Day of Democracy invites us April 7th

Anyone interested in doing a table there please let me know.

Aloha Susan,
Let me know if this would work. It is the article I wrote for the student newspaper.
Justin Avery
990 1421

DAY OF DEMOCRACY…CELEBRATE DEMOCRACY
On Friday, April 7 UHH and HCC student governments will be bringing you a day filled with free music, food, prizes, games, speakers, and, most importantly, Democracy. The event will be from 10am-10pm in the Campus Center Plaza at UHH.
The aim of the day is to encourage students to become more involved in their democratic system. Groups and info tables will be in the plaza offering students opportunities to become informed on what living in a Democracy is all about. Raffle tickets will be given out at the various tables, giving students a chance to win one of 7 iPODs.
The Political Science Club, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Hawaii Democrats, Voter Owned Hawaii, and University of Hawaii at Hilo Student Association (UHHSA) will be among the groups. There will also be a Voter Registration table to register people to vote.
A lineup of 8 local bands will be performing throughout the day. The bands include: Damage Control, Joe and Crew, F.F.O.R., Curt dela Cruz, Mortal Clay, Augustine, 'Ai Pohaku, and Field of Fire. The music is generously funded by ASUH HawCC- HCC student government.
Local politicians will be speaking on the importance of Democracy.
Councilman Gary Safarik, Councilman Bob Jacobson, Representative Cliff Tsuji and Hawaii Island Executive Director Andy Levin representing Mayor Harry Kim's office are a few of the local officials that will be present.
Other special guests include Pastor Fran Wiebenga from the United Methodist Church in Hilo will be speaking on the importance of separation between church and state.
One time Assessor of Los Angeles County, Kenneth Hahn, will be speaking on the importance of good government. Assessor Hahn was the highest elected gay official in the United States when he was in office. He represented over 10 million people in a county that has a higher population than 42 U.S. states.
Other speakers include UHH political science professor and author, Dr.
Rick Castberg, and U.N. representative, Joshua Cooper.
An Art Contest will also be at the event with the theme "Democracy in Your Community." UHH and HCC students are invited to submit visual art, photography or writings before 10am on Friday, April 7th. Works can be turned into the UHHSA office, CC211. Submissions will be voted on by students attending the event, and a winner from each category will win an iPOD.
There will be a Voter Registration Class from 10am-12pm in CC301.
Everybody is invited to attend this free class that certifies participants to register people to vote. Please pre-register by calling 961-8277.
The Political Science Club will be moderating a debate by current UHHSA candidates. Aspiring student government members will be asked questions pertaining to how they feel UHH will be best represented.
Ice Cream from Hilo Homemade will be served. Pupus from Garden Snack Club will be served around lunch and dinner time. Refreshments will be provided all day.
The event is made possible by ASUH HawCC and UHHSA-your student governments.

LINEUP
10:00-12:00 Voter registration Class (CC301) 10:00-12:00 UHHSA debates (POLY SCI Club)
12:00-1:00 MORTAL CLAY (rock)
1:00-1:15 Dr.Rick Castberg
1:15-2:15 F.F.O.R. (rock)
2:15-2:30 Councilman Gary Safarik
2:30-2:45 Councilman Bob Jacobson
2:45: 3:00 Assessor Ken Hahn
3:00-3:15 County Executive Director Andy Levin
3:15-3:30 Joshua Cooper
3:30-3:45 Pastor Fran Wiebenga
3:45-4:45 FIELDS OF FIRE (bluegrass)
4:45-5:00 Representative Cliff Tsuji
5:00-6:00 JOE AND CREW (island)
6:00-6:15 CURT dela CRUZ (acoustic)
6:15-7:15 DAMAGE CONTROL (hip hop)
7:15-7:30 Raffle and Art Contest results
7:30-8:30 AUGUSTINE(rock)
8:45-9:45 'AI POHAKU (reggae)

Citizens for Better Government have a new website

Aloha Ladies and Gentlemen,

This is the new website for Citizens for Better Government: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WHCitizens/
The website can be used by all. It is mostly designed for the six group leaders to post information as it pertains to their group.

Thank you to Peter Wu for setting up this website for us.

I would like some feed back regarding this new website. Thank you again for your patience regarding the cancellation of the last meeting due to weather and two road closures.

Keep up the great work.

Aloha,
Susan McGeachy
mcgeachy@hawaii.rr.com

Citizens for Better Government
Next meeting April 24th, Monday 5:30-7:30
See you there.

