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October 10, 2008
Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
FEATURE ARTICLE
ˇ County Unveils New Mass Emergency Notification System
COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD
ˇ County Promotes Pedestrian Safety with Reflective Trick or Treat Bags
ˇ County Coqui Frog Spray Service Available
ˇ Hawai`i County Unveils Prescription Drug Discount Card Program
ˇ Celebrate Fire Prevention Week with Hawai`i Fire Department Oct. 5-11
ˇ County Solid Waste Advisory Committee Meets Oct 20
ˇ Public Meetings on 2009 CDBG/HOME Programs Oct 13, 14, 15
ˇ Community Invited to Ground Blessing of West Hawai`i Civic Center Oct 25
ˇ Kokua Kailua – Enjoy Music at Hulihe’e Palace and Shop, Dine, Buy Local in Kailua Village
ˇ County Info Meetings on Housing Programs to Boost Home Ownership
ˇ County Seeks Applicants for Two Vacancies on Ethics Board
ˇ Brochure on Emissions from Kilauea Volcano Available Online
ˇ Kalapana Safe Viewing Program Has Daily Telephone Hotline Updates
ˇ Talk Story Meetings on Queen Ka`ahumanu Hwy Project
ˇ Water Conservation Notice in Hakalau, Wailea Areas
ˇ Federal Government Assistance for Consumers to Convert to Digital TV
ˇ Dept of Environmental Management Solid Waste Projects Update
ˇ County Seeks Applicants for Arborist Advisory Committee Vacancy
ˇ County Seeks Applicants for Public Access, Salary Commission Vacancies
ˇ Vacancies on the County’s Boards and Commissions
ˇ Recycle your Old TVs and Other Electronic Waste in East and West Hawai`i
ˇ Redemption Centers – Locations and Hours of Operation
COMMUNITIES IN ACTION
ˇ Mayoral Candidates Debate in Kona October 16
ˇ Kona Town Meeting on Alternative Renewable Energy Oct 14
ˇ Danish Gymnasts to Perform for Free in Hilo October 14
ˇ Kona Outdoor Circle Food Self-Reliance Workshop October 18
ˇ Taste of Hilo Scholarship Benefit on October 19
ˇ Free E-Waste Disposal Events at UHH and Kealakehe High on Oct 24, 25
ˇ October ReefTalk on Concerns about Near-Shore Seawater Quality in W.Hawai`i
ˇ 8th Annual Black & White Night in Downtown Hilo November 7
ˇ North Kohala Community Development Plan Meeting November 12
ˇ Hunger and Homeless Awareness Event at Old Kona Airport Park Nov 20
ˇ Hawaii HomeOwnership Holds Free Orientations in Hilo and Kona
ˇ Healing Our Island Community Fund Mini-Grants Available
ˇ High-Quality Mulch Available at Kealakehe Transfer Station
ˇ Check Out our County’s Community Development Plan Website
TRAFFIC ALERT
ˇ Honalo Junction Barricades to Alternate Beginning October 6
ˇ Repairs of Damage from 2007 Floods in Ka`u Start This Month
ˇ Shoulder Work for Fiber-Optic Cable Project in Kawaihae
ˇ Got Junk Cars? County of Hawai`i Can Help
FEATURE ARTICLES
County Unveils New Mass Emergency Notification System
The Hawai`i County Civil Defense Agency has just acquired a new Mass Emergency Notification System, which allows for County agencies to easily notify the public in the event of emergencies.
The City Watch is an electronic notification system that can notify residents about evacuations or other emergency measures via phone or email.
“This new system allows us more flexibility and speed to notify communities of an impending or imminent emergency, with appropriate measures for residents to follow,” said Civil Defense Administrator Quince Mento.
It will supplement the more traditional means of communicating with the public such as radio broadcasts.
The system was purchased by State Civil Defense and was given to the County as a pilot project, Mento said. The system uses maps with registered residents’ phone numbers and addresses to target specific communities on the island.
“We can use a computer generated map to focus on say, Waikoloa or Puako, to alert residents to evacuate in the event of a brush fire,” Mento said.
The system once activated sends residents registered on the system a brief voice and email message. “This system will only be activated in major emergencies,” Mento said.
Residents need to register for the notification messages
Hawai’i County residents need to register for City Watch notification messages by either mailing their contact information to: County of Hawai`i Civil Defense Agency, 920 Ululani Street, Hilo, HI 96720, or online at http://www.citywatchonline.com/CSBSignUp/HawaiiSignUp.asp .
