New Senior and Family Rental opportunity

The Villas at A'eloa have 1, 2, and 3 bedroom affordable family apartments for rent.
Estimated Occupancy Date is May 2009.
The project is owned by Pacific Kapolei LLC and Funded by City and County of Honolulu,
Hawaii Housing Finance & Development Corp.

In addition to The Villas at A'eloa, the Affordable Housing Department has new affordable rentals for seniors, the Senior Residence at Kapolei. The Senior Residence at Kapolei consists of 59 one-bedroom one bath apartment plus 1 for the Resident Manager.

To get more information on either one call :
808-942-9318

A rental application for both residences can be obtained from:
8am-4pm Mon-Fri (Feb. 2 - March 20) at 1585 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 1530, Honolulu

or request one by email at mschousing@hawaii.rr.com

Hoa Aina O Makaha Hale Burnt Again

Excerpt from email from Gigi Cocquio:
[The] Hoa Aina O Makaha Hale [has] been burned again Sunday, February 22, 2009.
This is the third time that this has happened.
Animals were stolen in the past and a few days ago more animals and orchids were taken.
Owners of the farm lit two candles saying, “One for those who destroyed the Hale because they hurt themselves even more by doing this, and the other one for us because we need to believe that something beautiful will come out from this experience.”
The school children that use the farm for educational purposes were shocked, some of them were crying, as were some of the teachers. Many of them were quiet, but in their eyes you could see the questions and the shock of how something so close to them could be destroyed. A parent came by and said her child told her about the Hale being burnt, she was shocked and really angry. Some supporters want to activate the night watch again.

The owners of the farm are praying that the rain may wash away any anger and clean their hearts so that they can start with community help to rebuild the Hale that has been a symbol in the community during the past thirty years.

To view the news link click here.

Monetary donations to help replace the hale and stolen items may be sent to: Hoa Aina O Makaha, 84-766 Lahaina St., Waianae, HI 96792. Donations are tax deductible. For more information, email contact@hoa-aina.org.

Ceded Lands Sales Moratorium Bill to Be Heard March 4

SB1677 - Relating to Lands Controlled by the State, is scheduled to be heard on Wed. March 4, 2009, 9:30am, in room 329. Testimony may be sent to: HAWTestimony@capitol.hawaii.gov
To view the full notice click here.

Help Support the Hawaiian Crusaders Baseball team!

This Sunday, March 1, from 9am - 4pm The Hawaiian Crusaders baseball team will be having a car wash at the Nanakuli Butler Building to help raise funds to go to South Carolina in August 2009. The Hawaiian Crusaders will be the first team from Hawaii to do so.
The tickets for the car wash are being pre-sold.
The cost is $10.00 for cars and small trucks and $12.00 for vans, SUV's and larger trucks. Semi-trucks will be done for a donation of your choice.
With this car wash, you will also get a mini plate lunch and drink.
This is a drive up service, so you don't even have to get out of your car if you don't want to. But if you would like to get out and sit under the tent and enjoy the beautiful Nanakuli coast you are more then welcome to do so.

If you would like to purchase a ticket, please call Marilyn at 808-291-0741 with the amount of tickets you will need. If you know any other family members or friends that would like to get their car washed, please let them know.

What better way to get your car washed, have lunch, and support our kids.

Mahalo for your prayers, love and support.

Roy, Marilyn & Mana Kaululaau

Legacy Land Conservation Program assists MA`O Organic Farm with the acquisition of 11 acres in Lualualei Valley, Oahu

From the DLNR Legacy Lands Conservation Program website:

In January 2009, MA`O Organic Farm secured the protection of 11 acres of agricultural land in Lualualei Valley, Oahu, with the help of funding from the Legacy Land Conservation Program. MA`O Organic Farm works in the Waianae community to cultivate a renewed relationship between community, land, and food that transforms the current industrialized model of agriculture into one that returns to aloha ‘aina.

For more information, please visit:

http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/llcp/legacy-land-conservation-program-projects-new

Kamaile Plans for Extended Learning Time in House and Senate Concurrent Resolution

Click here to view the House and Senate Concurrant Resolution.