Rain out- See you next meeting

Re: Citizens for Better Government:

Aloha Ladies and Gentlemen,

Due to the incredible storm that is passing over our island.

We will postpone our meeting until next month Monday April 24th. It will be the same place and same time.

If you have any questions or comments please let me know.

I will go down to the school at 5:30 and inform those that are not on email.

Thank you for your patience and keep dry.

Aloha, Susan

Agenda for March Meeting

Agenda for March Meeting:
3/27/06 Kealakehe High School Library 5:30-7:30

Groups:
The Six groups and leaders have been selected at the Feb. meeting.

1. Each Group will give a report on their progress.
1. Media-This group will track what the media puts out and write letters to the editors on all islands to bring attention to our cause.
2. Government Watchdogs- The goal of this group is to read and track everything the county council/ etc. is doing. They will organize the presences of our group at the county council meetings.
3. Registered Voters- This group will order Wiki Wiki voters registration applications and organize sites to set up tables to register voters.
4. Finance and fund raising- This group will be in charge of the money and fund raising efforts to keep this group alive.
5. Advertising and design- This group will come up with three names/ logos for our group. They will create the ads or posters for the meetings or events we want the public to be aware of.
6. Research and Development- This group will search for data. Ie. How much each district is receiving in property taxes for the past year. How many people voted by district. What are the other islands doing and how can we join together.

2. Finance and Fund Raising: Will cover the methods of creating an organization and electing officers. Fund raising ideas will be explored.

3. We will split into the 6 Groups and come up with 3 goals for the next month. We need a full listing of names and emails for everyone in each group. We will regroup all together and share the goals.

A Special Thank You to all of you for your participation.
This can only happen because you are involved and
Taking action to better your community.

Thank you, NEXT MEETING APRIL 24th Monday
Susan McGeachy Kealakehe High School 5:30-7:30

*Note: June, July, Aug.
We need a meeting location.

County Council Meeting Tue for 1000 units nr Airport

THE MEETING IS ABOUT 1000 UNITS ABOVE THT AIRPORT, MAUKA QUEEN K THE MEETING IS AT THESHERATON HOTEL THIS TUESDAY AT 2 : 30 IN THE AFTERNOON WHEN WE ARE WORKING. I CALLED ANGEL POLAGO BUT HE HASNT RETUR MY CALL. jrrlange@earthlink .net
Jerry Lange.

Coastview/Wonderview Roads FINAL FINAL FINAL

Aloha Residents of Coastview/Wonderview Subdivisions:
On Wednesday, March 22nd at the County Council Meeting in Kona, Bill 212 regarding the appropriation of $858,000 for the resurfacing of Coastview/Wonderview roads will be heard on 2nd and final reading. This is to approve the funding necessary to re-pave the roads.

Public Testimony will be taken at 10:30
Sheraton Keauhou
Testimony can also be sent via fax to:
329-4786 and
961-8912
or email to:
counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Please cc to:
kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us
Public Testimony is limited to 3 minutes
Testimony should be directed to
Chairman Higa and Councilmembers
Re: Bill 212 - Coastview/Wonderview Road Resurfacing
Please forward this message to other people in your community so they may provide testimony in support of the Bill.
If you have any questions, let me know.
Thank-you for your continued hard work to see this project through. We will do all we can to assist.
Karen
Karen Eoff, Aide to
Councilman K. Angel Pilago
District 8, North Kona
808-327-3642
www.angelcouncil.org

Makaklei Estates heads up.