To register, please give your name, street address (no P.O. boxes, please), city, zip code, home phone, cell phone, cell phone carrier and email address. The service is free to all residents.
Note: If your phone number is listed in the phone book white pages, you will be automatically registered for City Watch. However, if your listed phone number is on a “do not call list” such as the National Do Not Call Registry, you will need to register the number.
Cell phone users will need to register their numbers, and all residents wishing to be contacted by email must register their email addresses.
The pilot stage of the project will be free to the County, and in subsequent years the County will pay an annual fee of approximately $40,000. The system is used in numerous communities, notably in California amid the recent spate of wildfires.
COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD
County Promotes Halloween Safety with Reflective Trick-or-Treat Bags
Hawai`i Island schoolchildren from kindergarten to fifth grade will receive a reflective Halloween trick-or-treat bag from the County’s Traffic Division as part of its Halloween safety program. The division will distribute 13,000 bags to charter, public and private school students between October 14 and October 29.
The reflective bags are imprinted with safety messages from talking ghosts and a smiling orange pumpkin to remind youngsters to watch for cars, stay in well-lit areas and not go out trick-or-treating alone.
To assure well-lit streets for trick-or-treaters, the County is asking for the community’s assistance in identifying streetlights that are malfunctioning. Bulbs can burn out, which means the light will not activate at dusk, or the sensor can malfunction and the light can remain on all day.
If a streetlight in your neighborhood stays lit all day or does not light 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 streetlight pole number. This is easily spotted from a car. It is a large silver number located six to seven feet up on the side of the streetlight pole.
- It is also helpful if you know the street or highway name and a well-known landmark.
It may take up to three weeks before malfunctioning streetlights are repaired.
County Coqui Frog Spray Service Available
The County is providing one-time spray treatments to property owners for coqui frog control. The program assists owners with a spray treatment by the County crew with a 400-gallon trailer sprayer.
Owner permission is required before services can be performed, so the County is responding to owner requests only.
For further information or to request a spray treatment, please call 961-8065.
Hawai`i County Unveils Prescription Drug Discount Card
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 began 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.
Celebrate Fire Prevention Week with Fire Dept October 5-11
The Hawaii Fire Department would like to invite the public to join them as they celebrate Fire Prevention Week from October 5 to 11, 2008.
This year’s nationwide theme, “It’s Fire Prevention Week: Prevent Home Fires!” underscores a simple fact: Your home should be a safe haven. But do you regularly check for home fire hazards? If not, there is the potential for danger. Fire Departments nationwide responded to nearly 400,000 home fires in 2006.
During Fire Prevention Week, fire safety advocates will spread the word to their communities that, with a little extra caution, preventing the leading causes of home fires – cooking, heating, electrical and smoking-materials – is within their power.
Participation in Fire Prevention Week highlights the Department’s ongoing efforts to increase public awareness through fire safety education and fire prevention programs. They are celebrating Fire Prevention Week with open houses at all 20 of its fire stations through the County of Hawaii, during which the public can meet firefighters, tour stations, and receive information about fire safety and fire prevention.
This year’s activities will conclude with static displays and demonstrations for the public at the Hilo Bayfront area on Saturday, October 11, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Among the agencies invited to participate are State airport crash crew, Department of Land & Natural Resources--Forestry and Wildlife, Pohakuloa Training Area, and the Fire Department’s Prevention Bureau, engine companies, ocean safety, rescue teams, and volunteer firefighters.
We also challenge businesses and organizations to enter a team in the ever-popular “bucket brigade” event, which is being sponsored by K-BIG, Da Beat, KAPA and ESPN radio. The event, which will begin at about 11:00 a.m., involves five person teams who have to pass buckets of water from person to person, and the team that successfully manages to transport the most water to the “fire” is declared the winner.
Please call Aileen at 961-0651, extension 107, or via e-mail at aantoque@pacificradiogroup.com for more information or sign up. The event will be limited to 24 teams.
Every fire safety team begins with firefighters and other first responders. But the Fire Department can’t do it alone—they need to involve and educate the public of their role in effective fire safety. Please help them spread the message, “It’s Fire Prevention Week: Prevent Home Fires!”
Hawai`i County Solid Waste Advisory Committee Meets Oct 20
The Hawai`i County Solid Waste Advisory Committee will hold its next meeting on Monday, October 20 from 11:00 am at the Department of Liquor Control Conference Room at 75-5722 Hanama Place, Suite 1107, Kailua-Kona.