Maile's Updates

Free Tax Preparation Help
Thanks to certified volunteers working at tax assistance sites across the State, you can have your federal and state tax returns prepared for free. Waianae Community Outreach, located at 87-132 Farrington Hwy., will be staffed with tax preparation volunteers on Tues. & Thurs. from 9am-3pm. Call 696-5667 to schedule an appointment.



Legislative Update

In response to a request from Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, I recently submitted proposals to federally fund five Wai'anae Coast projects. Last year, one of my requests to Rep. Hirono resulted in $3.5m being awarded to the “Seawinds Apartments” low-cost rental project by Waianae Community Outreach and Housing Solutions. Furthermore, the following is an updated list of bills I have introduced or support:

Education
. HB 1640, my Capital Improvements (CIP) Bill requests funds for all 6 Wai'anae &
Makaha schools for air conditioning, building expansion, & new construction; it also
provides funds to acquire land & build at Leeward Community College-Wai'anae

Housing
. HB 828 makes public housing affordable in perpetuity
. HB 351 (SB 1294) provides funds to repair and renovate public housing

Health and Human Services
. HB 894 establishes pilot program to support federally qualified health centers, such
as Wai'anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, as patient-centered healthcare homes
. SB 1310 establishes a Medical Home Demonstration Project for Wai’anae
Coast Comprehensive Health Center
. HB 1454 requires DHS to include in its request for proposals for QUEST providers
provisions to prevent disruption of services caused by the positive enrollment policy
. HB 1504 creates the Hawaii Health Authority to develop a comprehensive plan to
provide universal health care in Hawaii
. HB 1642 allows only licensed providers to submit proposals for purchases
of health and human services
. SB 1040 bans smoking at public events on beaches & at recreational areas

Environment
. SB 701 places moratorium on municipal solid waste Leeward Coast landfills

Outdoor Recreation
. HB645 HD1 establishes a pilot program to issue annual passes to Hawaii residents to
fish overnight at Kaena Point State Park Reserve
. SB 411 permits overnight camping at Kaena Point State Park Reserve

Hawaiian
. HB 901 HD1 provides for OHA to receive portion of income from public land trust
. HB 1663 (SB 709) prohibits testing & growing of genetically modified (GMO) taro
. SB 86 establishes the Makua Valley Reserve Commission
. SB 1085 SD1 prohibits the sale of ceded lands Native Hawaiian claims are resolved
. SB 1677 SD1 requires two-thirds vote of Legislature to sell or exchange ceded lands
. SB 1645 directs that criteria be set for use of bamboo as accepted building material

Public Safety
. HB 795 prohibits minors from operating or riding on all-terrain vehicles
. HB 1713 allows Civil Defense, when no emergency exists, to enter private property to
clean streams & waterways and carry out other preventive measures
. HB 1776 helps enforce the law prohibiting inmates in correctional facilities from receiving state public assistance
. HB 831 (SB 672) allows a court to order substituted service of a TRO if the court finds that the abuser has been deliberately avoiding personal service

Transportation
. HB 1640 (CIP) includes $7 million for construction of turn lanes at the intersections of
Nanakuli and Haleakala Avenues with Farrington Highway.
. HB 829, 1HD exempts veterans from paying the vehicle weight tax

Communications
. HB 984 HD2 implements recommendations of Hawaii Broadband Task force by
implementing the Hawaii Communications Commission

Consumer Protection
. HB 1359, HD1 protects businesses wrongly accused in complaints to DCCA

Government
. HB352 (SB 1039) establishes August 4 as Barack Obama Holiday
. HB 830 (SB 676) creates unit in Auditor's Office to investigate government waste &
fraud

Contact me at maileshimabukuro@yahoo.com or 586-8460 if you have any questions or concerns. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Rally for Native Hawaiians

The following information is from the OHA website:

Hawaiian Rights remain a target under siege. Next week, the battle goes all the way to the United States Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.