Aloha,
On Tuesday, 3/21, Hilu Hilu Development will present it's plans for "Palamanui"
This project is located below Makalei Estates and above the Kona Airport.
Councilman Pilago and Councilman Hoffmann have stated the following:
PALAMANUI (HILUHILU) DEVELOPMENT on Planning Committee's 3/21/06 Agenda
The pace of development in West Hawai'i concerns all residents of the Big Island. Traffic (or the lack of an adequate road system) is topmost on our list of infrastructure deficiencies. We must also improve our health services, schools, parks and recreation facilities, have clean water, and proper waste processing. It is neither rational nor feasible for us as Council members to ignore these infrastructure shortfalls and expect them to be resolved without recognition that all stakeholders must work cooperatively to find effective solutions. Those stakeholders are the residents of West Hawai'i, the County, and the developers themselves.
As Council members, we have a responsibility to the community at large.
Development should not be approved when it impacts the general public and diminishes the quality of life of our community. On the other hand, we do not expect developers to build all roads and correct all infrastructure needs by themselves.
On the 21st of March, the County Council's Planning Committee will meet at the Sheraton Keauhou Resort and begin discussions on the Palamanui
(Hiluhilu) Development. This proposed project is an 855 unit development located about one mile north of the airport and mauka of Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway. The application has some worthwhile features such as the creation of a new University for West Hawai'i. However, we must balance increased traffic impacts and additional infrastructure deficits. At this time we need more public notice and public communication.
Planning Committee Chairperson, K. Angel Pilago, and Vice-Chair Pete Hoffmann request that the public, and especially West Hawai'i residents, know about and follow the progress of these discussions closely. Public participation and testimony on this and other planning issues are vital to us. We stand ready to listen and respond to your recommendations and statements.
It is imperative that all Council members receive public testimony on this issue. Although many people express a general cynicism that the Council won't listen to public comments, we urge everyone to assertive and responsible involvement.
For further information, call the Council offices in Kona at 327-3642 and Waimea office at 887-2043.
-----------------------------------------
We urge you to come to the meeting in Kona and give public testimony on this proposed development.
March 21, 2006
2:30 PM
Committee on Planning
Sheraton Keauhou ( Old Kona Surf )
For people who cannot attend, but would like to provide testimony.
Please email to:
counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us <mailto:counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us>
cc to:
kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us <mailto:kapilago@co.hawaii.hi.us> or FAX to:
961-8912 and
329-4786
Mahalo a nui loa. We appreciate your support!
Angel
Karen
Maile

Karen
Karen Eoff, Aide to
Councilman K. Angel Pilago
District 8, North Kona
808-327-3642
www.angelcouncil.org

Rep. Jacobson appreciates the Hilo Song.

Aloha Susan
Thanks for the tune. It is catchy and well done. I hope that the artists understand that the song applies to all the anger of non-Hilo taxpayers across the island.

Is it public domain? May I forward it safely to others. Who produced it and where is the band based? Etc
Send my appreciation to the band.
Mahalo
Councilmember Bob Jacobson District 6 Puna/Kau/South Kona

Aloha Bob,

Thank you. This song was sent to me by someone who attended one of my “Citizens for Better Government” meetings. This is the info on it.
I don’t know Jerry but would love to meet him. He has captured our plight perfectly.

Copyright / Artist Jerry Schneyer ( it shows up at the bottom when you play it with Windows media player ). Sorry, I don't have any contact info. I think you will need to forward it to those you want to hear it

Susan McGeachy
http://hawaiicountyissues.blogspot.com
The song is on the blog.

Susan responds to Sandra

Aloha Sandra,

We are trying but we are swimming up stream without a paddle. You are the first person that has made any comment to follow up with the DWP water codes. We need it in writing and directed to all of the homeowners. I am going to dig my own hole for the pipe because frankly I can’t afford any more money on this water project. I have given literally hundreds of hours of free time with NO help from the Water Department. I have had it. They can organize it themselves.

Gary Ashikawa and the Ashikawa Trust was one of the parties that started the Ahikawa part of Coastview. The subdivision Kukuinui is NEW and only 10,000 sq. feet lots. Totally a different subdivision then Coastview 1/3 to1/2 acre lots started in 1963. It has its own CCR’s. No infrastructure was paid for by Ashikawa for the Coastview project. That is why we are left with no WATER LINES. I will look at the planning department for the Kukuinui subdivision docs. We need to get to the bottom of this.

The reason the Water Department is pushing us to hook up is for that subdivion as well as the Matsumoto fiasco. It is not our fault Matsumoto was allowed to get away with lack of payment, service and infrastructure for all of these years. The Water Department should have followed Federal Standards if they didn’t have their own State wide standards. When they got to 100 meters they should have stopped and followed Federal Standards.
Now we are getting stuck trying to correct these years of neglect.

Sincerely Exhausted from the lack of HELP from the County.
Mrs. McGeachy

Sandra responds to the Water Wo's.

Dear Susan:

I am reluctant to return to the fray of the Coastview/WonderView water system. Reading your several e-mails to and from DWS leads me to make a few comments. I am sure I will regret succumbing to the temptation, as I am no longer on the Water Board and could safely stay out of the way.