AGENDA |
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ANNOUNCEMENTS |
B. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS |
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – September 22, 2008 |
D UNFINISHED BUSINESS |
1. Comments, questions by SWAC members on previously presented materials |
E. NEW BUSINESS |
1. Discussion of Collection and Transfer section of Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan |
2. Solid Waste Advisory Committee preferences for Recycling, Bioconversion and Markets section |
3. Discussion about Barbara Bell’s September 21, 2008 letter to fellow Solid Waste Advisory Committee members. |
F. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS |
G. MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS |
1. November 21, 2008 Schultz Siding, 630 E. Lanikaula Street, Hilo, Hawai`i |
H. ADJOURNMENT |
Updates to the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan can be found at http://co.hawaii.hi.us/env_mng/iswmp.htm
The meeting place is accessible to persons with disabilities. To request an Auxiliary Aid or language translation, please call 961-8270 five days prior to the meeting date. Comments may be sent to Department of Environmental Management, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, HI 96720 or e-mailed to sandrade@co.hawaii.hi.us .
Notice to Lobbyists: If you are a lobbyist, you must register with the Hawai`i County Clerk within five days of becoming a lobbyist. {Article 15, Section 2-91.3(b), Hawai`i County Code} A lobbyist means “any individual engaged for pay or other consideration who spends more than five hours in any month or $275 in any six-month period for the purpose of attempting to influence legislative or administrative action by communicating or urging others to communicate with public officials.” {Article 15, Section 2-91.3(a)(6), Hawai`i County Code}. Registration forms and expenditure report documents are available at the Office of the County Clerk-Council, 333 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo, Hawai`i 96720.
Public Meetings on 2009 CDBG/HOME Programs Oct 13, 14, 15
The County of Hawai`i’s Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) is currently planning for its 2009 Consolidated/Action Plan process for the aforementioned programs.
As required by federal regulations, the County will hold a series of public hearings and has selected the following locations and times in an effort to encourage comments and views from persons of very low and moderate income.
KONA PUBLIC HEARING HONOKA`A PUBLIC HEARING |
Date: October 13, 2008 October 13, 2008 |
Time: 10:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. |
Place: Mayor’s Office Honoka`a Gym/MPR Room |
(Hanama Place) |
HILO PUBLIC HEARING |
Date: October 14, 2008 |
Time: 10:00 a.m. |
Place: 1990 Kino`ole Street |
Existing Housing Conference Room |
KA`U PUBLIC HEARING PAHOA PUBLIC HEARING |
Date: October 15, 2008 October 15, 2008 |
Time: 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. |
Place: Pahala Community Center Pahoa Community Center |
The purpose of the public hearings is to hear views and comments from citizens on housing and community development needs and the past performance of the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD's) CDBG and HOME Program funds.
The County encourages its citizens, especially persons of low and moderate income, minorities and non-English speaking persons, as well as persons with disabilities, to attend the public hearings and share their comments and views.
Persons requiring special needs (i.e., sign language or bilingual interpreters) may call the OHCD at V/TT 961-8379 at least seven (7) days prior to the hearings so arrangements may be made to accommodate them. Citizens who are unable to attend these hearings may submit or fax (808/961-8685) testimony pertaining to their housing and community development needs by October 15, 2008 to Edwin S. Taira, Housing Administrator, Office of Housing and Community Development, 50 Wailuku Drive, Hilo, Hawai`i 96720.
After the public hearing, OHCD staff will be available to discuss the procedures and guidelines for applying for the County’s 2009 CDBG and HOME programs. OHCD staff will provide technical assistance to groups/agencies requesting assistance in developing proposals.
The County of Hawai`i’s Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) is seeking eligible project proposals to include in its 2009 Annual Action Plan to HUD.
The County’s five-year 2005-2009 CP describes the County’s housing and community development needs, funding plans, priorities and objectives, and includes the County’s Annual Action plan for the use of CDBG and HOME Program funds.
The County expects to receive approximately $2,500,000 for its CDBG Program and $1,000,000 for the HOME Program.
Project proposals submitted to the OHCD must comply with the program criteria, meet eligibility requirements, program objectives, and be consistent with the County’s priorities and objectives as contained in the County’s 2005-2009 CP.
