissions currently have vacancies:

· Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission: Vacancies in District 1 (represented by Council member Dominic Yagong) and District 3 vacancy (represented by Council member J Yoshimoto)

· Salary Commission: Vacancies in District 4 (represented by Council member Stacy Higa), District 5 (represented by Council member Emily Naeole), District 6 (represented by Council member Bob Jacobson).

The Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission, commonly known as the “Open Space Commission,” is charged with developing and maintaining a prioritized list of qualifying lands within the County worthy of preservation, and to make annual recommendations to the Mayor and County Council regarding those properties. This commission includes nine members appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the Council.

The Salary Commission reviews and compensates all County elected officials and appointed directors and deputy directors so that their total salaries and benefits have a reasonable relationship to compensation in the public and private sectors. The Salary Commission consults with those boards and commissions which have appointing authority for department heads.

Volunteering for commissions normally takes no more than one day a month, and a few hours a month in preparation time. You will have the satisfaction of knowing you have served your community and played a part in shaping the future of our island.

To apply, you may pick up an application at the Mayor’s Office at 891 Ululani Street, Hilo 96720 or the Kona mayor’s office at Hanama Place, 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Suite 103, Kailua-Kona 96750. Applications may also be found on line at www.hawaii-county.com , after clicking on the board/commission link. Upon completing the application, you may drop off or mail the application to either of the above addresses or to Lincoln Ashida, Corporation Counsel at Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo 96720. Phone: (808) 961-8304, extension 118, or via email at Lashida@co.hawaii.hi.us .

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Seeking Applicants to Vacancies on County’s Boards and Commissions

The County of Hawai`i is seeking applicants from our community to the following Boards and Commissions which currently have vacancies:

1. Committee on Aging: Two vacancies; one in Kohala and one in Ka`u.

2. Arborist Advisory Committee: One vacancy (at-large).

3. Family Violence Advisory Committee: Presently not empanelled; we intend on doing so, so there are many vacancies (all at large).

4. Fire Board of Appeals: Five vacancies (all at-large).

5. Highway Safety Council: Four vacancies (all at-large).

6. Kailua Village Design Committee: Three vacancies.

7. Pension Board: One vacancy (at-large).

8. Salary Commission: Three vacancies; Council Districts 4, 5 and 6.

9. Transportation Commission: Two vacancies; Council Districts 1 and 4.

10. Veterans Advisory Committee: Four vacancies.

11. Water Board: One vacancy (Council District 8).

12. Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission: One vacancy (Council District 3).

13. Fire Commission: Two vacancies; Council Districts 3 and 5.

To apply, you may pick up an application at the Mayor’s Office at 891 Ululani Street, Hilo 96720 or the Kona mayor’s office at Hanama Place, 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Suite 103, Kailua-Kona 96750. Upon completing the application, you may drop off or mail the application to either of the above addresses or to Lincoln Ashida, Corporation Counsel at Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo 96720.

If you have any questions, please call Lincoln Ashida at 961-8251.

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Hisaoka Gym Repairs Update

The Ikuo Hisaoka Gymnasium, a County Parks and Recreation facility in Kamehameha Park in Kapa`au, North Kohala, sustained major structural damage during the October 15, 2006 earthquake.

Extent of the damage

The connections where several of the building’s concrete columns join the steel roof framing were compromised by a loss of concrete around the anchor bolts connecting the two components.

The earthquake also damaged much of the suspended ceiling and many of the facility’s light fixtures. Other damage included broken plumbing fixtures, cracking of walls and broken tiles.

Where are we now on the Hisaoka Gym repair project?

Here are the most recent and upcoming developments, according to the Department of Parks and Recreation:

Phase I is complete.

Phase 2:

8/18/2008 - Last day for contractors desiring to bid the project to file their Intent to bid form

8/28/2008 - 2:00 PM: Bid opening at Public Works Conference Room

Following the bid opening, the apparent low bidder's documentation will be verified and, if everything is in order, a contract routed for execution. Commencement of construction will be determined to be a date acceptable to the County but based on availability of the contractor's crew and timing of long-lead materials necessary to commence the work.

For further information, please contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at 961-8311.

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Recycling Tip of the Week

Plastic litter kills huge numbers of marine animals. According to the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation, more than a million birds and 100,000 marine mammals and sea turtles die every year from eating or getting entangled in plastic.