First, interconnections among subdivisions' water supplies, all of which have paid for their water systems, is only common sense, for the reasons you were given. I would agree with you that if DWS were connecting other subdivisions that did not previously have DWS service would not be fair to C'view/W'view owners -- they could be considered "free riders." But that is not the case. Making interconnections to other existing services provides back up and better service for everyone.

Second, DWS does not regulate any plumbing beyond the water meter. If you want to install driscoll pipe or PVC to connect from the water meter to your house, you are free to do so, as long as you meet the DPW building code for your area. If a pipe breaks between the DWS meter and your house, DWS is not responsible, so they don't mandate any specifics of how you connect.

Third, the scarcity of plumbers and excavators to make the connections is a problem. In my subdivision, it took months to get a plumber to install just 20 backflow prevention devices. Getting connections done in a timely and cost effective way would probably be more likely if all the owners who need connections banded together and let a contract to a large firm (Isemoto comes to mind) to do all of the connections in a set way in a time frame the owners and DWS can live with. This is just a suggestion.

Maybe it's time for another public meeting with DWS to work out the final details of how the connections will be made and when the system can be considered complete. If I were organizing the meeting, I would ask all the local contractors who do water connections to attend. Everyone involved needs to know the game plan to get 408 homes connected the the new system, before the old one is eliminated.

You have my very best wishes and congratulations on getting the new water system in place.

Aloha,
Sandra

Hilo song: 31/2 minutes

Hilo Song hilo.mp3 Copyright / Artist Jerry Schneyer

03-15-2006

Ladies and Gentlemen:

First, I want all to know that I am not trying to break any copyright laws. However, this song sums up the frustration that is being experienced by the West Side of the Island of Hawaii. We, Kau, North and South Kona, North and South Kohala and the Hamakua Districts pay the majority of the taxes and North and South Hilo and the Puna Districts get the majority of the services. This is not an exaggeration. All one has to do is to review the infrastructure on our side, shall we call it the Kona side, of the Island and then compare it to their side, shall we call it the Hilo side, of the Island and you will understand what we are saying. We are disenfranchised, we don't have the population to get our fair share of the taxes paid spent on infrastructure on the Kona side. Case in point is the widening of Kuakini Highway. Kuakini Highway, is but one of our bumper to bumper roads on the Kona side from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM five days a week. Kuakini Highway is being widened from Palani Road to Hualalai Road. This is a distance of about seven city blocks or around 2,000 feet. When finished, you'll enter this four lane, seven block long improvement from three, two lane feeders on the Palani Road side which will be joined by another four lane feeder at Henry Street and continue to Hualalai Road where this four lane improvement will again become three, two lane feeders on the Hualalai Road side. It is taking two years to do this, a union job of course, we are not allowed to use the fastest and cheapest in the Peoples Republic of Hawaii, and many millions of dollars, the total of which I'm sure no one knows yet. What do we get, the answer is a seven block long aneurysm. We have solved nothing. Traffic is bumper to bumper entering this seven block long improvement and bumper to bumper exiting this seven block long improvement. All that I can say is that I pray for the repose of the souls of the Governmental Officials on the Hilo side as God will surely condemn them to the everlasting fires of Hell when they pass from this life for what they have done and are doing to the Kona side of the Island of Hawaii. You are receiving this E-Mail in hopes that I/we can generate some interest on the part of the media to assist I/us in leveling this very hilly playing field. I/we know that we are but a small part of these Islands, but a part I/we are and we deserve better than what we are receiving.

Sincerely,

Richard B. Leander, Jr., C.P.A.

The rest of the Water Story

Subject: FW: Water Meeting. The rest of the story

The County Needs to ADDRESS THE HOMEOWNERS:

