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| Monkeypod Tree, Pahala is the name of this artistic photo by Mary Goodrich, whose work will be shown during the Volcano Village Art Studio Tour and Sale today and tomorrow. |
MAYOR BILLY KENOI IS HOPING the county council will pass his proposal next week to float a $56 million bond. He pointed to the county’s good bond rating and said it makes good sense to finance important capital improvement projects for the Big Island to improve services and stimulate the economy. Among projects planned are an $8.8 million recycling and rubbish transfer station in Wai`ohinu. “Those who suggest we run for the bunker in tough economic times fail to see the opportunities that we have to make our island a better place to live,” the mayor said. He contended that floating the bond is based on sound economic principles. Other projects that will be funded include roads, parks and housing. The county takes up the issue on Tuesday, November 30.
THE GAS COMPANY PLANS to generate five percent of gas provided to customers through renewable bio-oil made from animal fats and other wastes. According to the Hawai`i state energy office, this will help Hawai`i reach 70 percent of energy coming from renewable sources by 2030. Ted Peck, who runs the energy office, said, “Our waste, which now costs us money to dispose, could become a revenue source.” The pilot program on O`ahu could expand to this island, where such waste as tallow from slaughter houses is buried in the ground. The bio-oil factory could also use waste from fish farms and sorghum and grasses grown here. In Ka`u, Ainakoapono hopes to farm thousands of acres and build a bio-fuel refinery in Pahala.
RECYCLING ON THE BIG ISLAND is up from 24 percent to 36 percent over the past three years. Last year more than 87 tons were diverted from landfills, said county recycling coordinator Linda Peters.
THE TEMPORARY COUNTY RUBBISH BIN will receive only plastic-bagged trash from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the county park at Kahuku in Ocean View. All other rubbish will be turned away. At the end of the day the bin is hauled away. The bin is being made available every Saturday until a permanent county recycling and transfer station is built.
A STUDENT TRACKING SYSTEM to help prevent challenged school students from falling through the cracks is coming on line with $2.6 million in new software at Hawai`i public schools. The plan is to give kids mini-tests so problems can be handled before the annual Hawai`i state assessment tests. Funding comes from a 75 million dollar federal Race to the Top grant. The tests are taken online or by filling in bubbles on written test sheets. Some educators and parents worry about too much test taking. Others agree that teachers and administrators need to understand the abilities of each student to personalize education and help those who have fallen behind.
THE ANNUAL VOLCANO VILLAGE ART STUDIO TOUR AND SALE invites everyone into Volcano Village to meet the artists today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The annual studio tour features eight studios with works ranging from quilts, paintings, pottery and photos to sculptures and hand-blown art glass. Many of these original creations are available for sale as Christmas gifts at affordable prices. A map for the tour is available at businesses in Volcano Village.
THE GAS COMPANY PLANS to generate five percent of gas provided to customers through renewable bio-oil made from animal fats and other wastes. According to the Hawai`i state energy office, this will help Hawai`i reach 70 percent of energy coming from renewable sources by 2030. Ted Peck, who runs the energy office, said, “Our waste, which now costs us money to dispose, could become a revenue source.” The pilot program on O`ahu could expand to this island, where such waste as tallow from slaughter houses is buried in the ground. The bio-oil factory could also use waste from fish farms and sorghum and grasses grown here. In Ka`u, Ainakoapono hopes to farm thousands of acres and build a bio-fuel refinery in Pahala.
RECYCLING ON THE BIG ISLAND is up from 24 percent to 36 percent over the past three years. Last year more than 87 tons were diverted from landfills, said county recycling coordinator Linda Peters.
THE TEMPORARY COUNTY RUBBISH BIN will receive only plastic-bagged trash from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the county park at Kahuku in Ocean View. All other rubbish will be turned away. At the end of the day the bin is hauled away. The bin is being made available every Saturday until a permanent county recycling and transfer station is built.
A STUDENT TRACKING SYSTEM to help prevent challenged school students from falling through the cracks is coming on line with $2.6 million in new software at Hawai`i public schools. The plan is to give kids mini-tests so problems can be handled before the annual Hawai`i state assessment tests. Funding comes from a 75 million dollar federal Race to the Top grant. The tests are taken online or by filling in bubbles on written test sheets. Some educators and parents worry about too much test taking. Others agree that teachers and administrators need to understand the abilities of each student to personalize education and help those who have fallen behind.
THE ANNUAL VOLCANO VILLAGE ART STUDIO TOUR AND SALE invites everyone into Volcano Village to meet the artists today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The annual studio tour features eight studios with works ranging from quilts, paintings, pottery and photos to sculptures and hand-blown art glass. Many of these original creations are available for sale as Christmas gifts at affordable prices. A map for the tour is available at businesses in Volcano Village.