All original project proposals and two (2) copies must be received by 4:30 p.m. on January 9, 2009, by the OHCD, 50 Wailuku Drive, Hilo, Hawai`i 96720-2456.
The proposal forms and federal guidelines covering the eligible activities will be available at the following locations beginning October 16, 2008, Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on holidays. Proposal forms will also be mailed, upon request, after October 16, 2008.
OFFICE OF HOUSING AND HAWAI`I COUNTY SERVICES
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Hanama Place
Hilo Armory 75-5706 Kuakini Highway
50 Wailuku Drive Suite 103
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i 96740
Phone: 961-8379 Phone: 329-5226
In addition, copies of the County’s current CP; Citizen Participation Plan and past performance of CDBG and HOME funds are also available at the Office of Housing and Community Development, 50 Wailuku Drive, Hilo, Hawai`i.
A brief description of the CDBG and HOME Programs area as follows:
Community Development Block Grant Program:
Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-383) created the CDBG Program, which became effective January 1, 1974. Under the CDBG Program, a community is able to develop a flexible, locally designed comprehensive community development strategy in order to address the program’s primary objective: “…development of viable urban communities, by providing decent housing and suitable living environments and expanding economic opportunities principally for persons of low and moderate income.”
Under the CDBG program, grants or loan assistance may be used by eligible public agencies, private non-profit organizations, and Community Based Development Organizations (CBDO), (non-profit organization) for the following activities provided that these activities either 1) principally benefit low and moderate income families, 2) aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blight, or 3) meet other community development needs having a particular urgency.
Range of Eligible Activities for the use of CDBG Program Funds:
- Acquisition, disposition of real property, relocation payments, clearance
- Public facilities
- Public service
- Payment of non-federal share
- Homeownership (i.e. subsidized interest, mortgage guarantee, down payments, closing costs)
- Rehabilitation and preservation
- Economic development, micro enterprises
- Planning and administration
HOME Program:
The HOME Program was created under Title II (the HOME Investment Partnerships Act) of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990. The purpose of the HOME Program is to expand the supply of decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing for very low and low-income persons.
Under the HOME Program, equity investments, interest-bearing and non-interest bearing loans or advances, deferred payment loans, grants, may be used by eligible public agencies, private non-profit organizations or other private organizations are eligible to utilize HOME funds for the following activities.
Range of Eligible Activities for the use of HOME Program Funds:
- Development hard costs defined as the actual cost of constructing or rehabilitating housing
- Acquisition costs
- Related soft costs defined as other reasonable and necessary costs incurred and associated with the financing or development (or both) of new construction, rehabilitation or acquisition of housing assisted with HOME funds
- Relocation costs
- Cost related to tenant-based rental assistance
Applicants applying for HOME funding are required to match for every $1.00 of federal HOME funds expended for the project with at least $.25 of eligible matching funds.
For more information, please contact the Office of Housing and Community Development at 961-8379.
Community Invited to Blessing of West Hawai`i Civic Center Oct 25
The County of Hawai‘i invites you to the Ground Blessing of the West Hawai‘i Civic Center Saturday, October 25, 2008, from10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the construction site on Kealakehe Parkway, Kona.
The blessing begins at 10:30 a.m. Refreshments and a light lunch to follow.
Directions to the future West Hawai`i Civic Center: turn on to the Kealakehe Parkway from Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway. The ground blessing will take place under the tent, about half way up Kealakehe Parkway.
For further information, please call the Kona Mayor’s Office at 329-5226.
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.
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:
- 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.
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: 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.
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 .
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.
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/ .
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:
ˇ An umbrella and/or
ˇ Windbreaker or raincoat
Visitors are also strongly advised to take the following gear for both safety and comfort:
ˇ Bottled water (2-3 quarts or liters per person)
ˇ Sturdy closed boots or shoes and socks
ˇ Flashlight (1 per person) and fresh batteries
ˇ Long pants
ˇ Sun hat and sunscreen
ˇ 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 .
Talk Story Meetings on Queen Ka`ahumanu Hwy Project
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.
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.
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:
ˇ Wash full loads of laundry only.
ˇ Wash full loads of dishes only.
ˇ Serve drinking water only when requested.
ˇ Do not let the faucet run unnecessarily.
ˇ When bathing, use water only to wet and rinse off.
ˇ Do not fill up the bathtub.
ˇ Use a glass to rinse when brushing your teeth.
ˇ Do not flush toilets unnecessarily.
ˇ Stop lawn sprinkling.