The conservation group estimates that 50 percent of all marine litter is some form of plastic. In every square mile of ocean, there are 46,000 pieces of plastic litter floating, according to the United Nations Environment Program.

Cut out the expense of purchasing plastic bags, ziploc bags and all other disposable plastic bags. Reduce your plastic waste. Save money, and save the earth and oceans at the same time!

The Recycling Tip of the Week is brought to you by the Recycling Division of the County of Hawai`i’s Department of Environmental Management. Call us for more information at 961-8549 or 961-8527. Mahalo for your kokua in recycling!

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Recycle your Old TVs and Other Electronic Waste in East and West Hawai`i

Bring your old televisions, computer monitors and other electronic waste to drop-off locations in East and West Hawai`i.

The drop-off locations are as follows:

· East Hawai`i: Bayside Computer Shop, 108 Kalakaua Street, Hilo. Phone: 934-7748

· West Hawai`i: Kona CompuCycle, Kaloko Business Center (below Costco Parking Lot), 75-5580 Maiau Street, Bay #8, Kailua-Kona. Phone: 326-9695.

**Note: Please call the above locations first before dropping off items.

Residents may drop off the following electronic waste items for free: (Businesses: $0.55 per pound recycle fee).

· Televisions

· Computer monitors

· Cell phones and telephones

· DVDs/VCRs

· Inkjet, Laser and Toner cartridges

· Microwave ovens

· Fax machines and copiers

· Digital cameras

· Printers

· Laptops

For more information, please call 934-7748 (in Hilo) and 326-9695 (in Kona.)

This service is brought to you by the County of Hawai`i Department of Environmental Management and Recycle Hawai`i at www.recyclehawaii.org .

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Recycling Drop-offs

The following items are now accepted in the Mixed Recycling drop-off bins at the County Transfer Stations:

Okay to Recycle:

· Paperboard or boxboard (cereal, tea, snack food boxes, etc.)

· Plastics #1, #2 & #5 (milk jugs, detergent bottles, yogurt cups, etc.)

· Metal cans (Rinsed tuna and cat food cans, soup cans, etc.)

· Newspapers and magazines

· Cardboard and brown paper bags (flattened)

· Mixed office paper and junk mail (No Brites)

· Shredded paper

· Phonebooks and paperbacks

· Plastic bags; individual bags should be knotted and put into a larger bag.

NO wax-coated boxes or paper

NO food or oil contaminated materials

NO Styrofoam

Please note: Materials taken to the Kealakehe, Hilo or the Kea‘au Transfer Stations can still be commodity-separated. Please look for signage on where to place recycled materials at these sites.

Thank you for your kokua, as always. 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.**

CURRENTLY OPEN	DAYS/HOURS OF OPERATION	OPERATOR

Hawi Transfer Station**	Saturday only: 8 am-4:30 pm.	ARC of Hilo
(Open Saturday only)	(closed for lunch 1:00-1:30)
Hilo, 1260 Kilauea Ave.	Mon-Sat: 9am-5pm (Closed 12:30pm-1:30 pm)	Reynolds Recycling
Hilo, 30 Maka’ala Street (Old Industrial area)	Mon thru Fri: 8:00am-5:00pm Sat & Sun: 8:00am-3:00pm	Atlas Recycling
Goodwill Redemption & Donation Center 500 Kalanianaole Ave., Hilo	Mon-Sat: 8am – 6pm Sun: 9am – 5pm	Goodwill Industries
Hilo Transfer Station**	Daily 8:00am-4:30pm	ARC of Hilo
Hilo, Puainako/ Kilauea Ave (behind Kai Store)	Mon thru Fri: 8:00am-4:00pm Sat & Sun: 8:00am-3:00pm	Atlas Recycling
Honoka`a Transfer Station (Weekends only)	Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30	ARC of Hilo
Kailua-Kona, Pawai Place	Mon thru Fri: 7:00am-4:00pm	Atlas Recycling
(Old industrial area)	Sat 8:00am-3:00pm
	Sun Closed
Kea’au Transfer Station**	M, W, F: 8:00am-4:30pm	ARC of Hilo
(Closed Tues & Thurs)	Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30pm
Kealakehe Transfer Station**	M, W, F: 8:00am-4:30pm	ARC of Hilo
(Closed Tues & Thurs)	Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30pm
Keauhou Transfer Station**	Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30pm	ARC of Hilo
(Weekends only)
Pahoa Transfer Station**	Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30pm	ARC of Hilo
(Weekends only)
Puako Transfer Station**	Sunday only 8:00am-4:30pm	ARC of Hilo
(Open Sunday only)	(closed for lunch 1:00-1:30)
Waimea Transfer Station**	M, W, F: 8:00am-4:30pm	ARC of Hilo
(Closed Tues & Thurs)	Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30pm
Waiohinu Transfer Station**	Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30pm	ARC of Hilo
(Weekends only)

