Mayor Kenoi’s Blog Pacific Business News
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County of Hawai‘i Mayor Billy Kenoi will be traveling this week on a family vacation to Kagoshima, Japan to help celebrate the 90th birthday of his children’s great-grandmother.
Managing Director Wally Lau will serve as acting mayor until Mayor Kenoi returns.
Mayor Kenoi will return to work on Monday, June 24.
Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Hawaii, Hawaii County Public Notices, Kenoi | Tagged: Kenoi Family Vacation | Leave a Comment »
The County of Hawai‘i will open recruitment for the position of Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Administrator at midnight on Sunday, June 16.
Electronic applications will be accepted at the county jobs website at http://jobs.co.hawaii.hi.us
The Civil Defense Administrator is responsible for county civil defense programs under the direction of the Mayor, including the development and maintenance of plans for the operation of government and related agencies in times of emergencies. The administrator also coordinates programs with agencies of federal and state governments.
Retired Hawai‘i County Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira has been serving as acting Civil Defense Administrator since Jan. 9, and will remain in that role until a permanent administrator is selected.
Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Hawaii, Hawaii County Public Notices, Security | Tagged: Darryl Oliveira, Hawaii County Civil Defense | 1 Comment »
Driver Licensing and State Identification Card offices across the state, including the County of Hawai’i's locations, closed early this afternoon after they were affected by a computer outage on O’ahu.
The system is expected to be back in operation tomorrow morning, and Hawai’i County Driver Licensing offices will be open. However, the combination of this week’s holiday and this afternoon’s outage raise the possibility of extended wait times tomorrow.
Motor vehicle registration services were not affected by this outage and will resume as normal tomorrow. We recommend residents seeking driver license or state ID services consider rescheduling your service to another day if possible to avoid the possibility of longer than usual wait times. Mahalo for your understanding.
Filed under: Announcements, Hawaii, Hawaii County Public Notices, Legal, State Affairs, Transportation | Tagged: Driver Licensing Office Advisory | Leave a Comment »
Mayor Billy Kenoi today announced the appointment of former state Land Use Commission Chairman Duane Kanuha as the county’s new planning director. Bobby Jean Leithead Todd, who has served as county planning director for the past four years, will assume control of the county Department of Environmental Management.
Mayor Kenoi also announced the appointment of Laverne Omori as director of the Department of Research and Development, and Hilo bank manager Donn Mende as deputy director of Research and Development.
Mayor Kenoi also named Kona-based Executive Assistant Bobby Command as the new deputy planning director. Command will assume the position now held by attorney Margaret Masunaga, who is moving from the Planning Department to practice law in the county Office of the Corporation Counsel.
Mayor Kenoi also named former Hawai‘i Community Foundation program officer Clarysse Kami Nunokawa to the position of executive assistant to the mayor.
“We are excited to be making these changes to better serve our community,” Mayor Kenoi said. “These appointments add new energy and expertise to our departments and staff, and I want to thank each of our appointees for their commitment to our community.”
Kanuha served as the county’s deputy planning director from 1976 to 1984, and was planning director from 1988 to 1990 during the administration of the late Mayor Bernard Akana. He was Hawai‘i Island commissioner on the state Land Use Commission from 2005 to 2011, and was chair of the commission from 2008 to 2009.
In 2007, Kanuha was appointed executive vice president of Kohala Investment Works LLC, a subsidiary of Surety Kohala Corporation.
The appointment of Leithead Todd as director of Department of Environmental Management (DEM) marks the second time she has led that department. Leithead Todd previously served as DEM director in 2007 and 2008.
A graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law, Leithead Todd served as Hawai‘i County deputy corporation counsel for nine years, from 1987-1993 and from 2003-2007. She also served as the Legislative Auditor for the County, and as a member of the Hawai‘i County Council from 1996 to 2003.
Omori, the new head of Research and Development, has served as deputy director of the Department of Research and Development since 2010. Previously she worked as an economic development specialist in Research & Development; as a planner in the county Office of Aging; and as program director in the Department of Parks & Recreation.
Mende, who will serve as the new deputy director of Research and Development, is currently Hilo branch manager of Hawai‘i National Bank. A graduate of Waiakea High School, Mende previously worked in trust and investment banking in Honolulu before returning to Hilo to take a position with American Savings Bank in 2006.