ˇ Stop car and boat washing.
ˇ Stop dust control watering.
ˇ 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.
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
For Frequently Asked Questions about the Coupon Program, visit www.DTV2009.gov .
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 |
Ka`auhuhu Transfer Station |
9 |
Earthquake repairs, in progress |
Kalapana Transfer Station |
5 |
Fence repair, contract awarded |
For further information, please contact Terin Gloor, Solid Waste Civil Engineer at 961-8058.
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
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 .
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:
ˇ 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)
ˇ 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 .
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. Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission: One vacancy (Council District 3).
12. Fire Commission: Two vacancies; Council Districts 3 and 5.
13. Environmental Management Commission: One vacancy, Council District 3.
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.
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.
Cigarette butts can be deadly. Tossed still lit out of the car window, they can spark brushfires.
Tossed into the gutter, cigarette butts may be swept into storm drains and enter our watershed, where they can travel all the way to the ocean. Because cigarette filters are specifically designed to accumulate toxins, each cigarette butt can contain up to 60 known human carcinogens including arsenic, formaldehyde, chromium and lead.
Nicotine has been shown to be lethal to species of fish, crustaceans, zooplankton, and other aquatic organisms, as well as being a known insecticide.
Cigarette filters are composed of cellulose acetate, a form of plastic that can persist in the environment for long periods of time. Plastics of this sort have been found in the stomachs of sea turtles, fish, birds, whales and other marine creatures.
Please keep our island and ocean healthy and butt-free.
For more information, please contact the West Hawai`i Recycling Office at akang@co.hawaii.hi.us or 327-3706.
Mahalo for your kokua in recycling!
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:
ˇ East Hawai`i: Bayside Computer Shop, 108 Kalakaua Street, Hilo. Phone: 934-7748
ˇ 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).
ˇ Televisions
ˇ Computer monitors
ˇ Cell phones and telephones
ˇ DVDs/VCRs
ˇ Inkjet, Laser and Toner cartridges
ˇ Microwave ovens
ˇ Fax machines and copiers
ˇ Digital cameras
ˇ Printers
ˇ 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 .
The following items are now accepted in the Mixed Recycling drop-off bins at the County Transfer Stations:
Okay to Recycle:
ˇ Paperboard or boxboard (cereal, tea, snack food boxes, etc.)
ˇ Plastics #1, #2 & #5 (milk jugs, detergent bottles, yogurt cups, etc.)
ˇ Metal cans (Rinsed tuna and cat food cans, soup cans, etc.)
ˇ Newspapers and magazines
ˇ Cardboard and brown paper bags (flattened)
ˇ Mixed office paper and junk mail (No Brites)
ˇ Shredded paper
ˇ Phonebooks and paperbacks
ˇ 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.
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 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 2nd Saturday and
- Na`alehu Elem. & Inter. School every 3rd 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
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.
COMMUNITIES IN ACTION
Mayoral Candidates Debate in Kona on October 16
Mayor candidates Angel Pilago and Billy Kenoi will face off at a debate on Thursday, October 16 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Kealakehe Cafeteria.
The debate is designed to help you learn who these candidates are and determine their background, experience, capability, and willingness to lead our county through challenging times.
Moderator Sherry Bracken will pose questions, and candidates will have opportunities to rebut and comment on their opponent’s answers and positions.
Following the Mayor Debate, we will present a moderated, 25-minute discussion of the pros and cons of voting for a Constitutional Convention.
The evening starts at 5 p.m. when the award winning culinary class from Kealakehe High School has a fundraiser, selling both vegetarian and regular lasagna, foccacia and water, funds going into a nonprofit organization to send them to the statewide competition (last year they went on to Nationals).
The debate will be broadcast live on radio station LAVA 105.3 FM from 6:00 pm sharp.
No reservations are needed for the forum or the food, but please call the Kealakehe Team (call 329-1758) if you’re planning to buy food.
Sponsors for the forums include: Kona Outdoor Circle, PATH, Hawaii Island Board of Realtors, and Kona Board of Realtors.
Please send debate questions or comments to us at the Kona-Koala Chamber of Commerce at 329-1758, or email vivian@kona-kohala.com .
Kona Town Meeting on Alternative Renewable Energy October 14
The next Kona Town Meeting will focus on alternative renewable energy for the Big Island on Tuesday, October 14 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. at the MacAfee Pavilion at Old Kona Airport Park.