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

Candidates Roundtable Forum in Hilo on Thursday, September 4

The League of Women Voters of Hawaii County and the American Association of University Women, Hilo Branch invite the community to save the date of Thursday, September 4, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., for a Candidate Roundtable forum in Hilo.

Doors will open at 6:00 p.m.

This opportunity to meet and hear mayoral candidates running for office will be held at Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Lu’au Hale on 799 Piilani Street in Hilo.

After briefly introducing themselves (from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m.), the candidates will rotate from table to table to meet and answer questions from constituents seated at tables and from professionals at our media table.

All mayoral candidates have been invited to participate.

For more information, contact either Margaret Drake at mdrake@netdoor.com or via telephone at 967-7295, Sue Irvine at susan.r002@gmail.com or via phone at 935-8080, or Helen Hemmes, hemmesh@hawaiiantel.net , or via telephone at 935-6214.

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Zero Waste Meetings to be Held Islandwide in September

The Big Island has a rubbish problem which is fast becoming a crisis. The Hilo landfill will be completely full in the next 2-4 years. Before that happens, it is important that our communities come together and discuss solutions to this complex problem that affects everyone on this island.

One possible solution is to develop a plan based on the concepts of Zero Waste. Its primary goal is to find better uses for the materials that we usually take to the landfill, with the aim of reducing waste to as close to zero as possible. HI5 and mixed-bin recycling are part of that effort, along with keeping green waste and compostable items out of the landfill, creating more reuse opportunities for clothing, household goods and building supplies, reducing packaging and transport costs by purchasing food from local farmers, and making it more convenient for island residents to properly dispose of hazardous and electronic waste.

During the month of September, residents will have several opportunities to learn about Zero Waste through a series of community forums. Zero Waste experts Richard Anthony Associates from San Diego will facilitate these forums.

The goals are to provide information about Zero Waste and to bring stakeholders, such as recyclers, haulers, farmers, and businesses together with interested citizens to share information and ideas.

Everyone is invited to attend the following public meetings:

Kona – Meetings from 6:00-8:00pm

September 8: Reuse & Recycling, Special Discards, Mayor’s West Hawai`i Office Conf at Hanama Place (behind Big Island Grill)
September 9: Education and Policy: Liquor Commission Conference Room; 75-5722 Hanama Place #1107
September 10: Organics: Mayor’s West Hawai`i Office Conf at Hanama Place (behind Big Island Grill)

Waimea

September 11, 6:00-8:00 pm, Thelma Parker Library

All interested community members invited.

Kapa’au, North Kohala

September 12: Old Kapa`au Courthouse/Senior Center (located next to the Kamehameha statue) 6:00-8:00 pm

All interested community members invited.

Kohala Coast

September 13, 9:00am-Noon

Zero Waste Conference at the Mauna Lani Mauna Lani Hotel and Bungalows – Public Session

All interested community members invited.

(**In addition to the public meetings, this Zero Waste conference, sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Hawaii Island Economic Development Board, will be held at the Mauna Lani Hotel and Bungalows from September 11-13. Richard Anthony Associates, Zero Waste experts Professor Gunter Pauli, Paul Connett PhD, Neil Seldman PhD, and Richard Flammer will be presenting. For more information about the conference, contact HIEDB at 935-2180 or visit: www.hiedb.org/zero-waste-conference-2008

Hilo

September 15, 5:00-7:00 pm: Mokupapapa Discovery Center, 308 Kamehameha Avenue

Topic: Reuse & Recycling

Pahoa

September 17, 5:00-7:00 pm: B&B at 13-3775 Kalapana Highway

Topic: Organics

Additional Meetings in Hilo – The following two meetings will be held at Naniloa Volcanoes Resort ( Kilohana Room) from 5:00-7:00pm

September 18: Special Discards
September 19: Education & Policy

For more information, please call 969-2012 or go to Recycle Hawai'i’s website at www.recyclehawaii.org .