Command, who is being appointed deputy planning director, has served as executive assistant to Mayor Billy Kenoi since 2008, and worked on projects such as the Ane Keohokalole Highway and the Mamalahoa Highway Bypass. Command graduated from University of Hawai‘i at Manoa with a degree in journalism, and was a longtime reporter at West Hawaii Today specializing in land use.
Nunokawa is currently a planner in the county Office of Aging, and previously served as grant manager and compliance coordinator for the $2 million Strategic Prevention Framework-State Incentive Grant to prevent underage drinking. She also served as a program officer for Hawai‘i Community Foundation, and as a planner and program specialist for the state Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Hawaii, Hawaii County Public Notices | Tagged: Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd, Donn Mende, Duane Kanuha, Laverne Omori, Mayor Kenoi Cabinet | Leave a Comment »
Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Community, County Council, Economy, Hawaii, Hawaii County Public Notices | Tagged: Councilman Greggor Illagan | Leave a Comment »
Motorists are advised of street closures and detours along Ka’iminani Drive, in North Kona scheduled for Monday, April 29. Closures and detours for the roadways listed are scheduled between the hours of 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Detour signs will be posted along the streets directing motorists. Residents on the side streets affected by the closure will receive flyers from the contractor, Jas W. Glover, a few days prior with information about the detour route.
The traffic change is to allow road resurfacing and expected to last no later than May 17, 2013.
Scheduled street closures:
April 29-30
Ahiahi Street will be closed at Ka’iminani Drive affecting only southbound travel.
Traffic will be rerouted to Awakea Street to Ka’iminani Drive.
May 2
Oneone Street closure at Ka’iminani Drive will affect southbound travel.
Traffic will be rerouted to Awakea Street to Holoholo Street to Ka’iminani Drive
May 2-10
Keokeo Street closure will affect north and southbound travel.
The detour route for northbound travel will be Keokeo Street to Holu Street to Ahikawa Street to Aka Ula Street to Iliili Street to Ka’iminani Drive
Southbound travel will be routed to Ihumoe Street to Iliili Street to Ka’iminani Drive.
May 8-17
The Iliili Street closure will affect north and southbound travel.
Northbound motorists will use Iliili Street to Aka Ula Street to Ahikawa Street to Holu Street to Keokeo to Ka’iminani Drive.
The detour route for southbound travel is Ihumoe Street to Keokeo Street to Ka’iminani Drive.
This federally funded project in North Kona starts 103′ from the intersection with Highway 190 and ends at Ahiahi Street. Improvements will focus on roadway reconstruction, and drainage improvements that include six-foot shoulders, tie-ins to private driveways on Ka’iminani, retaining walls and restriping of the roadway.
The $10 million improvement cost is shared with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) paying 80% and the County 20%. Construction began in 2012 and scheduled for completion this year.
Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Community, Hawaii, Hawaii County Public Notices, Kona, Transportation | Tagged: Federal Highway Administration, Ka`iminani Drive | Leave a Comment »
Aloha,
I wanted to take this opportunity to provide some factual background information and to update you on the status of the Kohanaiki Shoreline Park, which will soon be dedicated to the County of Hawai‘i.
Click to enlarge
The park has been completed and the bathrooms and showers are now open to the public. A new public access suitable for vehicular use has been completed from Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway, and then continues laterally along the shoreline going south to and beyond all the popular surfing spots and camping beaches.
Road and Parking: The roadway and the parking areas are constructed according to a “Good Faith Agreement” negotiated in 2003 and under the direction of DLNR, the Army Corps of Engineers and the SMA permit. The jeep trail was specifically required by DLNR to be converted to pedestrian access once the park road was complete to protect the beach and oceanfront from the negative impact of vehicular use. Public access continues along the entire shoreline, with vehicular access to the turn-around south of the main bay, and from there, pedestrian (and bicycle) access to the National Park border along the Ala Kahakai trail.