Speakers at the meeting will include: K. Angel Pillage, County Councilman, District 8; Mike Kalinin, Plant Manager, Puma Geothermal Ventures; Pete Hoffmann, Chair, County Council; Tal Zip, Director of Project Development, Spooky; Matt Hamabata, Executive Director, Kohala Center; Jay Ignacio, President, Helco and Bob Herkes, State House Representative, Ka`u District.
For more information, please email CommunityEnterprises@Hawaiiantel.net or call Community Enterprises president Fred Housel at 331-8602.
Danish Gymnastics Team to Perform Free in Hilo October 14
The Department of Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce that the Danish Gymnastic Elite Team will be making their Hilo debut from October 11-18, 2008.
The group of 30 gymnasts and two coaches will perform for the public at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium on Tuesday, October 14 at 6:30 pm. Admission is free.
The gymnasts, 15 men and 15 women in their 20s, will also perform for the students of Waiakea High School on Monday, October 13.
During their stay in Hilo, they will hold interactive workshops at Hilo High School, Kea‘au High School, Waiakea Intermediate School, E Maka‘ala School and the YMCA Waiakea Settlement.
Their visit is thanks to the efforts of Danish-trained gymnast Yoko Hayano, who lives in Hilo and volunteers at the Waiakea Recreation Center.
For more information, please call Pat Engelhard at 961-8311 or Yoko Hayano at 959-0650.
Kona Outdoor Circle Food Self-Reliance Workshop October 18
Hawai'i Island Homegrown - Food Self-Reliance Workshop
Craig Elevitch, presenter at many KOC Tropical Gardening events, is organizing an all-day food self-reliance workshop in Holualoa.
WHEN: Saturday, October 18, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm.
WHERE: Hawai'i County Imin Center, Holualoa, North Kona
This intensive workshop will empower you to be in control of your own food security, reduce your food budget, increase consumption of fresher, more nutritious food, decrease the impact of spiraling fuel costs, and help create an abundance of food for sharing or sale. The workshop brochure containing details on the agenda, tuition and registration is available for downloading at: http://agroforestry.net/events/Kona_food_security_workshop_10-18-08.pdf
10th Annual Taste of Hilo Scholarship Benefit on Sunday, October 19
The Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawai`i is pleased to announce their 10th annual A Taste of Hilo which will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2008 at the Hilo Honpa Hongwanji Sangha Hall located on 424 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii, from 1-3 pm.
This event provides the restaurants, chefs and vendors an opportunity to promote their businesses and highlight their culinary delights and products.
This annual event features fine food, soft drinks, wines and spirits, and great desserts prepared by Big Island’s finest. Come and take part in a great culinary experience.
In celebration of this 10th year, we are highlighting succulent Kobe Beef direct from Japan and will be expressly prepared to perfection by the chefs from Hilo Yacht Club.
Proceeds from this signature event will supplement the JCCIH Foundation Fund which is administered by Hawaii Community College for student scholarships, faculty and staff development programs and campus-wide improvements.
Tickets are $60 from October 1.
Tickets may be purchased from a committee member or at the Chamber office. Please be aware that the tickets are limited and are usually SOLD OUT at least two weeks prior to the event. No reservations will be accepted.
Participating are: Aloha Monday Catering, Anheuser-Busch Sales of Hawaii, Baker Tom’s, Better Brands, Café Pesto, Coca Cola Bottling Co., Coconut Grill, Daniel Thiebaut Restaurant, Goodies Galore, Hawaii Island Gourmet Products, Hawaiian Mamaki Tea Plantation, Hilo Coffee Mill, Kuhio Grille/Restaurant Encore, Keaau Middle College, Mehana Brewing Co., Nani Mau/Naniloa Volcanoes/Volcano House, Paradise Beverages, Pepsi Bottling Group, Pizza Hawaii of Hilo, Queen’s Court Restaurant at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Real Fresh Cookin’, Sombat’s Fresh Thai Cuisine, Starbucks Coffee, The Pint Size, The Seaside Restaurant, Volcano Winery,
Hilo Yacht Club, Deep Sea Water International, Inc., Legends Bar & Grill, Soontaree’s Deli, Hamakua Heritage Farm, Millennium Restaurant & Lounge, Mama Ella’s Cookies, Jay’s Island Tapas, Pure Pacific and AJ & Sons Catering.
For more information please contact Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii
Phone: (808) 934-0177, Fax: (808) 934-0178, email: jccih1@hawaiiantel.net .