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Ka`u Community Development Planning Process – Meetings in Sept

The County of Hawai`i invites the public to an informational meeting to introduce the Ka`u Community Development Planning process. The Ka`u Community Development Plan (CDP) will serve as a forum to map out the community's 10-year-plan for land use, the delivery of government services, public facilities, and many other matters.

Three identical public information meetings are being held. Please attend one meeting.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2008

Pahala Community Center

5:30pm: Light Meal

6:00-8:00pm: Presentation

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2008

Na`alehu Community Center

5:30pm: Light Meal

6:00-8:00pm: Presentation

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2008

Ocean View Community Association Community Center

10:00 am-noon: Presentation

Noon: Light Meal

Presentation topics will include:

How does the CDP affect me and my community?
When do we start, and how long will the planning process take?
How can I get involved?

For more information, go to http://www.hcrc.info/community-planning/community-development-plans/kau .

Event Contact: Ron Whitmore, 961-8288, extension 206, or rwhitmore@co.hawaii.hi.us .

The County of Hawaii is committed to providing access to activities without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, or disability. Please contact the Planning Department (961-8288) to request a reasonable accommodation. To obtain a sign language interpreter or materials in an alternate format in time for the meeting, please submit your request five (5) working days prior to the meeting.

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Kohala Center Awarded County Grant to Draft Ag Development Plan

The Kohala Center has received a grant from the County’s Department of Research and Development to draft a Hawaii County Agriculture Development Plan and invites community input in the plan’s draft and review processes.

The Kohala Center partners in this effort with Agricon Hawaii LLC, a Hawai`i Island-based agribusiness consulting firm with expertise in tropical agriculture. A group of community and agriculture industry experts is being invited to participate in an ad hoc committee to design the comprehensive agriculture development plan.

Community meetings will be held around the island in September. The meetings will be from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at the following locations:

Monday, September 8, at U.H.-Hilo (Room 301)
Tuesday, September 9, Naalehu Community Center
Wednesday, September 10, Keaau Community Center
Monday, September 15, N. Hawaii Education & Research Center, Honoka`a
Tuesday, September 16, Yano Hall, Captain Cook
Wednesday, September 17, Hawaiian Homes Hall, Waimea

“The Kohala Center is honored to be working with the County to provide information and analysis on a topic of such major importance as agriculture, especially in this rapidly changing economic and social environment,” said Matt Hamabata, executive director of The Kohala Center. “Many changes have occurred on this island since the last Agriculture Development Plan was developed and adopted in 1992, not least of which is the demise of the sugar industry.”

"The County of Hawaii's Department of Research and Development is pleased that The Kohala Center is leading this initiative to bring together the island's agricultural industry and community to update the County's Agriculture Plan,” said Jane Testa, director of Research and Development. “The agricultural industry has been hugely successful in transitioning from a plantation focus to full diversification. Yet today, market forces and resource allocations at the global, national and local levels are driving significant changes that require further transformation.

Testa noted that the leadership and technical skill sets of The Kohala Center's Board of Directors, staff and contractors will serve the County well in surfacing the commercial agricultural industry's core issues that the County has authority and resources to address. The resulting plan will guide the County in terms of resource allocation, policy development and advocacy towards a more sustainable Hawaii Island economy, Testa said.

Along with the effort to develop a new County Agriculture Development Plan, The Kohala Center is partnering with the Redlands Institute in developing a computerized Agricultural Geographical Data Base for the County that will identify agricultural lands with their characteristics and potentials for crop production. This state-of-the-art system will serve to inform county decision-makers and other community users on best practices in land use planning and zoning efforts.

“This is a resource for perpetuating the island’s agricultural industry,” said Margarita “DayDay” Hopkins, economic development specialist in charge of agriculture for Research and Development. “With this planning tool, we will be able to identify the areas with zoned agricultural lands that are more sustainable and suitable for agricultural production, based on temperature, precipitation, elevation and other factors.” Funds were made available by supplemental budget appropriations by the County Council.

The Kohala Center is an independent, not-for-profit center for research and education about and for the environment, and respectfully engages Hawaii Island as the world’s most vibrant classroom and laboratory for humanity. The Center operates in partnership with Island experts and experts from national and international universities and research agencies to assist communities on Hawaii Island, in the Pacific, and around the world to thrive—ecologically, economically, culturally, and socially.