Park Amenities and Camping: New bathroom and shower facilities are completed, and the 17 portable luas will remain in place. There are 122 parking stalls, located in nodes along the access road, with some overflow parking areas to be determined. Once the park is dedicated to the County, camping will be permitted 5 days a week for up to 80 people per night. Park hours for day use will be from 5:30 am – 9:00 pm. A traditional hale is being constructed in the park for cultural educational opportunities. There is a partnership in place including the County, landowners and community for monitoring of the park, security, maintenance and trash removal.
Anchialine Ponds: The pond management plan, approved by various governmental agencies, is being implemented under the supervision of the Army Corps of Engineers with ongoing restoration and maintenance. Non-native species have been removed and the ponds have been restored to a vibrant habitat.
Water Quality Monitoring Program: A comprehensive water quality-monitoring program, with input from the National Park, is in place to monitor the water quality for any potential impacts ofactivities at Kohanaiki. A drainage system has been installed to direct all drainage away from the ocean and ponds.
Golf Course Management Program: The golf course and landscaping is managed and certified under the Audubon Silver certification program – the only golf course to receive such certification in Hawai’i. Brackish water is used for irrigation of the golf course and landscaping. Primarily native, salt-tolerant species are being used for all landscaping.
Archeology: Lineal descendants have been consulted and involved in identifying cultural sites. Informational signage on selected archeological sites such as the Ala Kahakai trail, will be placed to help educate the public. A traditional hale is being constructed with full participation by community members where workshops and cultural activities will be conducted in the future.
For more information, please feel free to give me a call at 323-4280.
Mahalo,
KAREN EOFF, Vice Chair, Hawai‘i County Council
District 8, North Kona
FOR ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON HOW THIS PARK CAME TO BE, PLEASE READ LETTER BELOW:
Letters 4-5-13
Kohanaiki access
The real story
Very soon, a public shoreline park will be dedicated to the people of Hawaii at Kohanaiki.
This park is the result of more than 25 years of legal battles addressing Native Hawaiian gathering and access rights, community stewardship efforts, and finally a negotiated settlement agreement. The Kohanaiki Ohana, led by Angel Pilago, won the fight to protect vehicular access along the shoreline after court victories all the way from the county level to the U.S. Supreme Court.
In 2003, an important agreement was reached between developer/landowner, the community and the County of Hawaii determining the future of Kohanaiki.
The precedent- setting 2003 “good faith agreement” was considered a template by then Mayor Harry Kim; an innovative and unprecedented plan, forged in the spirit of aloha by those who participated in the process.
Under the agreement, the developer is required to donate approximately 108 acres to the public (the county being the preferred entity) and to construct a coastal park, with camping areas, 121 parking spaces, public toilets and showers, a halau for cultural education and activities, as well as a mauka/makai access road and lateral vehicular access road along the shoreline.
The current jeep trail will close to vehicles to meet federal and state requirements to take cars off of the ancient Ala Kahakai trail to help connect 150 miles of pedestrian trails around the island.
In its place, a new vehicular access road for public use has been constructed just inland of the jeep road and will be open to the public from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. per the terms of the agreement.
All of the anchialine ponds, trails and historic sites will be restored. There will be an innovative approach to monitoring and maintenance of natural and cultural resources.
The agreement calls for a public/private partnership in the form of a committee made up of representatives of the community, the landowner and the county with equal one-third decision-making power and also shared responsibility of costs and labor for maintenance.
In return, the developer is allowed to construct 500 homes and a golf course, a portion of which is located on the 108 acres, with an exclusive easement granted back to the landowner. The golf course also provides a buffer between the public coastal park and the homes, which are to be built an average of 700 feet from the shoreline. The golf course will be open to the public one day a week. All of the provisions of the good faith agreement were incorporated into the Shoreline Management Area use permit that was granted to the developer in 2003. There were 88 conditions placed on the SMA permit.
To understand the significance and importance of the good faith agreement, we must remember what could have happened at Kohanaiki given the zoning entitlements on the property since 1980.
In 2003, an article in West Hawaii Today reported the agreed upon plans were “a far cry from the sprawling resort planned for the property in the 1980s by Kona Beach Development Venture and developer Nansay Hawaii.”
Original development plans called for more than 800 hotel rooms, six story-high buildings, specialty restaurants, more than 1,000 condos and homes and a golf course to be built around the anchialine ponds and on the coastline.