Free Disposal Events at UHH, Kealakehe High Oct 24, 25
There will be free e-waste disposal events sponsored by UHH and Apple on Friday, October 24 for government entities, schools, small businesses and nonprofits from 9 am to 2:30 pm., and a free ewaste disposal event for the general public on Saturday, October 25 from 9 am to 3 pm.
There are two locations on the big island: UH Hilo and Kealakehe High School in Kona. Maps showing specific drop off locations are available at http://www.hawaii.edu/ewaste/ .
For the October 24 event, organizations and government agencies need to preregister using the links on the website at http://www.hawaii.edu/ewaste/ .
October ReefTalk on Concerns about Near-Shore Seawater Quality
Dr. Rick Bennett, chairman of West Hawaii's Kona Kai Ea Surfrider Foundation Chapter will be presenting a talk entitled "Concerns about near shore seawater quality West Hawaii". He will present his findings on issues and concerns facing the ocean's enjoyment and preservation.
WHEN: October 21, 2008, 6:30-8:30 pm
WHERE: Kealakehe High School Library (Kona)
Find out what is being done and what needs to be done about water quality issues to preserve and protect our culture, economy, and quality of life in Hawaii.
Learn more about West Hawaii's chapter of The Surfrider Foundation, a non-profit, coastal environmental organization. Find out how you can participate in the "Keep It Blue" campaign.
REEFTALKS are cosponsored by the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, the Malama Kai Foundation. Talks are free public service presentations, held monthly, alternating between the Waimea/Kamuela and Kona areas. For more information, call University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program at 329-2861.
8th Annual Black & White Night is on Friday, November 7
The 8th Annual Black & White Night will take place on Friday, November 7 in Downtown Hilo. Hilo’s biggest strolling party will offer multiple free live jazz music venues, stores opening late serving up specials, sales, free food samples, author and artist receptions, and much more from one end of town to the other.
Everyone dresses in black and white, some dress down in shorts and T-shirts, some dress up in gowns and suits to enter the "Best Dressed Black & White Contest" for cash prizes.
Young men in tuxedoes will be walking around and serving as Aloha Ambassadors with schedules of events and information.
For more information please phone 933-9772 or visit www.poshfestivals.com or email amooninfo@bigisland.com .
North Kohala Community Dev. Plan Meeting November 12
The next community meeting for the North Kohala Community Development Plan (Planning Phase) will be held on Wednesday, November 12 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm at the Kohala High School Cafeteria.
Purpose of the meeting is to present the approved NKCDP to community and acknowledge everyone's participation in a successful planning effort.
For more information, please call Allen Salavea at the County Planning Department at 327-3612 or email asalavea@co.hawaii.hi.us .
Hunger & Homeless Event at Old Kona Airport Park November 20
The community is invited to a Hunger and Homeless Awareness event on Thursday, November 20 at the Old Kona Airport Park Pavilion from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
This event includes a Thanksgiving feast that will be served at 12:00 noon.
We invite you to come and learn about the many resources available to help combat hunger and homelessness in our community. Resources include employment, medical, housing and treatment facilities.
For information about setting up an informational table at this event, please contact Jasmine Angeleo with Family Support Services of West Hawai`i at 334-4128 or 640-0988 or email at jangeleo@fsswh.org .
The partnership members for this event include Office for Social Ministry, St. Michael’s Church, Neighborhood Place of Kona, Family Support Services of West Hawai`i, Solid Rock Ministries and Queen Lili`uokalani Children’s Center.
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 |
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Mayor’s Office (West Hawai`i) |
75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Suite 103, Kailua-Kona |
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Please call to reserve a space: 1-877-523-9503 (toll free) or 959-5808. To check current schedules visit www.hihomeownership.org
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
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.
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.
