A NOMINEE FOR THE WINDWARD PLANNING COMMISSION is sought by Mayor Mitch Roth. The person selected could vote for or against one of the ongoing considerations - proposal for a Special Management Area permit for various accommodations and commercial enterprises in the old Sea
Mountain Resort and Punalu'u Black Sand beach area.
The position on the Planning Commission is for N. Hilo - Hamakua and was formerly held by John Cross, who worked for many years in Kaʻū. The Commissioner for Kaʻū is Louis Danielle, manager of Kaʻū Coffee Mill. He succeeded John Replogle, who has worked and volunteers for land and ocean conservation programs.
Holders of the seven Planning Commission seats vote on issues concerning each others districts,
including zoning changes, variances, approval of Special Management Area permits and other matters.
A statement from the Mayor's office says, "These bodies play a vital role in ensuring our communities' responsible and sustainable development, protecting cultural resources, and upholding the highest standards in planning and appeals processes."
Qualified individuals interested in serving on these Boards and Commissions are invited to apply. "Applicants should possess a solid commitment to the community, relevant expertise, and a willingness to dedicate their time to public service."
For further information or inquiries, contact Pomai Bartolome at pomaikai.bartolome@hawaiicounty.gov or apply online at Boards & Commissions Application - Mayor | Hawaii County, HI.
Matthew Koi |
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Koi can contact Detective Donovan Kohara at 808-960-3118 or donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov. Also contact the Hawai‘i Police Department’s non-emergency number at 808-935-3311.
Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 808-961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION will be held between 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3 in Hilo at Waiākea High School Parking Lot B (entry via Po'okela Parkway, upper driveway off W. Kāwili Street).
Another Hazardous Waste Collection will be in Kona on Saturday, Feb. 10 at West Hawai'i Civic Center Parking Lot (entry via 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Highway).
County Department of Environmental Management states that it "holds these regular collection events, at no charge to the public, so households can conveniently dispose of acceptable household hazardous waste in a manner that protects both public health and the environment."
Acceptable household hazardous waste includes automotive fluids, used batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and pesticides. For a more complete list of acceptable or unacceptable household hazardous waste, visit https://www.hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/household-hazardous-waste/. The website includes information on solid waste diversion and recycling.
These events are for household-generated and self-hauled waste only. Business, government agency, non-profit agency, or farm wastes are prohibited by law. No latex paint, no electronic waste, and no tires will be accepted.
Rules have been set for public safety and the safety of the staff conducting these events:
- Remain in your vehicle unless directed by authorized personnel.
- Prior to arriving at the event, place your HHW items in your trunk or truck bed. Make sure your trunk can be unlocked or opened remotely. If you don't have a trunk or truck bed, it is preferred that you place your materials in the unlocked and unoccupied backseat area.
- All containers brought to the event will not be returned and should be disposable. If you want to keep your container, transfer the material into a safe disposable container prior to the event.
- Please label your HHW items (if possible) and make sure that your HHW items are easily distinguishable and separate from anything else in your trunk or truck bed.
- If you are under quarantine, feeling ill or showing symptoms of illness, please consider postponing your participation in our event or designate someone else to drop off your materials.
With questions, contact Chris Chin-Chance, Recycling Specialist with Department of Environmental Management, at (808) 961-8554, or email recycle3@hawaiicounty.gov.