Public access would have been like other hotels — had it not been for the efforts and commitment of our community and our community leaders to minimize the impact of development at Kohanaiki.
The Kona community has long advocated for residents to have a role in land use planning. Development at Kohanaiki demanded citizens to fight for our coastline; to protect those activities and access rights that are enjoyed by our community, our quality of life, cultural practices and the environment.
Credit must also be given to all involved, including the late Rep. Patsy Mink, Uncle Leon Sterling, and Herb Kane; community groups, such as the Kohanaiki Ohana, Na Keiki Hee Nalu, Hui Hee Nalu, Public Access Shoreline Hawaii and Wave Riders Against Drugs; lineal and cultural descendants of the area; community leaders and elected representatives Virginia Isbell, Curtis Tyler, Pilago, Harry Kim and Billy Kenoi; Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, Sierra Club Legal Defense, Surfrider Foundation; local residents, businesses, attorneys and advisors; and especially the keiki surfers who continue to make us realize the importance of places like Kohanaiki.
The Kohanaiki Shoreline Park is the result of years of legal battles, collaboration and negotiation, and represents a willingness on the part of all stakeholders to share in the stewardship of this very special place.
Today, this same community that fought and won landmark Supreme Court cases to protect public access and gathering rights, that shaped the path of development on this land, can be proud of the coastal park that will soon be dedicated to the County of Hawaii to be enjoyed in perpetuity by future generations.
Rebecca Villegas
President
Kohanaiki Ohana
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Community, County Council, Environment, Hawaii, Hawaii County Public Notices, Kona, State Affairs | Tagged: Councilwoman Karen Eoff, Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii, Kohanaiki, Kohanaiki Shoreline Park, National Park | 1 Comment »
Mayor Billy Kenoi and the Hawai‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation are proud to welcome the public back to a thoroughly renovated and improved Waiākea Recreation Center.
Under renovations a few months ago.
A public blessing and re-dedication ceremony will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, April 26, at the Hilo facility. Refreshments will be served, and several martial arts and other groups that use the Waiākea Recreation Center will perform free athletic demonstrations.
Located at 1634 Kamehameha Avenue, the Waiākea Recreation Center has undergone a five month, $1.7 million makeover that has made it more comfortable, accessible and safer for the numerous groups and individuals who use it.
New roof insulation, ceiling fans and lighting have been installed in the main gym area. Extensive termite and water damage have been repaired, new roofing systems installed, hazardous building materials removed, existing bathrooms and showers renovated, the entire facility repainted, and various other improvements performed to meet federal accessibility standards.
General contractor Stan’s Contracting Inc. also installed an underground drainage system in the parking lot, graded and repaved the parking area and three driveway entrances, and connected the facility to the County’s wastewater treatment system.
Many others helped to make an improved Waiākea Recreation Center and save taxpayer money. Several martial arts organizations volunteered their time to complete various finishing touches in preparation for this weekend’s reopening, while personnel from the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Maintenance Division performed numerous repair tasks that complemented the contractor’s efforts.
The Department of Parks and Recreation wishes to thank the Shudokan Judo Club for improving the judo mat area, the Hilo Seishikan Aikido Club for repainting the kitchen, the Hilo Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido Club for beautifying the planter boxes, and the Kongo Zen Shorinji Ryu Son Ryu Karate Club for repainting the wooden floor of the martial arts practice area.
The department also wishes to recognize the following organizations for their monetary contributions and/or volunteer efforts toward improving the facility: Hilo Reshinkan Kendo Club; Hilo Tae Kwon Do Association; Waiākea Judo Club; Hawai‘i International Karate League; Hilo Kobukan Kendo Club; Hayaite Shotokan Karate; Atkins Martial Arts; Mo Min Kuen; Danish Fitness; Morning Fitness; Evening Fitness; and Insane Workout.
A sincere mahalo is extended to all Waiākea Recreation Center users and the general public for their patience and understanding while this important recreational center was being enhanced, repaired, and made more accessible.
For more information, please contact Jason Armstrong, Public Information Officer, at 345-9105, or jarmstrong@co.hawaii.hi.us.