TRAFFIC ALERT
(All project schedules based on weather permitting)
Oct 13, 2008 Monday |
Where/Location: S. Hilo District: Kanoelehua Industrial Lots |
What: Maintain centerline striping |
Oct 14, 2008 Tuesday |
Where/Location: S. Hilo District: Kanoelehua Industrial Lots |
What: Maintain centerline striping |
Oct 15, 2008 Wednesday |
Where/Location: S. Hilo District: Kanoelehua Industrial Lots |
What: Maintain edge-of-pavement striping |
Oct 16, 2008 Thursday |
Where/Location: Puna District: Old Volcano Rd/Pili Mua St |
What: Maintain crosswalks, stoplines, and edge-of-pavement markings |
Oct 17, 2008 Friday |
Where/Location: Hamakua District: Kukuihaele Rd |
What: Maintain centerline markings |
Signs and Markings Project by Traffic’s Term Contractor: Central Striping |
(All project schedules based on weather permitting.) |
Oct 13, 2008 Monday – Oct 17, 2008 Friday |
Where/Location: Hamakua/S. Kohala District: Old Mamalahoa Hwy between Lakeland and Mauna Loa above Tex Drive Inn. |
What: Installing centerlines, shoulder strips and raised pavement markers |
Street Lights and Traffic Signal Projects by Traffic Maintenance & Independent Term Contractors under Traffic’s Direction. |
Oct 13, 2008 Monday – Oct 17, 2008 Friday |
Where/Location: S. Hilo District: Kinoole and Kamana |
What: Installing Traffic Signal with pedestrian countdown clocks |
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.
Honalo Junction Barricades to Alternate Beginning Oct 6
The County will begin alternating the use of barricades at Honalo Junction every other week starting Monday, October 6.
This new schedule is a prelude to the opening of the northern section of the Mamalahoa bypass, which is scheduled to open in November for southbound travel on a trial basis between 3:30-6:30 p.m. on weekdays. Congestion at the junction is expected to reduce when the bypass is opened.
Motorists traveling beyond Kealakekua are likely to use the bypass, and after several months of having the bypass open, Public Works will assess if barricades should remain at Honalo Junction.
During roadwork in Kainaliu, two lanes will remain open to traffic and changes taking place at Honalo Junction will not affect that project.
There will be barricades on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, excluding holidays and school vacations.
Although the barricades will be removed, motorists are reminded that it is illegal to enter the south flow of traffic on Highway 11 between 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Signs for right turns only are posted at the Honalo Junction.
Repairs of Damage from 2007 Floods in Ka’u Start This Month
Repairs of damage from the November 2007 floods in Ka`u are slated to begin in October, and will involve the ford at Wood Valley Road.
One lane of Wood Valley Road will be closed to traffic during construction between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and motorists should anticipate periodic delays of 10-15 minutes.
Completion is scheduled for late November or early December. The repairs are estimated to cost $125,258. Of that amount, FEMA will pay 75% of the cost and Hawai’i County 25%.
Also in Ka’u, the embankment on Lower Moaulu Road will be reinforced and culverts cleaned and repaired. Repairs are scheduled to begin in November and completed in December. Workers will be in the area between weekdays 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Traffic will not be disrupted, and no delays are anticipated.
For more information, please contact the Department of Public Works at 961-8321, or after hours 557-6437.
Shoulder Work for Fiber-Optic Cable Project in Kawaihae
Motorists and the public are advised of a construction project to install an underground conduit and manhole system for the telecommunication’s network that will be utilized by Sandwich Isles Communications, Inc. to service Department of Hawaiian Homelands properties in Kawaihae.
Construction activities are taking place along the shoulder area but may also require possible lane closures along the route from the intersection of Queen Kaahumanu Hwy. and Kawaihae Road. The route continues along Kawaihae Rd. towards Akoni Pule Hwy. for approximately 1.51 miles. It then turns up Akoni Pule Hwy. towards Maluokalani St. for approximately 0.7 miles turning up Maluokalani St. for approximately 1,600 feet where the project will end.
Henkels & McCoy will be utilizing both modern and traditional construction techniques such as directional drilling and backhoe excavation.
Construction is currently in progress, with approximately 2 months remaining to complete. We are hoping to be done by the end of November.
Standard working hours are between 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, (excluding holidays) and weather permitting. The public is advised to use caution while driving or walking through the work areas and to allow for extra travel time.
We apologize for any inconvenience that may result from this work. For more information please contact Keola Rosario, Project Manager of Henkels & McCoy, at 630-8822.
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.
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://calendar.ehawaii.gov/calendar/html/event
Hawaii Visitors and Conventions Bureau: http://calendar.gohawaii.com/
Hawaii.com: http://www.hawaii.com/live/
Hawaii Community Foundation http://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org
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
Waikoloa Village: http://www.waikoloa.org/calendar
Prince Kuhio Plaza: http://www.princekuhioplaza.com/html/Events.asp
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
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 from distribution, e-mail Janet Snyder: jsnyder@co.hawaii.hi.us
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.