American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Stimulus money) Resources for Hawai`i Island
An effort to provide organized resources for Hawai’i Island businesses, non-profit organizations and government agencies seeking grants and funding initiatives from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Green-Collar Job Resources for Hawai`i Island
An efffort to provide resources for employers, job seekers, green collar workers and various organizations interested in learning more about Green Collar Jobs on Hawai’i Island.

The total cost of all the projects submitted by Hawaii County is $501,100,000

To Vote on these projects or leave a comment, visit this page:

http://www.stimuluswatch.org

Also check out this map at Hawaii.gov

Description and Cost

Hawaiian Paradise Park Subdivision District Park, development of 20-acre park site in rapidly growing subdivision with severely underserved recreational needs in an economically disadvantaged area $10000000

West Hawaii Maintenance Facility, replace existing building in Kealakekua with shops and offices for Public Works’ traffic building and automotive divisions $3500000

South Hilo Highway Baseyard Storage to replace equipment storage warehouse that had to be demolished after the roof was damaged in high winds. $1000000

Puna Gymnasium and ball fields, development of indoor recreational spaces and outdoor fields for economically disadvantaged community with severely underserved recreational needs $15000000

Hamakua Highway Maintenance Base Yard to replace existing metal quonset hut that no longer meets safety codes; needs major repairs; and is not on county property. Replacement would be built on county land and centralize operations $5000000

Highway Division Office Extension, additional Hilo office space required for additional personnel to manage roadway responsibilities $1000000

Upgrade land-mobile radio public safety communications system and migrate system to 700-800MHz range to comply with FCC mandate. Improves public safety and emergency response by adding radio coverage to areas of the island that are now without coverage. $89000000

South Kohala Baseyard Storage to replace inadequate existing facility and secure equipment and supplies. $1000000

Hina Lani Resurfacing; resurface 5 miles of highly deteriorated urban street $6000000

Traffic signal upgrades from Traconex control cabinets to 170s, 10 signal locations to provide additional controller capabilities for signal coordination and standby power during power interruptions $1000000

Island-wide accessibility improvements and removal of architectural barriers for Parks to meet ADA requirements $10000000

Haao Springs drainage channel repair and improvements include repairing damaged concrete lining and enforcing the channel slopes, providing concrete lining between culvert and existing concrete lining and providing concrete wing walls at culvert inlet $4000000

Public Works Facilities ADA compliance, island-wide facilities in ADA compliance B Priority and C Priority in accordance with county self-evaluation and transition plan for accessibility to public facilities $4000000

Palani Road/Kamakaeaha Avenue Intersection Improvements including addition of left turning lane to increase intersection capacity and reduce congestion $5000000

Replacement of Puna Highway Maintenance Warehouse, which is currently inadequate and no longer used. Needed to secure storage of equipment and supplies. Additional space needed to address additional roadway responsibilities. $1000000

ADA Curb Ramp Compliance Program, Waimea. Replace sidewalks and install curb ramps to comply with FHWA settlement agreement $1000000

Kawailani/Pohakulani/Ainaola/Iwalani Traffic signal improvements to install synchronized signals, acquire property for highway realignment and make drainage improvements to improve vehicle and pedestrian safety $2500000

Mamalahoa Widening from North Hawaii Community Hospital to MP56 to increase traffic capacity through the Kamamalu Intersection and reduce congestion $10000000

Kaiminani Drive resurfacing; resurface 6 miles of highly deteriorated highway and construct 10 new drywells $6000000

Construct a new police station in Captain Cook for current and future public safety needs in South Kona, including a firing range for police department training. Property has been acquired next to an existing police substation. $18000000

Mass transit base yard construction to include administrative building to serve the public and house staff, maintenance facility for vehicle repairs, bus wash bay and refueling station $10000000

Kalanianaole Avenue Sewer Rehabilitation, Phase 2, repairs and upgrade of interceptor that serves much of the Hilo area. Failure of the interceptor would cause of spill of about 2.5 MG per day $8000000

Palani Road transmission waterline; construct two concrete reservoirs and 12,500 feet of waterline south of Palani Road to the Liliuokalani subdivision. $14000000

Install 16-inch water main in conjunction with state widening project of the Queen Kaahumanu Highway; includes installation of 25,000 linear feet of line from Kealakehe Parkway to Keahole Reservoir. $3750000

Backflow Prevention Compliance to install water system backflow prevention assemblies on 67 county Public Works facilities to comply with Department of Water Supply rules $1000000

Construct Kaloko Housing Project to develop 24 transitional units for the homeless and 72 affordable rentals on a county-owned parcel; needed to prepare for the impending closure of the only homeless shelter in West Hawaii $18000000

Hokulia Bypass traffic calming measures, four new signals and markings, all mitigation needed due to partial opening of new bypass road $2050000

Papaikou and Kulaimano Dewatering, installation of identical and updated sludge dewatering systems at wastewater treatment plants $1600000