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Community, Entertainment, Hawaii, Hawaii County Public Notices, Hilo, Kids, Sports | Tagged: Hawaii County Parks and Recreation, Mayor Billy Kenoi, Waiakea Recreation Center | Leave a Comment »
Fire Chief Darren Rosario would like to announce the implementation of a program designed for the collection of unwanted, illegal, and/or damaged fireworks. Until now, no program existed to allow for the proper disposal of unwanted fireworks. The Hawai‘i Fire Department (HFD) will be conducting a “one day only” Fireworks Collection campaign.
Members of the public will be able to drop off their unwanted fireworks at four locations island-wide on Saturday, April 27, 2013. Those wishing to participate can contact the HFD Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2912 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to get more information regarding drop off locations and drop off times.
The Hawai‘i Fire Department has been receiving inquiries from the public regarding proper disposal methods of fireworks. Improperly stored fireworks can create both a fire and public safety hazard. A significant amount of consumers do not use all fireworks purchased during the New Year or Fourth of July holidays. The unused product is then stored with the intent of being used during the next permissible occasion. Should a fire occur, the stored fireworks may add to the intensity and spread of the fire, and can pose serious safety concerns. Old and damaged fireworks are dangerous because they may not function as designed. Fireworks in general have the potential to cause significant property damage, serious injuries, and even death.
Please be advised that these fireworks are dangerous and utmost care must be taken to keep them away from any spark or open flame. Fireworks may be soaked in water overnight and dried prior to transporting them to one of the drop off locations. Please note that no other hazardous materials or explosive products will be accepted. Acceptable items will include all types of Fireworks, fountains, sparklers, firecrackers, cakes, rockets, etc.
In addition, you may also turn in any “aerial luminary devices.” The State of Hawai‘i deemed it illegal to buy, sell, use, possess, ignite, or cause to ignite any such aerial luminary device. An aerial luminary device is defined as any homemade or manufactured device that has an open flame and which can be send airborne or adrift, leaving the height and distance it travels to be determined by existing atmospheric conditions. These devices can start brushfires as well as entangle in electrical lines, and even has the ability to hit an aircraft if it drifts near an airport or in a vicinity of an aircraft. Please help us to prevent any fire threatening circumstances by turning in any unwanted fireworks at this time. The common brands found here are “Sky Lanterns” and “Hawai‘i Lanterns.”
The Hawai‘i Fire Department would like to thank you, the community, for its continued support in helping us make our Island as safe as can be. Fires and injuries caused by fireworks can be prevented and by providing proper collection and disposal opportunity, this program helps create a safer community for all.
For more information please call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2911 (Hilo) or 323-4760 (Kona).
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Education, Environment, Hawaii, Hawaii County Public Notices, Opala in Paradise | Tagged: Fire prevention, Fireworks, Illegal Fireworks in Hawaii | Leave a Comment »
Alternate lane closures along Ka‘iminani Drive will happen for two weeks.
Ka‘iminani Drive will be resurfaced starting from Imo Place and will continue in the makai direction toward Ahiahi Street beginning April 11. Alternating one- lane closures will be in effect between the hours of 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, weather permitting for two weeks.
This $10 million improvement project is federally funded. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is paying 80% of the construction cost and the County 20%. Improvements focus on roadway reconstruction, and drainage improvements that include six-foot shoulders, tie-ins to private driveways on Ka‘iminani, retaining walls, and re-striping of the roadway.
Improvements began in October 2012 at the intersection with Highway 190 and will end at Ahiahi Street in the third quarter of 2013.
Filed under: Announcements, Community, Hawaii County Public Notices, Kona, Transportation | Tagged: Federal Highway Administration, Ka`iminani Drive | Leave a Comment »
Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Community, Hawaii, Hawaii County Public Notices, Kenoi | Tagged: County of Hawaii, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission, PONC, Public Access | Leave a Comment »
Effective April 1, 2013, a change to the Pahoa-Hilo Hele-On Bus route will bring long-awaited service to the residents of Hawaiian Paradise Park.
On any given day, a young mother has her child strapped to her back, hiking down Maku`u Drive; residents struggle as they hitchhike long distances, and our kupuna become isolated and shut-in. “It’s a dangerous situation,” said Council Member Greggor Ilagan of District 4. “The community needs this bus service to access necessary social and medical services,” said Council Member Ilagan.
