Weekly Report 3/30/2001


WEEKLY REPORT - MARCH 30, 2001
Visit the Hawaii County Website: www.Hawaii-County.com
Hawaii County Information & Complaints: cohinfo@interpac.net
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CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE OF THE WEEKLY REPORT

- How to Add/Remove Names from Distribution
- April 2 - Kuakini Hwy Resurfacing - Palani to Hualalai
- County Public Works - Projects in the Works
- State Highway Projects - Mahalo to State
- April 4 - Puukapu, Waimea - Mamalahoa Hwy Striping
- Prelim 2000 Census - Hawaii County District Estimates
- Hawaii County Public Notices
- April 9 - Real Property Assessment Appeal Deadline
- E-Mail Feedback to Hawaii County Departments
- Coming Attractions - Film Office Summary
- Community Meetings with Deputy Managing Director
*** Changes in Some of the Schedules ***
- Community Calendar Links
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WEEKLY REPORT

In this periodic e-mail memo we highlight activities and
issues around the island. We hope you find it useful.

If you know of others that may benefit from this memo, please
let us know their names and e-mail addresses and we are happy
to include them. If you wish to be removed, 'Reply' and let
us know and we will remove your name from distribution.

The intent of this report is to provide information about
what is happening on the Big Island. We are trying to open
and extend lines of communication between County government
and the people we serve. We are trying to be helpful.
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2 AM - NOON, MON., APRIL 2 - KUAKINI HIGHWAY RESURFACING
PALANI TO HUALALAI, KAILUA-KONA

County Highway personnel will be adding a "leveling course"
to Kuakini Highway, between Palani Road and Hualalai Road in
Kailua Village. Work starts at 2 a.m. and is scheduled to be
completed by noon on Monday.

Traffic studies indicate peak traffic hours on Kuakini are
later in the day, so County workers have scheduled the work
during the evening/early morning and noon hours. Two-lanes
of traffic will be open throughout the job.

Kuakini Hwy surface has deteriorated and the County will only
be touching-up the rough areas in the road. This is not a
complete resurfacing job, but rather "fixing" some of the bad
spots in the road. The work costs about $10,000, will be
completed in one day and is being done by County personnel.

Next year, Kuakini Hwy is scheduled for extensive improvement
with ultimate construction of 4-lanes, designated turning
lanes, sidewalks, bike lanes and landscaping. The ultimate
Kuakini improvement project is estimated to cost $6.5-million
and will take over a year to complete.

Be Cautious ... Be Patient ... Be Kind.
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COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS - PROJECTS IN THE WORKS

Several new and renewed projects are in the works for our
Public Works Dept. -- Summary of the "definite" projects:

Ahualoa:

Road resurfacing project underway --- Public Works
representatives recently held a community meeting to describe
the project --- work to begin in two months. Inoino Bridge
replacement added to the resurfacing project.

Lako Street Makai Extension:

Kona public meeting recently held to receive input in the
preliminary planning and design stages of the project. Road
to be extended from Komohana Subdivision to Alii Drive -
Construction scheduled to start next year. Two proposed
alignments for environmental assessment.

Lako Street Mauka Extension:

As part of Kona Vista Subdivision approval Gamrex developer)
is required to extend Lako Street mauka to the Iolani
Subdivision -- this will complete the link to Hualalai Road.
Gamrex submitted plans for approval and intends to start
construction once plan approvals are granted.

Kuakini Highway Improvements:

Scheduled to begin construction late next year (surveying
work already started,) the Kuakini Highway improvements (from
Palani to Hualalai Road) will include widening to 4-lanes,
dedicated turning lanes, sidewalks, bicycle lanes,
synchronized traffic signals and landscaping.

As part of the project, Ololi Road (near Kona Ranch House)
will be open, connecting Kuakini with Kopiko Street. In
addition, during the construction phase we are looking for
alternative routes into and out of Lono Kona Subd.

Palani Road Safety Improvements:

Not an road realignment, but significant work to improve
safety on Palani Road. Scheduled to start next year,
priority points are being identified and critical areas will
be addressed first. $2 million appropriation - project is one
of Mayor's funding priorities.

Mamalahoa Highway - Honalo to Captain Cook:

This resurfacing and safety improvement project is scheduled
to start later next year. This $7 million project is one of
the largest projects to be worked on next year. Project is
one of Mayor's funding priorities.