For further information on the community meetings or the Hawaii County Agriculture Development Plan, contact The Kohala Center, 808-887-6411, info@KohalaCenter.org or www.KohalaCenter.org .

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Student Poster Contest for UN Day of Peace – Entry Deadline is Sept 14

Students of all ages are invited to lend their artistic talent to the Student Poster Art Contest as part of the 2nd annual Parade and Festival for the United Nations International Day of Peace in Honoka`a.

Students from various Big Island schools are invited to participate and submit their works to help demonstrate what peace means to them. The theme of the contest is "Peace is …" and deadline for submissions is September 14 at 5 p.m.

Winners will be announced on Sunday, September 21, the day of the Parade and Festival for the United Nationals International Day of Peace.

All submissions will also be exhibited at the festival following the parade. In addition, the posters will later be auctioned at a silent auction to help support further peace activities of the event committee.

Waianuhea Bed and Breakfast is generously sponsoring the first and second prizes of ($50 and $25) for each grade level from kindergarten through the 12th grade. The grand prize winner for Best in Show will be awarded a one-night stay with his or her parents at the Waianuhea Bed & Breakfast, rated by Fodor’s as the Best Bed & Breakfast on the Big Island.

Students from HPA, Honoka`a intermediate and high schools, Laupahoehoe Elementary and High School, Waimea elementary and middle school and Parker School are expected to participate, among others. The contest gives young artists a way to express themselves and an opportunity to think about what peace really means. They can explore their feelings through all sorts of two-dimensional media including painting, drawing or collage work.

Cindy Navarro-Bowman, an 8^th-grade social studies teacher at Honokaa Intermediate School is helping to promote the new poster contest this year.

"The message is really important," said Navarro-Bowman. "What is peace? It’s important for people to really think about and the posters are a great way to get students involved. It’s especially good for those who might not be able to make the event itself. They can still participate and it gives them an opportunity to stand out."

For more questions about the Student Poster Contest contact Cindy Navarro-Bowman at cindynava@yahoo.com .

The Parade and Festival for the United Nations International Day of Peace is presented by the Honokaa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in cooperation with the United Nations and numerous community organizations.

The events are made possible by the County of Hawai`i Department of Research and Development (Tourism Division) and the statewide Honpa Hongwanji Missions (Buddhist Temples) of Hawaii. For more information on how to get involved, call (808) 640-4602 email misterokumura@yahoo.com or visit www.peacedayparade.org .

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Police Officer of the Year Awards Luncheon in Kona Wednesday, Sept 17

The Kona Crime Prevention Committee will honor its 2008 Officer of the Year at a very special lunch on September 17, 2008 at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel ballroom. The guest speaker will be Mayor Harry Kim.

The nominees for Officer of the Year are the 11 outstanding police officers who have already been honored as Officer of the Month during the period of July 2007 through June 2008. The selection of the Officer of the Year will be made by the Board of Kona Crime Prevention Committee, but their choice will be kept secret until the winner is announced at the luncheon.

WHEN: Wednesday, September 17 at Noon

WHERE: King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel ballroom.

The cost is $35.00 per person and includes a buffet lunch, entertainment and parking. (Donations from those who cannot attend also gratefully accepted.)

Please take this opportunity to express your thanks to those who put themselves at risk to protect our homes, our businesses, our streets, and our loved ones.

Please reserve your seat early by calling Liz Holey at 326-7787.

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Habitat for Humanity Charity Golf Tournament at Hapuna Prince Sept 27

The Kona Board of Realtors presents the 6^th Annual Habitat for Humanity Charity Golf Tournament at the Hapuna Prince Arnold Palmer Course on Saturday, September 27.

The event features a four-person scramble, with shot gun start at 12:30 pm.

Donation per player: $175 …or $165 if registered by August 29.

Following the event there will be a pupu reception at Arnie’s, with an awards ceremony, prizes and a raffle. All proceeds to benefit Habitat for Humanity.

Special room rates are available at the Hapuna Prince Beach Hotel. Please contact them directly at 880-1113.

For more information about this charity tournament, please contact the Kona Board of Realtors at 329-4874 or online at www.KonaRealtors.com .

For information on how you can volunteer to help Habitat for Humanity, please call Habitat for Humanity West Hawai`i at 331-8010 or visit www.habitatwesthawaii.org or email: habitatkona@hialoha.net .