The Hilo-bound bus will turn from Highway 130 down Maku’u Drive to 16th, across to Paradise Drive, and back up to Highway 130. The Pahoa-bound bus will turn down Paradise, across 16th, and up Maku’u before continuing on Highway 130 toward Pahoa. The dedicated bus stop will be located at the HPP Activities Center and riders may park their vehicles or bikes there. Flag stopping will be honored where it is safe to do so, however riders should call the transit agency for tips.
“We thank our riders for supporting our Hele-On Bus system. This expansion will have a positive impact on the Hawaiian Paradise Park,” said Acting Administrator of Hawai’i County Mass Transit Agency, Tiffany Kai.
The Hilo-bound bus will run through HPP at 6:25 a.m., 12:05 p.m., and 4:35 p.m. The Pahoa-bound bus will run through HPP at 10:45 a.m., 2:35 p.m., and 4:50 p.m., Monday through Friday.
“This new Hele-On Bus route in HPP is the result of many people working together. I thank the HPP Owners Association’s President June Conant, the Board of Directors, Tiffany Kai and the Hawai’i County Mass Transit Agency, as well as Mayor Billy Kenoi for making this happen,” said Council Member Ilagan. “Serving the community is my priority. We invite everyone to utilize this new route to ensure its success.”
For more information, contact the Hawai’i Mass Transit Agency at http://www.heleonbus.org, or call 961-8744. Council Member Ilagan of District 4 is available at 965-2712.
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Community, Hawaii, Hawaii County Public Notices, Highway 130, Pahoa, Puna, Something New?, Transportation | Tagged: Buses on the Big Island, Councilman Greggor Ilagan, Hawaiian Paradise Park Owners Association, Hele-On Buses, Mayor Billy Kenoi, Pahoa | Leave a Comment »
South Hilo: Mo‘oheau Bus Terminal parking lot closed Monday & Tuesday, March 18-19
The County of Hawai‘i, Department of Public Works, Traffic Division staff will stripe the parking lot at the Mo‘oheau Bus Terminal on Monday and Tuesday. They will close the parking lot late Sunday night in preparation for the roadwork. The parking lot will remain closed until Tuesday at 5:00 PM, when it reopens.
Resurfacing Mo‘oheau Bus Terminal and the parking lot is scheduled for completion Friday, March 15. The parking lot will open Friday after 5:00 PM and remain open Saturday, closing late Sunday night.
Kona: Trees trimming along Māmalahoa Highway March 18-22
The County of Hawai‘i Highway Maintenance Division staff will trim trees in North and South Kona along Māmalahoa Highway beginning Monday, March 18 through Friday, March 22.
Alternating lane closures between the hours of 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM., begin at St John’s Church Rd in Kealakekua, in South Kona and end in Honalo, North Kona.
Motorists are asked to use the Māmalahoa Bypass Highway to avoid delays in Kainaliu and Honalo.
Roadwork is weather permitting.
Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Hawaii, Hawaii County Public Notices, Transportation | Tagged: Hawaii | Leave a Comment »
The Hawaii County Department of Public Works is letting folks know of the following:
The Highway Maintenance Division may resume resurfacing the parking lot Thursday and Friday, March 14 & 15.
The Traffic Division of Public Works is scheduling to stripe the parking stalls on a Sunday two weeks after resurfacing is completed. The two-week wait allows the asphalt to cure before marking the pavement.
Two lanes one in each direction will remain open to motorists. Street parking will be restored at the completion of resurfacing. Construction hours are 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM and may vary.
Access to Kūkūau Street from Kīlauea Avenue will be restricted to local traffic until the work is completed. Special Duty officers will redirect motorists to Kino‘ole Street.
Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Hawaii, Hawaii County Public Notices, Hilo, Transportation | Tagged: Hawaii | Leave a Comment »
The Mamalahoa Highway Bypass is now open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide much-needed traffic relief to the families of South Kona.
The bypass is located midway between the shoreline and Mamalahoa Highway. The bypass starts at the southern edge of Keauhou and runs approximately three miles to the bottom of Haleki’i Street in Kealakekua’s Kona Scenic subdivision.