The truth of the hook ups has to come out. The Water Department needs to get on the ball and help us organize this project. We have contractors and plumbers that are willing to start, but we have a number of problems.
No pipe on island to hook up any of the lots.
No standards for the hook ups. Can you put the pipes into a raised rock wall for cheap or do we have to drill down through sheet lava 17 inches for thousands of dollars? Can we use disco? PVC? Copper? Is installation different? It needs to be clear. It isn’t my job to inform all of the homeowners on what is happening and how it works. This needs to be as affordable as possible for the homeowners. How much can the homeowner do it himself?
I heard it will be $1,190.00 for a meter from the County of Hawaii (actual cost to County approx. $65.00); the second unit on a CPR the meter will be like $5,500.00. This is insane. Both parts of the 23 CPR lots are paying taxes and paying the $10,000.00 each. On the CPR lots why the last one to the building department should be stuck with the $5,500.00 bill?
The County Water Department wants to close off the old systems on June 30, 2006 and there aren’t even any supplies on the island to do the job. The time line isn’t realistic especially since we have a half dozen plumbers and excavators to do 410 lots.
$6.2 million is being paid as follows: $1.8 million paid for by the Federal Government and the remaining $4.4 million is being paid for by the 410 lot owners. NOT one dime from the County or the State for this project. The County Water Department feels they have done a lot of work on this project. But in actuality the County has been paid for their hours of labor on design and engineering. Our project covered their bill. I am a Volunteer. I have fielded so many Water calls that I am over on the minutes and will now be charged for all my overtime. I find most of this time is for the WATER questions that the County should be handling.
This information should be clarified and sent to each of the 410 lot owners. They have to know: that they need a Licensed Plumber to hook up.
I have spoken with 120 people that want bids but we are waiting for the County Standards to start.

I wrote to the Water Department back in January and asked for Standards and the response was:

“The homeowners are contacting me regarding the lines on their own property. Does the County or Water Department have any recommendations on Standards?”

Answer: The Department of Water Supply does not have any recommendations regarding the consumers' supply pipe as the supply pipe shall at all times remain the sole property of the applicant and/or owner, and the applicant and/or owner shall be responsible for its maintenance and repair.

This sure doesn’t address any of the questions above. They didn’t say you need a plumbing permit from the building department in order to hook up. Nothing to help the homeowner. The Water Department has been given my 2 week notice as the Lead Volunteer. They aren’t being direct with the lot owners. See you in June doesn’t work. We are still waiting for our letter of disclosure on this process. So far 2 lots have run their pipe. Only 408 lots to go.

At every single water meeting during this process we requested that if any other additional subdivisions were attached to ours that they would contribute to our cost just like the SSP for a power pole you buy into that was paid for and reimbursed. It would be different if the county had contributed something financially to this system. But to put the cost of the system on to the homeowners and then make more money hooking other subdivisions to the pipes we can barely pay for. Sure sounds fair to me.

Susan McGeachy

Does this sound right to you? Water for ALL!

Read from the bottom up! Please Call the Water Department if you don't agree with this email.

Dear Ms. Komata,
This in not acceptable. We have paid for the infrastructure and AT NO TIME WAS THIS COVERED WITH THE HOMEOWNERS. WHY WOULD WE PAY FOR OTHER SUBDIVISION'S WATER CONNECTIONS? This is our system that will be dedicated to the County upon completion.
Let's see what the homeowners think.
Sincerely concerned,
Susan McGeachy

-----Original Message-----
From: Komata, Shari [mailto:SKomata@hawaiidws.org]
Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 10:22 AM
To: 'Susan McGeachy'; dws; George A. Wilkins
Cc: Virginia Isbell; Karen Eoff; K. Angel Pilago ; NWHITTINGTON@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: RE: Water Meeting.
Dear Mrs. McGeachy,
The Department may interconnect waterlines where it is possible so that we may provide better water service to our customers, especially in times where we may need to shut-off water to do repairs. By interconnecting the waterlines it allows the Department to continue to service an area without interruption and/or cause minimal disruption to a particular water system.
Other subdivisions that will be connected to the Kona Coastview/Wonderview Water System Improvements are subdivisions already established with county water and the connections will enhance water service to all subdivisions.
As for Mr. Ashikawa's subdivision, we will be connecting to his subdivision with this project; however, he is already being serviced from the Palisades Subdivision as he has paid for his own infrastructure and applicable fees.
Sincerely,
Shari Komata
Department of Water Supply

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Susan McGeachy [SMTP:mcgeachy@hawaii.rr.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 7:28 AM
> To: dws; George A. Wilkins ; Komata, Shari
> Cc: Virginia Isbell ; Karen Eoff ; K. Angel Pilago ;
> NWHITTINGTON@co.hawaii.hi.us
> Subject: FW: Water Meeting.