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2nd EnVision Downtown Hilo 2025 Town Meeting at Palace Theater Sept 30

Celebrate the EnVision Downtown Hilo 2025 Community-Based Vision and Living Action Plan – save September 30, the date of the 2^nd EnVision Downtown 2025 Town Meeting.

Learn about the progress of actions in the Plan. Participate in interactive displays and provide input on priority actions for Downtown Hilo. Music ~ Entertainment ~ Refreshments

WHEN: Tuesday September 30th, 2008, 4.30pm - 7.30pm

WHERE: The Historic Palace Theater in Downtown Hilo

Save the date for this event, hosted by the EDH 2025 VisionKeepers, in association with the Palace Theater.

For more information, please contact the VisionKeepers via email: edh2025@gmail.com , or call organizer Alice Moon & Company on (808)933-9772.

We hope to see you there!

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Waimea Groups Invite Community to Legislature Candidate Forum October 2

The Waimea Community Association and nine other community partners invite voters in the South Kohala District to a State Legislature Candidate Forum at Waimea School Cafeteria.

Everyone in the community is invited to the following event, free of charge:

State House District 7 and State Senate District 1 Forum on Thursday, October 2, 5:15 p.m.

All candidates seeking election for these electoral offices have been invited to these forums in anticipation of the Primary Election on Sat., Sept. 20, and General Election on Tues., Nov. 4, 2008.

Everyone attending will be invited to submit written questions for the candidates. In addition, all of the sponsor groups have contributed to a long list of questions including:

· the individual candidate’s vision for the community;

· transportation and energy;

· education including public libraries, children, youth and seniors;

· affordable housing;

· health care and substance abuse;

· solid waste management;

· planning including land use and Community Development Plans;

· taxation;

· water;

· diversified agriculture.

Joining the Waimea Community Association in sponsoring the gathering are Tutu's House/Friends of the Future, Waimea Hawaiian Civic Club, Waimea Power of Choice (a substance abuse prevention community task force), Good Beginnings Alliance, Waimea Hawaiian Homesteaders Association, the Lalamilo Farmlots Association, Friends of Thelma Parker Memorial Library, Waimea Middle Public Conversion Charter School, People’s Advocacy for Trails Hawai’i (PATH), Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce and North Hawai’i Rotary.

Refreshments will be provided by the co-sponsors.

Your vote in the coming Primary and General Elections will have a huge impact on the future of Waimea, North Hawai’i and all of Hawai’i Island. For further information, call Bill (895-1122) or Patti Cook (937-2833).

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Hawaii HomeOwnership Center Holds Free Orientations in Hilo and Kona

The Hawaii HomeOwnership Center is a non-profit organization that provides homebuyer education and counseling to help people prepare to buy a home. Our services are available to anyone interested.

Come to a free orientation and learn more about us.

Office of Housing & Community Development

1990 Kinoole Street, Suite 104, Hilo

Thursday, Aug 21 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Thursday, Sept 11 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Thursday, Sept 25 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Thursday, Oct 9 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Thursday, Oct 23 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Thursday, Nov 6 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Thursday, Nov 20 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Mayor’s Office (West Hawai`i)

75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Suite 103, Kailua-Kona

Wednesday, Aug 20 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Tuesday, Sept 2 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Wednesday, Sept 17 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Tuesday, Oct 7 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Wednesday, Oct 22 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Wednesday, Nov 5 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Wednesday, Nov 19 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Wednesday, Dec 10 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Wednesday, Dec 17 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Please call to reserve a space: 1-877-523-9503 (toll free) or 959-5808. To check current schedules visit www.hihomeownership.org

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Waiomina Centennial Celebration Events in Waimea

The following calendar includes the events planned by the Paniolo Preservation Society during 2008 to commemorate the Year of the Paniolo (cowboy) and Ikua Purdy’s legendary win at the 1908 Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo in Wyoming (Waiomina in Hawaiian). For more information on any of the Waiomina Centennial Celebration events contact Penny Keli`i Vredenburg, 808-769-0215, or visit www.paniolopreservation.org .

May 10, 2008 through May 2010

The Old West Museum in Cheyenne, Wyoming, will host an exhibit on the Hawaiian paniolo (cowboy), featuring champion roper Ikua Purdy and the story of his experience at the Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo in 1908.