In times of challenge and problem solving, our ancestors and 'ohana practiced coming together to focus and pool spiritual energies to overcome obstacles toward achieving a successful result. The traditional practice is "Kükulu Kumuhana". Please gather your 'ohana and friends to join our spiritual hearts together in Kükulu Kumuhana to focus and direct our collective positive thoughts during the time the United States Supreme Court will hear the Ceded Lands case (Hawai'i v.
OHA, Docket No. 07- 1372).

We ask that the Kükulu Kumuhana be exercised Wednesday, February 25, 2009, beginning at 5:00 a.m., Hawai'i Time (10:00 a.m. EST). At this time, the Supreme Court will hear hour-long oral arguments by the State of Hawai'i and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. We invite others across the nation to join us in their appropriate time zones.

The following events are also aimed at bringing awareness to this important issue:

Tonight
7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Ceded Lands: A Threated Legacy
Live call-in TV show on KITV and kitv.com

Sunday, February 22
3:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Ua Mau Ke Ea O Ka 'A¯ ina I Ka Pono
Daybreak Star Cultural Center, Seattle, WA

Wednesday, February 25
7:00 a.m. PST Pule
Twin Peaks Lookout, San Francisco, CA

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. PST Ku¯ I Ka Pono Rally
Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco, CA

1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. PST Pule, every hour on the hour
Civic Center plaza, San Francisco, CA

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. PST Ku¯ I Ka Pono Rally
Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco, CA

9:00 a.m. till pau MST Vigil
Scott M . Matheson Courthouse, Salt Lake City, Utah

7:00 p.m. EST Vigil
Cross Campus (quad in front of Yale University Main Library), Yale University

4:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. HST CEDED LANDS VIGIL
Hawai'i State Capitol

5:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. HST Drums every hour on the hour
Hawai'i State Capitol

5:00 a.m. HST Church Bells Toll
Churches across the state

oha.org
Empowering Hawaiians, Strengthening Hawai'i

Elder health plan sees criticism

Wai'anae center explains why it's not among the providers:

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009902180399

Highlights from Kamaile Academy

*Kamaile Academy students are making great strides to improve their test scores and are working towards meeting and exceeding standards. Of all charter schools in the state of Hawaii, Kamaile Academy has the highest number of highly qualified teachers.

*Intercession classes are available for all students and families, and tutoring programs are running in full force before and after school.

*Please contact Pua Gomes, our PCNC,at 636- 9662 for information about activities. All parents are encouraged to gather together to unify our school vision and plans to increase student achievement. Parents are now meeting in the Cafeteria every Monday at 5:30 PM.

*Kamaile Academy was recently recognized by Project Hiilani for Positive Behavior Support as having started a highly successful behavior program. Teachers, parents and volunteers have established clear behavior expectations and are enforcing them positively.

*Kamaile Academy students visited historic Honolulu over the January Intercession. Twenty-three children and 14 parents woke up extra early for this special field trip downtown. Principal Mr. DeLude and CEEO Mr. Kila, planned an experience that Kamaile families would never forget. The group took the boat into town, went to the top of Aloha Tower, walked around Chinatown, Visited I'olani Palace and ate lunch while enjoying the Royal Hawaiian Band.

*Kamaile Academy has a new recycle bin to serve both the school and the community. The recycle binis for all paper/boxes and type 1 and 2 plastics. Kamaile Academy students are learning about recycling and how it can help our school, enviroment and community. Most classrooms now have boxes to gather the recyclable materials. As theboxes fill up, the items are then taken to the recycle bin. Many classes are integrating their recycle campaigns with math and science lessons. The recycle bin is open 24 hours 7 days a week. Common items that can be recycled are newspapers, white paper, cardboard, detergent bottles, and cans. Please tell all of your friends and neighborsabout Kamaile’s new recycle bin.