Dear Water Department,
>
> Please address this email. Are other subdivions being connected on to
> our subdivision? Are they paying into the system the same as we are?
>
> We need to know ASAP. This was not part of our agreement to pay for
> the infrastructure for anyone other then our 410 lots.
>
>
> This needs to be addressed TODAY.
> Sincerely Concerned,
> Mrs. Susan McGeachy
_____

> From: Peter Hain [mailto:hainp004@hawaii.rr.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 8:59 PM
> To: Susan McGeachy
> Subject: Re: Water Meeting.
>
> Thanks Susan:
> Not to add to the insanity but were you aware that "our" water system
> is connected to the Ashikawa subdivision at Nana/Holo Holo. I saw
> Isemoto installing the pipe and valves to make the connection.
>
> FYI

> Peter Hain

Research and Development Group At Work

Hi Susan:
On Friday, March 10, 2006, West Hawaii Today published the "breakdown of what $172 million allotted to Big Island projects would go toward;". There is $1,000,000 allotted in the current year's budget and $3,000,000 allotted in next year's budget for Kona International Airport Terminal Modifications. Can you tell me where I can go to find out what this money is specifically to be spent on?

Thanks,
Barry

Aloha Barry,
This is a good question for the Research and Development Group to answer.
I will forward it on to them.
Thanks, Susan


My first guess is the C-17 SAAF project, which includes expanding the runway and providing additional emergency response equipment and quarters, as well as hazmat containment - among who knows what other features.
I noticed that a security road is in the works for the airport perimeter, which would also put a giant dent in any budget. I'm presuming that is the State budget referred to. I do have the EA for the SAAF project, which I did commented on to no avail (that military projects belong at military installations and not in a residential area, for a multitude of specific reasons that were discounted).

This was to be a DOD cost, or so I thought. Is it possible that the State is enhancing the airport for the benefit of the military? Don't rightly know, but will contact Linda Lingle to find out.

Thank you for bringing up the subject.

Barbara Scott


FYI:

http://www.state.hi.us/lrb/dir/dot.pdf

Aaron Stene

Peter asks Can we sue the County?

As I see what has happened with the Hokulia case, my idea is that the best and quickest strategy is to file a class action lawsuit against the County govt. Have the taxpayers on the Kona side declare themselves as a class that pays 73% of the County taxes each year and receives 7% of the County spending on roads and infrastructure. We can sue for the taxes paid the past
5 years and I bet that would make the County sit up and take notice.
Peter

TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW! COME ON DOWN

Public Service Announcement: Please print this out and share this with your friends and neighbors. Thank you for your support.

UP COMING EVENTS:


CITIZENS FOR BETTER GOVERNMENT
MARCH 27th MONDAY
Kealakehe High School (library) 5:30-7:30



Take part in your community. Come and make a difference.
In order to make real changes in our government
“We the People” need to start a movement.

This is where it starts.

Susan McGeachy
http://hawaiicountyissues.blogspot.com
mcgeachy@hawaii.rr.com
325-7576

March meeting maybe be the last!

Aloha Ladies and Gentlemen,

Due to the lack of funds to advertise this meeting.
This will be the public announcement.

For the March meeting:


CITIZENS FOR BETTER GOVERNMENT

MEETING: MONDAY MARCH 27TH 5:30-7:30
Kealakehe High School Cafeteria

Hosted by: Susan McGeachy
http://hawaiicountyissues.blogspot.com/


Note: Please tell your friends and neighbors
If there is a poor turn out then this will be the last meeting.

Thank you for your continued support on this project.

Susan McGeachy
mcgeachy@hawaii.rr.com

Government Group creates a Calendar

aloha sue and everybody

go here http://calendar.aol.com/Published?calid=dGlta29uYV4w

and check out some upcoming dates....council, edcase, planning comm

we need to tell people that they dont need to be interested in a given subject, or rehearsed and ready to talk...but if they would just attend ANY meeting that fits their given schedule...seems as though there is a meeting of some sort nearly every given moment of any day.....which brings me to the point of enticing more involvement from the Hilo side...we need players on that side to attend the numerous meetings that occur there....but that is for another email
aloha

tim bates
govt committee

Carol Responds

Good Morning Sue,

I think I'm writing a soon to be elected representative. Your letters are articulate, heartfelt and backed with action.

Thank-you and continue to proceed with wisdom and courage.
Carol Lamse

Resurfacing Coastview round 1 done.

PLEASE FORWARD TO YOUR NEIGHBORS
Aloha Residents of Coastview/Wonderview Subdivisions:
Bill 212, regarding the appropriation of $858,000 for the resurfacing of Coastview/Wonderview roads, passed 1st reading on 3/1/06. This is to approve the funding necessary to fix the roads. It will go to 2nd and final reading on March 22nd at the Council meeting in Kona. This meeting will be held at the Sheraton Keauhou (Old Kona Surf).
When the agenda is published we will let you know what time it is scheduled to be heard. Your testimony (written or in person) is appreciated.