Kailua Flood Control:

Almost $1.5 million in flood control improvements will be
made to protect against flooding in Kailua-Kona.
Construction start date is to be determined.

Keopu Flood Channel Improvements:

Additional improvements to the Keopu Flood Channel are
scheduled for work in the near future - start date is to be
determined. This is a Corps of Engineers project, intended
to protect Kailua Village.

Reed's Island Bridge Replacement:

Over $1-million will be spent to replace the Reed's Island
Bridge this year.

Kawailani Street Bridge Replacement/
Waiakea Stream Flood Control:

This project identifies work to mitigate flooding in the
Waiakea Stream. It is awaiting $10-million state
appropriation.

Pedestrian/Bicycle Access ---
Kealakehe Intermediate to Kealakehe High:

Working with PATH and other community groups, the County
intends to open pedestrian and bicycle access over utility
roads and right-of-ways. Final approvals are subject to
several State agencies - we do not anticipate problems.

These are only a few of the "definite" projects scheduled for
the near future. In addition, we are working on the planning
for regional transportation systems around the island.

We are also working on many "probable" projects for the
island and will announce those as they become definite.

For additional information on these projects contact the
Dept of Public Works at: 961-8324 or cohdpw@ilhawaii.net.
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MAHALO TO STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FOR COMING WEST HAWAII ROAD IMPROVEMENTS

Several State Department of Transportation jobs are underway
or planned for construction in the near future.

"Costco Intersection" Traffic Signals:

April 16 - Construction to start on installation of a traffic
signal at Queen Kaahumanu and Hina Lani (Costco Road).
Mahalo to the State for moving on this project.

Kealakehe Police Station/Solid Waste Transfer Station:

State Department of Transportation personnel have
construction underway widening Queen Kaahumanu Highway
at the Kealakehe Police Station/Solid Waste Transfer Station
intersection. Work includes widening and addition of a
turning lane. Later this year, work is planned for
signalization of the intersection. Mahalo to the State.

Kaloko-Honokohau National Park Intersection:

Starting April 9, channelized intersection improvements
(turning pockets - acceleration/deceleration lanes) at
Kaloko-Honokohau National Park.

Queen Kaahumanu Highway Traffic Signals at Waikoloa

Intersections at Queen Kaahumanu and Waikoloa Resort and
Village roads are scheduled to have traffic signals installed
later this year. (Tentative schedule: Oct., 2001.)
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WAIMEA TRAFFIC WOES - MAMALAHOA HWY (EAST SIDE)

Wed., April 4 - Mamalahoa Hwy road marking at new
intersection in Puukapu (Honokaa side of town near Goodyear
and Hairy's.) Paving is complete -- road marking for turning
pockets and acceleration/deceleration lanes scheduled for
Wed., April 4 (weather permitting.)

Be Cautious ... Be Patient ... Be Kind.
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PRELIMINARY 2000 CENSUS HAWAII COUNTY DISTRICT FIGURES

Following is a summary of resident populations based on
preliminary figures from the 2000 Census:

Hawaii County: 148,677

Puna: 31,335
South Hilo: 47,386
North Hilo: 1,720
Hamakua: 6,108
North Kohala: 6,038
South Kohala: 13,131
North Kona: 28,543
South Kona: 8,589
Kau: 5,827

Summary just released by our Research and Development
Dept.; more detailed breakdowns expected in the near future.
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HAWAII COUNTY PUBLIC NOTICES

This site lists Public Hearings (i.e. Commission Hearings:
Planning, Liquor, etc.,) Bills/Ordinances Passed and Public
Notices (Applications to the Planning Director - Plan
Approval, Variances, Additional Farm Dwellings, Ohana, etc.,)
etc. This site is frequently updated, so please regularly
return to it for the latest announcements.

Hawaii County Public Notices
http://www.midweek.com/hscpn/Hawaii/index.html
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APRIL 9 - REAL PROPERTY ASSESSMENT APPEAL DEADLINE

The Real Property Tax Office recently mailed assessment
notices showing the assessed values of property and the
amount of exemptions granted to the owners for that
assessment period.