The Mamalahoa Highway Bypass first opened in 2009 under a temporary agreement with 1250 Oceanside Partners, the developer of Hokuli’a. Initially, the bypass was only open in one direction for limited hours. Even under those conditions, the alternate route provided alleviated traffic congestion and frustration. The agreement later allowed for two-way traffic for longer hours.
“We’re happy to announce that this much-needed bypass is now permanent,” said Mayor Billy Kenoi. “It is yet another important piece of infrastructure critical to improving the traffic situation for the people of West Hawai’i.”
1250 Oceanside Partners conveyed all of its right, title and interest from the Ali’i Drive entrance to the Haleki’i Street intersection to the County in December 2012. The 4,284 feet of Haleki’i Street from Mamalahoa Highway Bypass to Muli Street was conveyed to the County in November 2012.
In preparation for opening the bypass 24/7, the Department of Public Works completed improvements to the bypass, including paving the shoulders, installing guardrails, removing a speed hump, restoring the road at the Ali’i Drive entrance, removing stop signs and striping turn lanes at the Haleki’i Street intersection. Signs prohibiting bicycles, pedestrians, mopeds, vehicles over three tons and scooters were removed. The 45 mph posted speed limit on the bypass and the 25 mph limit on Haleki’i Street will remain.
A large portion of the South Kona community works in either North Kona or South Kohala and commutes daily along Mamalahoa Highway. The two-lane bypass gives motorists an alternate route between North and South Kona. Opening this bypass was one of Mayor Kenoi’s priorities upon taking office in December 2008. The Mayor was personally involved in talks with Mauka Kona residents to insure that the opening of this bypass helps meet the critical need for the transportation infrastructure in West Hawai‘i.
“The more we improve our island’s road infrastructure and mass transit system, the less time our working people will be spending in traffic, and the more time they will be spending at home with their families,” said Mayor Kenoi.
Future plans include extending the Mamalahoa Highway Bypass from the intersection with Haleki’i Street to the junction of Mamalahoa Highway and Napo’opo’o Road.
Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Hawaii, Hawaii County Public Notices, Kenoi, Kona, Something New?, Transportation | Tagged: Kealakekua Hawaii, Mamalahoa Highway | Leave a Comment »
The Department of Parks and Recreation is investing $1.55 million to enhance the operation and usability of the Pāhoa Aquatic Center.
My son was so cold during his swim lessons, that he had to get out of the water and warm up despite wearing a rash guard!
Isemoto Contracting Co. Ltd. will expand the pool’s equipment building; reconfigure the pool’s pumps, circulation piping, and filtration system; and address recurring leaks that have begun to severely impact the daily operation of the pool. Improved water quality, lower operational costs and the ability to prevent or mitigate pool closures following an electrical outage will be among the significant public benefits.
Contract terms also call for installing roof-mounted solar heating panels to help warm the pool water, a new variable frequency drive to manage the pump motors more efficiently, and performing various repairs and safety upgrades to the facility.
Construction work will require closing the Pāhoa Aquatic Center for approximately six months starting Monday, January 7. The Department of Parks and Recreation apologizes for this inconvenience, and thanks swimmers, other pool users and the general public for their patience and understanding while this critical work is performed.
During the closure, users of the Pāhoa Aquatic Center are encouraged to visit Hilo’s Kawamoto Swim Stadium or Pāhala Swimming Pool located on the grounds of Ka‘ū High and Pāhala Elementary School. Operating hours, contact information and a list of other County of Hawai‘i swimming pools are available at www.hawaiicounty.gov/pr-aquatics/.
For more information, please contact Jason Armstrong, Public Information Officer, at 345-9105, or jarmstrong@co.hawaii.hi.us.
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Community, Entertainment, Hawaii, Hawaii County Public Notices, Kids, Pahoa | Tagged: Pahoa Aquatics Center, Pahoa Pool | 2 Comments »
South Hilo
Reed’s Island Bridge Closure
The bridge will close Friday, Dec. 28 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. This is to prepare for bridge repairs next month. The bridge will close Monday, Jan 14, 2013, and remain closed until October 2013. Ka‘iulani Street was extended 400-feet in the westerly direction to Hale and Kahema Streets as the detour route during the bridge closure.