Karen
Karen Eoff, Aide to
Councilman K. Angel Pilago
District 8, North Kona
808-327-3642
www.angelcouncil.org

Andrew responds to 1st meeting

Susan,
Pilago and Hoffman are at the core of support for the sort station / 'send it to Kona' plan. Your words about 'electing other people' ring hollow until you start supporting a candidate against them. As far as I could see your meeting might as well have been a Pete Hoffman campaign rally.
Talk is cheap.
Andrew Walden

Aloha Andrew,
I guess you missed the point of entire meeting. Many people stood up and spoke. This meeting was to hear the cry of the public. It was hardly a Hoffman campaign rally. I would say it was a public rally for discontentment of the current system.
As for the current administration, If I thought they were doing a good job then I wouldn’t be wasting my time trying to better our community.
The next election may be a wake up call. We need to stop complaining and look for solutions. What are you doing?
You’re right talk is cheap.
Susan McGeachy
http://hawaiicountyissues.blogspot.com

Impact Fee Meeting 3/8/06

Aloha,
Do you support the idea of generating more revenue for West Hawaii infrastructure?
Then attend the workshop on Impact Fees being held at 2:00pm on March 8th at Yano Hall in Captain Cook.
The County of Hawaii is working on a long overdue Impact fee policy and draft ordinance to replace the current fair share assessment system. The following quote come from Duncas Associates, the firm who is currently working with the County. Duncan Associates is one the national authorities on impact fees.
"Over the past quarter century, impact fees have become an integral part of local government infrastructure financing. ...... Because of them, the phrase “growth should pay its own way” is now part of our national vocabulary."
The County is moving ahead in developing an Impact Fee program, but there are options that need to be examined in order to adopt a program that works best for this Island. Come to the workshop, learn more, and support this effort!
Here is the link to the web site put togerther by Duncas Associates to educate people about this important tool. http://www.impactfees.com/
Here is a link put together by the County:
http://co.hawaii.hi.us/planning/ipfna.htm
Mahalo, Nancy
With additional questions or to RSVP for the meeting call:
Alice Moon, IPFNA Community Relations Liaison
For Helber Hastert & Fee, Planners, Inc.
(808) 933-9772 office
(808) 937-4696 cell

Jim responds to Trash

Susan,

You make a very good point! Without a replacement landfill to service the Hilo side, where will the rubbish go?!! With no plan for a new landfill, we are right back to trucking it to Kona!

Thanks for your efforts, sorry I could not attend your last meeting. How are your different groups coming along?

Jim Cohn

Richard responds to Trash

Dear Susan,

You need to sort the trash to recapture the recyclables and then burn the rest to generate electricity. This is being done in Connecticut on a environmentally and economically sound basis. The technology is there all we have to do is convince the County to get rid of the union that ties a millstone around our necks and hire "AGAIN" a professional waste management company to handle this mess once and forever. The union is the problem and we just don't have the courage to tell them to stop ruining the entire Island for the sake of the jobs of 10 to at most 100 union members at the expense of the entire Island. The union just can't continue to hold all of us at ramsom for their wages, benefits and job security cosiderations. I be pleased to let them all retire early at full retirement benefits just to save the rest of the Island from their constant unreasonable demands that get us into these messes in the first place. We wouldn't be facing this crisis if Waste Management, Inc. had been kept on as the managers for the refuse on this Island instead of buckling to the union.

Sincerely,

Richard B. Leander, Jr., C.P.A.

Mecca responds to Trash

I mentioned the Hawaii trash problem to my sister who lives on the mainland, and knows nothing of the east/west split, etc. She said - "The Big Island has a volcano, right? - Why don't you dump all the trash into the volcano and stop worrying about where to put it. You have the best natural furnace on earth right in your backyard."
Never thought of that. Why don't we do that? It's a really big hole and it will be good for as long as Pele chooses.
Mecca

Drew responds to the Trash

ALOHA SUSAN ..... I FEEL THAT I HAVE SOME SPECIAL TALENT WHEN IT COMES TO DEALING WITH WASTE.... I SENT A E-MAIL TO THE MAYOR .... STATING THAT WE COULD BECOME AN EXAMPLE TO THE NATION ON HOW TO DEAL WITH REFUSE.... IN REALITY THERE IS VERY LITTLE WASTE ALMOST EVERYTHING HAS A USE... I SUGGESTED USING CONVICT LABOR TO SORT AND RECYCLE... EVEN REPAIR UNWANTED ITEMS THAT STILL HAVE VALUE.... THIS WOULD HAVE A MULTI PURPOSE FUNCTION ..... IT SEEMS IN HAWAII IF AN IDEA IS LOGICAL AND SELF SUPPORTING IT DOES'NT HAVE A CHANCE.....