*Rap Nights - We had over 300 participants for our first session on January 20th. Be sure to join us for the next session. Read Aloud America focuses on the enjoyment of reading in hopes to create families of lifetime readers. At RAP sessions, volunteers read aloud to children while the RAP presenter reads and talks story with adults.
RAP NIGHTS
February 3rd
February 17th
March 3rd
March 17th
April 14th
5:30- 7:45 PM

*Kamaile Leaders came together at an all day leadership retreat on January 24th. The retreat was conducted by Chief Educational and Executive Officer, Glen Kila and Principal Clarence Delude. Local Advisory Panel (LAP) Members, Grade Level Chairs, Parents, Students and Administrators came together to steer our school to success. In total, over thirty leaders from the school worked on making decisions that will benefit our children and community. As a result of the retreat, parents have began meeting Monday evenings to develop action plans to increase parent involvement and student achievement. The Leadership Retreat will continue after school on February 12th, March 12th, and April 9th. LAP Meetings will follow the retreat.

Free State-wide Tax Preparation Sites

Thanks to certified volunteers working at tax assistance sites across the State, you can have your federal and state tax returns prepared for free. The following is a list of locations in the Leeward side where free tax preparation is available:


Leeward

Waianae Community Outreach*
87-132 Farrington Hwy.
Tues. & Thurs., 9am-3pm
Call (808) 696-5667

Leeward Community College
96-045 Ala Ike Street
Bus. Admin. Bldg. – Rm. BE-229
Sat., 9am-Noon
Walk-ins ONLY

Hickam FCU – Kapolei Branch*
590 Farrington Hwy., Ste. 501
Tues. & Thurs., 10am-3pm
Sat.,10am-1pm
Call (808) 432-9848

Hope Shelter/Onelauena
Bldg. 50, Belleau Woods
Tues & Thurs 9am-3pm
Call Jamye (808) 682-4673

Wahiawa Public Library
820 California Avenue
Wed., 9am-1pm
Thurs., Noon-4pm
Fri., 9am-1pm


*Appointment Required

Kili Drive Repairs

HRT, the owner of Kili Drive has reported that they have hired a private company to perform repairs on Kili Drive. We do not have word re: the timeline for these repairs yet, but we will keep you informed.

Wai'anae Environmental Justice Working Group meeting

The Wai'anae Environmental Justice Working Group will hold a meeting on Friday, February 13, 2009. It will be held at the LCC Wai'anae center, in Room 5 at 5:30pm.
Come enjoy light pupus and engaging discussion on the following:

1. Update on the first phase of community survey of Waianae Coast residents regarding health and environmental concerns
2. Further discussion on possibly conducting a "Bucket Brigade" air monitoring project
3. Background & update on Ka Papa o Kakuihewa (the HECO "give back" program)
4. Update on the draft Waianae Environmental Justice report
5. Quick Bills Update: SB 701 "Moratorium on Landfills along Waianae Coast," HB 1806 "Aha Kiole" and others.

Waianae Mountains Watershed Partnership Coordinator

The Division of Forestry and Wildlife O'ahu Branch will be recruiting a Wai'anae Mountains Watershed Partnership Coordinator.

Primary job duties will include: holding meetings with stake-holders, drafting a partnership agreement, and preparing a draft action plan for Wai'anae Mountains watershed lands.

The position will be temporary and part time position (one year/18 to 20 hours per week).

Please contact Marigold Zoll at Marigold.S.Zoll@hawaii.gov or (808) 453-6111 for more information. Anticipated opening date is in late February.

Obama Administration is looking for a page

Aloha!

The Obama Administration is looking for someone who is 16yrs. old and has a 3.0 GPA who might be interested in serving as a page.

Please share this information with friends, family and potential US House of Representatives Page candidates. The honor of serving as a page during the Obama administration will be an invaluable experience.

Help identify students to participate in this enlightening educational opportunity. Please access the below link for specific details.

http://pageprogram.house.gov

Board of Education Meeting

For those who are interested in meeting with the Board of Education, two meetings have been scheduled. One meeting in the Leeward District and the other for the Central District.