No on street parking along Kīlauea Avenue
On January 2 and 3, the contractor will be grinding asphalt along both sides of Kīlauea Avenue from Ponahawai to Pauahi Street. No, on street parking, will be allowed from 8 a.m. to noon along both sides of Kīlauea Avenue.
January 2– No on street parking allowed from Two Ladies Kitchen to Kukuau Street.
January 3– No on street parking permitted from the Ben Franklin Store to Goodyear Tires.
Driveways along Kīlauea Avenue will not be blocked.
North Kona
Road resurfacing on Ka‘iminani drive that has closed one lane and created temporary delays this week ends Friday (Dec. 21.) at 3:30 p.m. The alternating one-lane closure between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. starts from Hua Place in the makai direction.
There is no road resurfacing on December 24-January 1. The week of January 2, road resurfacing will continue on Ka‘iminani drive to Ahiahi street.
All work is weather permitting.
Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Hawaii, Hawaii County Public Notices, Transportation | Tagged: Reed's Island Bridge | Leave a Comment »
The Governor’s neighbor island Liaison Offices will stop issuing State ID cards on Friday, December 14, 2012. There will be a brief period when the public will not be able to obtain a State ID.
Act 310 (SLH 2012) transfers the responsibility of State IDs from the Attorney General’s office to the State Department of Transportation beginning January 1, 2013. The County driver’s license offices will resume that responsibility on behalf of State DOT. Members of the public in Hawai‘i County will be able to apply for a State ID at the Hawai‘i County driver license offices in Hilo and Kona.
This transition moves Hawai‘i one step closer to meeting federal requirements under the REAL ID Act of 2005. Currently, Hawai‘i is the only state where driver’s license and state identification cards are issued by different government offices.
Other changes affecting State Identification beginning on January 1st include:
Documents required to obtain State IDs are the same as the documents required to obtain a driver license. These requirements can be viewed at: http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/finance-dl-hi-legal-presence
For questions regarding State IDs through December 31st please continue to contact the Governor’s Liaison Offices in Hilo at 974-6265 and Kona at 327-4953.
After January 1st please contact the driver license offices in Hilo or Kona by email at vehiclerl@co.hawaii.hi.us or by phone at 961-2222.
Filed under: Announcements, Hawaii, Hawaii County Public Notices, Legal, National Affairs, Something New?, State Affairs | Tagged: Hawai, Hawaii, Hawaii State ID Cards | Leave a Comment »
I was just perusing the Hawaii County Mayor’s Website and I came across this link for “Healing Our Islands”:
Click to enlarge
It looks like someone didn’t pay their bill for the Healing Our Islands website or something fishy is going on as when I go to that website linked on the Mayor’s site… it takes me to some sort of Japanese Blog that I can’t read:
Click to enlarge
Here is the alleged link to Healing Our Islands and you can see for yourself where it takes folks: http://www.healingourisland.com/
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Blogs, Comedy, Economy, Hawaii, Hawaii County Public Notices, Kenoi, Technology, Unexplained Phenomenon | Tagged: Healing Our Islands, Mayor of Hawaii County | Leave a Comment »
The County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce the construction of new restrooms at Reed’s Bay Beach Park in Hilo.
Isemoto Contracting Co. Ltd. has been awarded a $568,920 contract to build the comfort station and perform related site improvements. Work is scheduled to start Monday, December 10, and be finished next April.
Reeds Bay off Banyan Drive
The park will be kept open during the construction period, although the active construction areas at the site will be cordoned off to ensure the public’s safety. Portable bathrooms will continue to be provided for the public’s use until the new facility is opened.
A previous $690,000 renovation project completed at Reed’s Bay Beach Park in April of this year provided new sidewalks and paved walkways, new seat walls, outdoor showers, a drinking fountain, picnic tables, and landscaping. Also, Eagle Scout Chase Tanaka of Troop 78 provided additional landscaping enhancements and two new accessible picnic tables for the public to enjoy.
For more information, please contact Jason Armstrong, Public Information Officer, at 345-9105, or jarmstrong@co.hawaii.hi.us.
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Entertainment, Environment, Hawaii, Hawaii County Public Notices, Health, Opala in Paradise, Something New? | Tagged: Restrooms at Reed's Bay | Leave a Comment »
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