If you determine that an error has been made on the
information or you do not agree with the values placed on the
property or you have been denied an exemption that you feel
you are entitled to, you may file an appeal.

The appeal must be filed by April 9th; if the appeal form is
mailed, it must be postmarked by April 9th. When you file
the appeal, you must state the reason for the appeal and, if
you are challenging the values of your property, you must
list your opinion of the land and/or buildings.

You must deposit $15 for each appeal - if the $15 deposit
does not accompany your appeal, the Tax Board of Review will
reject the appeal and will not schedule a hearing for your
case. If you win the appeal or if the appeal is sustained by
50% or more of the valuation in dispute, the deposit will be
returned to you.

Prior to filing the appeal you are encouraged to visit or
call an appraiser at the Real Property Tax Office to discuss
the problem/question or error. Call for more info. Hilo
Appraisers - 865 Piilani St., Hilo: 961-8354; Kona
Appraisers - 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona: 327-3542.
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E-MAIL FEEDBACK TO HAWAII COUNTY DEPARTMENTS

Need information or want to contact us? Use the following
link to send E-Mail messages to Hawaii County Departments.
(A drop-down menu to various County Departments and Agencies
is provided for your convenience.)

Send E-Mail to Hawaii County Departments
http://www.hawaii-county.com/feedback.htm

E-Mail to Hawaii County Information & Complaints:
cohinfo@interpac.net
Visit the Hawaii County Website: www.Hawaii-County.com
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COMING ATTRACTIONS - FILM ACTIVITY ON THE BIG ISLAND

Scouts about ... several scouting activities for future
filming opportunities on the Big Island: Yuki Koyanagi
(called "the Britney Spears of Japan") and Takui - scouts are
here for Japanese music video scenes and Best Western scouts
here to look for sites for a national commercial.

Filming in April ... USHUAIA - French produced international
adventure television show, with the Big Island as part of the
South Pacific series. Marilyn Killeri film@bigisland.com
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COMMUNITY MEETINGS WITH DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR

Meetings are set up around the island with various community
groups and individuals to discuss regional issues
and anything else people want to talk about.

Community Group Schedule:

Hamakua - 4:30-5:30 pm, 3rd Tue., odd months, Honokaa Gym
Kalaoa - 4-5 pm, 4th Wed., even months, Kona Palisades Ctr
Kailua Village - 9-10 am, 2nd & 4th Tue, Mayor's Office, Kona
North Kohala - 4-5 pm, 3rd Mon., monthly, Kamehameha Park
Ocean View - 2-3 pm, 2nd Thur., monthly, HOVE Comm.Ctr.
South Kona - 4-5 pm, 2nd Thur., monthly, Yano Hall
Volcano - 8-9:30 am, 2nd Sun., monthly, Cooper Center
Waikoloa - 5-6 pm, 4th Mon., even months, WVA Conf. Rm.
Waimea - 4-5 pm, 1st Thur., monthly, Kahilu Town Hall

The intent of the meetings is to discuss issues of importance
to the community and investigate ways to make things better.

All meetings are intended to be pro-active as much as
possible, inclusive to make sure varying view-points are
discussed and solution-oriented. Basic ground rules are
simple: name-calling, finger-pointing, blame and other
ineffective distractions are discouraged.

While the meetings are open to the public, they are not
designed to be 'community forums' - I hope that we can keep
the size at a manageable level where we can get things done.

This is only the beginning ... we are all in this together,
let's work together to make this a better place to live.
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COMMUNITY CALENDARS OF EVENTS

For community events please use the 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.
Hawaii Visitors and Conventions Bureau Calendar http://calendar.gohawaii.com/ Hawaii.com Calendar http://www.hawaii.com/events/ Alternative-Hawaii Calendar http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/calendar.htm Kamuela.com Calendar http://kamuela.com/calendar/default.asp Hawaii Theatre Network http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hawaiitheatre ----------
Peter T. Young, Deputy Managing Director County of Hawaii, Office of the Mayor Hanama Place, Suite 103 75-5706 Kuakini Highway Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 E-Mail: cohdmd@interpac.net Telephone: (808) 329-5226; Facsimile: (808) 326-5663 Visit the Hawaii County Website www.Hawaii-County.com E-Mail direct link to County of Hawaii Office of Information & Complaints: cohinfo@interpac.net