Leeward District

Date: Thursday, February 19

Time: 3:30 PM

Site: Leihoku Elementary School

86-285 Leihoku Street



Central District

Date: Thursday, March 5

Time: 3:30 PM

Site: Mililani Mauka Elementary

95-1111 Makaikai Street

Women of Waianae Valentine's Day Garage Sale

Saturday, Feb. 14
8am to approx. 2pm
At old Maili "car quest" bldg on farrington hwy. (located about 1 block east of Beaches restaurant)
Please come to support WOW's scholarship program and find great deals!

Army Makua Meeting Spot Changed

Wed. Feb. 11, 2009 The Army will host a meeting to take public comments on the result of its study of shellfish and marine life in the waters off Makua Military Reservation.
The Meeting will be held at Nanaikapono Elementary School cafeteria at 85-153 Mano Ave. in Waianae.
The meeting will being at 5:30p.m. followed by a public comment session from 7- 9:30p.m.
Public comments may also be submitted until March 14th in several ways,
Fax: 656-3162
Email: USAGHIPAOShellfishStudy@hawaii.army.mil
Mail: USAG-HI Pubic Affairs Office
Attn: Shellfish Study -- Public Comments
742 Santos Dumont Ave.
WAAF, Schofield Barracks, HI 96857
Online: http://www.garrison.hawaii.army.mil//shellfishstudy

Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center holds meeting for QExA questions

Come to a town meeting to share your concerns, or to learn about the concerns the Health Center has with the QExA program.

When: Wed. Feb, 17
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center (main center) Dining Pavilion.

For more information call: 697-3457

Makaha Ahupuaa Community Association Meeting

Aloha,

Please be advised that the monthly meeting for Makaha Ahupuaa Community Association will be meeting on Thursday February 12, 2009 at Makaha Marketplace, 6:30 p.m.

Items on the agenda include:

Board elections

Stream clean up

Bike path

Adopt highway

Mango Festival

Mahalo

2nd Thursday Meeting!

2nd Thursday is a monthly meeting of organizations providing services to the homeless community on the Wai`anae Coast. Their objectives are:

§ Network and share information on services available for Wai`anae Coast residents and residents of Wai`anae Coast emergency and transitional shelters.

§ Develop a continuum of services for people accessing shelter services and other help by coordinating and collaborating among ourselves.

§ Discuss policy issues affecting health and human services on the Wai`anae Coast with an emphasis on housing and shelter issues.


The 2nd Thursday meeting in February is scheduled for February 12 at the Ulu Ke Kukui Dining Room. It is a brown-bag meeting (bring your own) or you can purchase bentos and drinks at the site for $6.00. (You must let then know in advance if you want to order food). Below is the agenda for this meeting:


11:30am


Welcome, Pule Wehe and Introductions

o Fred Saunders


Service Provider Show-n-Tell

o Alu Like Financial Literacy Program (Greg Fields)

o Work Links Programs for the Homeless (Joyce Suckoll)


Discussion on Building our Continuum

o Process for Entry into the Shelter System (Kanani Bulowan)


Discussion on Housing and Human Services Policies

o Transfer of Hawai`i Public Housing Authority (HPHA) to DHS

o Supportive Housing


Announcements, Discussion on next Meeting

1pm Pau


There will have a table available if anyone wants to bring materials or program literature to distribute. Share this invitation with anyone else you feel would benefit.
Call 696-1217 for any questions.

Hawaiian Caucus: Ceded Land Video

The Hawaiian Caucus had a meeting concerning ceded land. Below is a link to the video. Check it out!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1013810864137706788&hl=en

Maile's Bill List

I have introduced several bills this year in response to issues raised at community meetings or by concerned individuals. During the 2009 Session, I will serve as Vice-Chair of the Hawaiian Affairs Committee. To deal with our district's diverse concerns, I will have input as a member of four other committees: Health, Human Services, Education, & Higher Education. Here are my bills, along with others I will be supporting:

Education
. HB 1640, my Capital Improvements (CIP) Bill requests funds for all 6 Wai'anae & Makaha schools for air conditioning, building expansion, & new construction; it also provides funds to acquire land & build at Leeward Community College/Wai'anae
Housing
. HB 828 (SB 1295) makes public housing affordable in perpetuity
. HB 351 (SB 1294) provides funds to repair and renovate public housing
Health and Human Services
. HB 1366 (SB 1310) establishes a Medical Home Demonstration Project for Wai’anae
Comprehensive Community Health Center (WCCHC)
. HB 1641 (SB 1309) provides $332,000 for WCCHC Emergency services
. HB 171 (SB 1040) bans smoking at public beaches and recreational areas
. HB 1642 (SB 1191) allows only licensed providers to submit proposals for purchases
of health and human services
. HB 1643 (SB 812) bans Medicaid coverage of non-therapeutic infant circumcision
Environment
. HB 1358 (SB 1293) bans use of styrofoam containers by food vendors
. HB 1357 (SB 1292) requires retailers to use alternatives to plastic bags
. HB 1367 (SB 1244) creates a commission to coordinate state's solid waste plans
. HB 641 requires DLNR to identify, publicize, & enforce public access to beaches
Ocean Resources
. HB 191 & 543 (SB 274) enhances regulation of aquarium aquatic life collection
. SB 90 regulates commercial activities in government & private boating facilities
Hawaiian
. HB 1841 prohibits sale of lands in public lands trust (Ceded Lands) to private entity
. HB 906 (SB 86) establishes the Makua Valley Reserve Commission
Public Safety
. HB 832 allows Civil Defense, when no emergency exists, to enter private property to
clean streams & waterways
Transportation
. HB 1640 (CIP) includes $7 million for construction of turn lanes at the intersections of
Nanakuli and Haleakala Avenues with Farrington Highway.
. HB 829 (SB 1038) exempts veterans from paying the vehicle weight tax
Consumer Protection
. HB 1359 (SB 1041) protects businesses wrongly accused in complaints to DCCA
. HB 1842 requires dealers & breeders to provide dog purchasers with medical history
Government
. HB352 (SB 1039) establishes August 4 as Barack Obama Holiday
. HB 830 (SB 676) creates unit in Auditor's Office to investigate govt. waste & fraud

City to Close Portion of Nanakuli Beach Park For Maintenance

The Department of Parks and Recreation, announced that it will close the Zablan/Forac portions of Nanakuli Beach Park from March 15 to March 20 for needed repairs and maintenance.
Nanakuli Beach Park (Zablan/Forac) will be closed 24 hours a day from 10:00 p.m. Sunday, March 15 to 3:00 p.m. Friday, March 20 while the maintenance and repair work is being done.

The repair and maintenance work will include:
· Thorough cleaning of all comfort stations.
· Repairing picnic tables and park benches.
· Painting comfort stations, walls, picnic tables and building.
· Sweeping, repairing potholes and re-striping parking lot. Repainting curbs.
· Comprehensive landscape maintenance. Evaluating all trees and prune as necessary.
· Repairing irrigation systems and other infrastructure.

When the Zablan/Forac section of Nanakuli Beach Park reopens, it will be added to the other Leeward Coast beach parks with closure hours from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
*Late night park closure is in response to numerous requests from community members. This action was endorsed by the Nanakuli/Maili Neighborhood Board and the Board of Parks and Recreation.

Tommy Hilfiger Foundation Offers $10,000 to $25,000 Grants

Tommy Hilfiger Foundation Offers $10,000 to $25,000 Grants For Health & Youth Proposals

Deadlines: April 1 & Oct. 1.

The Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation funds a broad range of youth-related programs. The foundation places a strong emphasis on efforts which expose youth to experiences in education and career-related opportunities.The foundation is committed to investing in health-related organizations and cultural programs that impact a diverse population.
Proposals submitted to the foundation must:
*Have broad and positive impact on diverse populations with a special emphasis on women, minorities, and at-risk students.
*Target K-12 and college students.
*Expose students to career opportunities.
*Develop skills in new technologies.
*Leverage teacher/administrator, parental, and community involvement.
*Include hands-on program activities.
*Lead to comprehensive, systemic change on a regional and/or national basis.
*Involve collaborative partnerships.
*Demonstrate capacity to gain continuing support.
*Will result in dissemination and replication of lessons learned.
*Develop evaluation component with measurable results.