A formal dinner event at the historic home of the late Richard Smart, the last owner of Parker Ranch. This is a fundraiser for Paniolo Preservation Society. Entertainment by pianist Jay Larrin. Silent and live auction.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Cowgirls of the Pacific Brunch & Fashion Show, Daniel Thiebaut Restaurant, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., admission.

First annual event featuring local designers sharing their best paniolo attire during a saucy fashion show with charming cowboys and cowgirls.

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Healing Our Island Community Fund Mini-grants Available

Do you have an idea or an initiative for a drug prevention and education activity that will help your community? Do you know of others willing to collaborate and conduct anti-drug activities with a focus on youth, family and neighborhood? Mini-grants are now available for initiatives like these.

The Healing Our Island Community Fund is a grant-in-aid to the County of Hawai`i from the Hawai`i State Legislature aimed at inspiring and encouraging grassroots community involvement to plan and implement services, programs and events in the fight against drug abuse.

Funds for this program are intended to fund projects of Hawai`i Island’s community-based grassroots organizations and non-501(c)(3)s that traditionally do not have access to grant funds. The grants are not to exceed $2,000.00 and applicants are encouraged to collaborate and cooperate with others in their own communities and with other communities. This program has been successful in all districts across the island over the past two years.

More than 281 community mini-grants have been awarded since the inception of this program. This funding has enabled communities to connect and work in a united front to address substance abuse issues.

Each district on Hawai`i Island has a district liaison available to assist groups with their grant proposals and to help and encourage groups to connect with potential collaborative partners in their communities. Grant requests are evaluated monthly and are due by the 10th of each month. Funds are limited so preference will be given to first-time Healing Our Island applicants.

The Healing Our Island 2007-2008 Community Grant Fund information and application packet is available at www.hcrc.info or for pick up at the Hawaii County Resource Center in Hilo at Hilo Lagoon Centre,101 Aupuni Street, Suite PH 1014-C, or in Kona at the Lanihau Professional Center at 75-5591 Palani Road, Suite 2001 (next to Frame Ten Center-Kona Bowl).

For more information, please call Laverne Omori at 327-3665 or contact the liaison for your district:

N/S Kohala: Carolyn Lancaster 987-3395 carolyn96755@yahoo.com
N/S Kona: Christine Light 987-4510 paikona@yahoo.com
Ka’u: Teresa Alderdyce 937-7919 aldert@juno.com
Puna: Barbara Lively 640-9428 blively77@yahoo.com
N/S Hilo: Susan Labrenz 966-8450 JA-susan@hawaii.rr.com

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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 Systems and is a higher-quality product than previously available.

To inquire about daily mulch availability at the Kealakehe site, please call 929-8200.

Bring a shovel to load your own vehicle or have EKO Systems operators load with a mechanical loader between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. only. Assisted mechanical loading availability is subject to machine operability and time permitting. To inquire about assisted loading, please call 217-1219 or 929-8200. No loading fees.

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

EKO Systems has a second permanent grinder deployed at the Hilo greenwaste site year-round.

We are still accepting untreated/unpainted pallets at both the Kealakehe and Hilo greenwaste sites. For further information, 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 Hawai`i Island for generations to come.

Go to the website http://www.hcrc.info/hawai-i-island-plan (note: this is a new website address) to see what is happening in each of our 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)

Sept 1, 2008 Monday

Where/Location: Labor Day holiday (no work scheduled)

Sept 2, 2008 Tuesday

Where/Location: S. Hilo District: Ahuna Rd, Manuia Rd, Kahaopea St, Kawailani St, & Mahiai Rd.

What: Maintain faded centerlines & edge-of-pavement lines

Sept 3, 2008 Wednesday

Where/Location: S. Hilo District: Ahuna Rd, Manuia Rd, Kahaopea St, Kawailani St, & Mahiai Rd.

What: Maintain faded centerlines

Sept 4, 2008 Thursday

Where/Location: S. Hilo District: Kilauea Ave between Hualalai St & Ponahawai St

What: Maintain all faded traffic markings

Sept 5, 2008 Friday

Where/Location: S. Hilo District: Kilauea Ave between Hualalai St & Ponahawai St

What: Maintain all faded traffic markings

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

(All project schedules based on weather permitting.)

Sept 1, 2008 Monday – Sept 5, 2008 Friday

Where/Location: S. Hilo District: Railroad Ave

What: Install thermoplastic centerline, edge-of-pavement markings with raised pavement markers

Street Lights and Traffic Signal Projects by Traffic Maintenance & Independent Term Contractors under Traffic’s Direction.