ENJOY LIFE DREW

Tom Payette responds

This in some ways reminds me of the city of Hamtramck Michigan. The ultimate solution was that the state legislature placed it in receivership! That meant that a professional mgt. team took over and the city's home rule charter was for some period of time suspended.


Tom Payette

Hilo's dump plan? Letter to the Editor

Ok so let me see if I have this correct. The Hilo dump has been filling up for years and the government just decided they need to make a plan! They want to (but has not been done yet) redesign the Hilo dump so it will last a few more years and then what? No plan or thought of looking for another location for the Hilo dump on the east side? Why? Then they will have the tax payers make a down payment of 7 million dollars to buy a County owned and run sort station. This sort station will sort out some of the trash, but not all of the trash and then what? Send the rest to Kona? “No” the Mayor said that won’t happen. Ok so let’s pay thousands of tax payer dollars to ship Hilo’s trash to the mainland. Gee sure makes me feel good my tax dollars are hard at work. No wonder we want to split the island in two Counties.
Unfortunately the island is already split in numerous pieces. The Planning Department doing its own thing, the Water Department doing its own thing, the County Council doing its own thing, The Police Department doing its own thing, The Fire Department doing its own thing. None of them seem to be on the same page with respect to the future of this island. Not much communicating on current projects to keep them moving.
How do we fix this mess? No one is happy with the way things are running. But this sort of thing will continue to happen if we don’t vote in Candidates that are either educated or trained in Management. Accountability is missing. Consistency is missing. Planning with completion is missing. The next study we need is an audit of each department in the County. Correcting the departments that have been miss managed would probably save the tax payers tons of money. This would cut down on the lawsuits of unfair hiring practices, unfair promotional practices, and government waste in spending.
It takes involvement by all of the tax payers. Going to meetings and making a difference is the only way to make real changes. All this complaining is sure easy to do. But to fix it takes some genuine commitment and elbow grease.
Susan McGeachy

Rep. Josh Green responds

Dear Susan,
I will continue to rock the boat on behalf of West Hawaii. There should be more representation on behalf of us in Kona... and there should be a fairer distribution of resources.
From my point of view, the fastest way to that end would be to elect a Mayor from West Hawaii.
In the meantime, as the lone voice in the legislature solely on behalf of West Hawaii, I will continue to form alliances statewide and islandwide to help us with our needs at home.
I do understand your frustration completely. I feel it myself and work through it daily.
Keep up the fight.
Sincerely,
Josh
Josh Green M.D.
State Representative
District 6, Kona

Susan responds to Judy

Aloha Judy,
Thank you for your input. The process is far more then just the financial split. There are over 400 Legislators in Honolulu that must give the blessing. There are at least four other areas in the Island chain that want to do the exact same process. There are other avenues such as Incorporating as a city, township, etc. As Speaker of the House Calvin Say stated; the process has to start with public discussion. If we sit by and wait for a miracle then it will never happen. As the constitution of the State of Hawaii Bill of rights states: ”All political power of this State is inherent in the people; and the responsibility for the exercise thereof rests with the people. All government is founded on this authority”
The reason so many didn’t show up at the meeting (by the numerous emails and calls I have received) there were two other important meetings the same night. Rep. Josh Green and the La Aloa’ street both had meetings.
Thank you again. Susan McGeachy

Judy Replys again

"Far less than what we are currently getting in return for our tax dollars" as you state does not necessarily constitute an affordable or viable means to an end when it comes to forming a completely separate entity of county government. This has absolutely no bearing on actual expenses in such an undertaking as you are proposing.I am not trying to be a nay sayer, but merely pointing out that true number crunching has not been done to adequately address what is involved with this undertaking, and the projected time such an undertaking would require.Until this is accomplished, it is, in my estimation, unrealistic. Perhaps this may account for the lack of enthusiasm at recent meetings - constituents don't think this is a realistic or obtainable goal, and judging from the blog, many who are concerned about the situation in West Hawaii are not supportive of a separate county.What is the median ground to bring all of these folks on board for a solution to benefit the greater whole of this west side community?
Judy