For all the details on how to apply for this and other grant opportunities, just click on or cut and paste the following link for 2-weeks free access to Federal & Foundation Assistance Monitor:
http://www.trycdpubs.com

When you reach the site, scroll down and check off Federal & Foundation Assistance Monitor and follow the instructions for your 2-week, free access for this or any of our online funding products! You'll find the grant info on the first or second page.

Free Tax Preparation at LCC-Wai`anae

Dates: Wednesdays
Feb. 18 and 25
March 4, 11, 18
Time: 5:00-8:00 PM
This service is by appointment only.
Appointment times: 5:00, 6:00, 7:00
Call 696-6378 or see the front desk.
(Walk-ins may be accepted if space is available.)
If you have tax-related questions before your appointment contact Roy Kamida at 455-0294.
For information regarding what taxpayers need to bring to their appointment, go to the following link:
http://www.hawaiitaxhelp.org/pdfs/DocumentChecklist09.pdf

Walk-in service also available at LCC Pearl City campus every Saturday in February and March from 9:00-12:00 in BE-229

FEMA disaster recovery centers closing on Saturday

FEMA annouced that Saturday, Feb. 5, 2009 at 5:00p.m. disaster recovery centers that were opened in response to damage caused by rain and flooding in December at La'ie and Wai'anae will be closed for good.

The Hale'iwa center, at the Waialua Community Association at 66-434 Kamehameha Hwy., will remain open. Its hours are noon to 8 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

O'ahu residents who are seeking assistance are encouraged to register with FEMA before visiting a recovery center by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or via TTY device at 800-462-7585 for people who are speech- or hearing-impaired.

The deadline to register for assistance is March 6.

Volunteers Needed at Civil Defense Stream Clean-Up's Feb. 6 & 7 at Eku & Mailiilii-Puuhulu Streams

Civil Defense will be hosting "Lauwai" Stream Clean-Up's this Friday and Saturday, and is in need of volunteers. The clean-up's are focused on removing debris from streams that flooded on December 11, 2008 to prevent future flooding. The following are the details:

What: "Lauwai" Stream Clean Up's

When: Friday, 2/6/09 & Saturday, 2/7/09; 8am-noon (latecomers welcome)

Where: Eku Stream (meet at Makaha Marketplace, 84-1170 Farrington Hwy.); and Mailiilii-Puuhulu Stream (meet at Samoan Church at 86-130 Puhawai Rd.) [Note: Both clean-up's will be conducted simultaneously.]

Why: Clearing debris is needed to prevent future flooding

Note: Volunteers should be 18 and over; wear protective footwear and clothing, hard hats (if possible), gloves, and sun protection; bring water, trash bags, chainsaws, and other tools to clear debris. If you can donate use of heavy equipment, please call Civil Defense to coordinate.

Who: Civil Defense, lahcook@scd.hawaii.gov or 733-4300

Similar clean-ups will be conducted on the North Shore and Laie (Laie is Saturday only). Donations of refreshments for the volunteers are welcome. Please spread the word.

USDA ANNOUNCES SIGN-UP FOR CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced that $20 million nationwide will be dedicated to Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) in 2009. The CIG program is designed to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies.

This competitive grant program helps advance environmental goals that also contribute to and protect local economies.

Applicants should explain the geographic area that the project would benefit including information about the natural resource concern. Applicants should also describe the innovative technologies or approaches, which will be used to address the natural resource conservation concern. Other requirements are identified in the Announcement of Program Funding.

To view the complete Announcement of Program Funding, visit http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig/ .

To apply electronically visit: http://www.grants.gov/
For more information about NRCS conservation programs online, visit: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov or visit the nearest USDA Service Center in your area.
Since its inception in 1935, the NRCS conservation delivery system has advanced a unique partnership with state and local governments and private landowners delivering conservation based on specific, local conservation needs, while accommodating sate and national interests.