Sept 1, 2008 Monday – Sept 5, 2008 Friday

Where/Location: S. Hilo District: Corner of Kinoole and Kamana

What: Installing traffic signal with pedestrian countdown clocks through August

Some of our street lights are malfunctioning. If the street light in your community is out or stays on all day, please call 961-8341 and report any malfunctions.

The Traffic Division of the County Department of Public Works manages 9,308 street lights islandwide. Each of these street lights is operated by light-sensing cells, and a percentage of these street lights are regularly in need of repair or maintenance.

Two things can happen with the street lights. Bulbs may burn out, which means the light will not activate at dusk, or the sensor may malfunction and the light will remain on all day.

If a street light in your neighborhood is lit all day or is not lit at night, please call the Traffic Division of Public Works, weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 961-8341 with the following information:

The street light pole number. This number is located six to seven feet up on the side of the street light pole and is easily spotted from a car.
To help pinpoint the street light, please give the street or highway name, as well as the closest mile marker or nearby landmark.

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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Month-long Saddle Road Resurfacing Work Starts August 5

The County of Hawaii is resurfacing both lanes of Saddle Road between mile marker 35 and 41.5, starting from Mauna Kea State Park on August 5. It will take about a month to complete, weather permitting.

The work, which involves paving and filling of potholes, will widen the road from its current 18 feet to 20 feet in the stretch from mile marker 41.5 to mile marker 43.

The cost of the project is estimated at $1.9 million, from lapsed fuel tax money from last fiscal year which was reappropriated under Ordinance 08-25 for use in the current fiscal year.

During the project, workers will close one lane between the hours of 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Motorists traveling on Saddle Road should expect delays of at least 20 minutes.

For further information, please call the Public Works hot line at 334-9559.

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What’s Involved in Building your Own Home -- County Brochure

A new brochure and upgraded online services by the Department of Public Works make it a bit easier for anyone interested in knowing what’s involved in building their own home.

The brochure is a quick read. Bullet points list the steps the homeowner must take, from submitting house plans to the required inspections and when to call to request an inspection.

The brochure is available at hardware stores around the island as well as the Public Works Kona and Hilo offices. This Guide to Building a House is available at: Ikeuchi B & Sons in Honoka’a; J&J Hardware, Trojan Lumber, Home Depot stores, HPM stores, Ace Hardware stores, and at Hawaii True Value in Volcano Village, and the General Store in Kea’au.

Downloadable building permit worksheets are available online and help to make the permit process a bit simpler, and online answers to frequently asked questions guide the user through the application process. To download the worksheet, County building codes and other permit information go to http://co.hawaii.hi.us/permits/permits.htm .

The Building Division also offers an online service to access building, plumbing, and electrical permit information for active and completed permits from 1980 to today. Details such as the date the permit was issued, the contractor’s name and the description of the work performed appear in the report. Information is updated weekly.

To generate a permit inquiry, go to www.co.hawaii.hi.us , click on Real Property Tax, then click on Real Property Tax Site.

Once you’re there, click on Property Search, then click on Parcel Number. Type in the TMK number and click “Search.”

Click on the parcel ID #, then on the icon Generate a Permit Report. Details and a summary of permits that pertain to this TMK will appear. (The information takes a few minutes to download.)

For more information, please call the Department of Public Works at (808) 961-8321 Monday-Friday 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or after hours at (808) 557-6437.

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Got Junk Cars? County of Hawai`i Can Help

If you have junk cars on your property, the County of Hawai`i can help. The Department of Environmental Management’s Amnesty Program can remove two (2) derelict vehicles from your private property for FREE.

How do I qualify for the Amnesty Program?

The private property owner or a certified representative must complete and sign the application. You may obtain an Amnesty Application by calling (808) 961-8552 or via the internet at http://co.hawaii.hi.us/env_mng/swm/DVAP%20application.pdf .

Applications can be dropped off or mailed to the Solid Waste Division, Amnesty Program, 108 Railroad Avenue, Hilo, Hawai`i 96720.

To report an Abandoned Vehicle on a public highway, public or private street or thoroughfare, please call police dispatch at 935-3311.

Be prepared to give the location and description of the vehicle. You may also call the County’s Abandoned Vehicle Program at 961-8552.

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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

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

Community Development Plan website: http://www.hcrc.info/hawai-i-island-plan

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

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.

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