Komohana Heights Large Capacity Cesspool replacement; connection to sewer syatem will reduce bacterial levels within Hilo Bay and other parts of the East Hawaii shoreline $4000000

Memorial Hospital large capacity cesspool replacement, including installation of pump and connection to municipal sewer $1000000

Construct Kamanu Street Extension to connect Hina Lani Street to Kealakehe Parkway to reduce traffic congestion in West Hawaii $15000000

Honokaa Large Capacity Cesspool replacement; per EPA mandate, replace cesspool system serving numerous public facilities including Honokaa Public School complex, state library, Health Department, Judiciary and elderly housing $17500000

DPW Facilities Energy Systems will build solar energy systems, high-efficiency equipment replacements and other building energy efficiency improvements. $4000000

Information technology disaster mitigation to move mission-critical network and information infrastructure to non-hazardous zones. Will ensure voice and data capabilities in times of crisis. $1200000

Lindsey Road Bridge replacement to increase carrying capacity of bridge in Waimea to meet current standards $9000000

Backflow Prevention Compliance, county Parks, to comply with state and county requirements for safety of public drinking water $2000000

Waimea Water System improvements; install 5,900 feet of 12-inch water line from Spencer Road to Opelo Road to provide transmission capacity in an area that regularly experiences low-pressure conditions. $1100000

Construct the 1,400-foot Laaloa Avenue extension from Kuakini Highway to create a new mountain-to-ocean connector road and add a new signalized intersection to improve traffic circulation in the area. $17000000

Construct Alii Parkway, a 4.5-mile two-lane highway to reduce vehicular congestion on Alii Drive, Kuakini Highway and portions of Queen Kaahumanu Highway $15000000

Pua Sewage Pump Station replacement of aging wastewater pumps, control and monitoring systems. Failure of the station could result in a sewage spill of 3 million gallons per day. $1800000

North Kona Sewer and Reuse, installation of resuse infrastructure at the Queen Kaahumanu Highway in conjunction with the state highway widening project. Will serve planned development in the area and conserve limited potable water supplies. $20050000

Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant sludge removal, clearing lagoon treatment system is needed to restore plant to original design capacity of 5.1 MGD and to accommodate increased waste from local septic tanks $4000000

Hawaiian Ocean View Estates Hurricane Shelter and Community Center, provide hardened shelter and community center facilities to an economically disadvantaged area with about 5,000 residents that is more than 30 miles from the nearest state-approved shelte $6000000

Repair of the unlined Keopu Channel damaged in the 2007 earthquake and flood. TIMETABLE: Approx. 3,500 man day during a nine-month period. $5000000

Naalehu and Pahala Large Capacity Cesspool Replacement , replace wastewater system serving Kau public schools, business districts and residences. $26350000

Kealakehe Wastewater Aeration upgrade to allow plant to accommodate sewage from local septic tanks; EPA has required septic tanks to replace cesspools, adding to the waste delivered to the plant $6000000

Construct Makalei Fire Station to improve response times to communities currently served by personnel and vehicles seven miles away, reducing fire insurance costs. $9000000

Install Kealakehe Wastewater Plant Photovoltaic System to reduce electrical costs and reduce reliance on imported oil $7000000

Replace existing street lights with energy efficient lights on existing poles island-wide. Island of Hawaii has some of the highest electricity rates in the nation. $1000000

Energy retrofits for county-owned multi-family elderly housing projects at Ouli Ekahi in Kawaihae and Kulaimano Elderly Housing in Pepeekeo; Island of Hawaii has some of the highest electricity rates in the nation. $900000

Vehicle enhancement project, purchase of 30-45 passenger buses and 25-30 passenger buses to expand transportation services, providing easier access for the public to health care, educational institutions, youth activities and work sites $17000000

Puna Makai Alternate Road EIS for a high-priority new road necessary to meet the transportation needs of a region expected to double in population to 70,000 by 2030 $2000000

Construct two-lane Ane Keohokalole (Mid-Level) highway linking Palani Road and Kealakehe, relieving congestion on surrounding roadways and opening 300 acres of state land up for development of affordable housing. $15000000

Queen Liliuokalani Large Capacity Cesspool replacement, closing cesspool and connecting to Kealakehe Wastewater treatment plant to comply with EPA mandate, closure deadline 6/1/10 $18500000

Bus Stop and Shelter project to construct 50 covered bus shelters to protect bus riders from the elements and encourage public transit use $1200000

Provide low-interest loans to homeowners to retrofit to increase energy efficiency; Island of Hawaii has some of the highest electricity rates in the nation. $1000000

Construct police station in economically disadvantaged Pahoa village next to new fire station to centralize public safety services in an area visible and accessible to the public. $4600000

Installation of solar energy systems in homes for very low income elderly and disabled homeowners; Island of Hawaii has some of the highest electricity rates in the nation $500000

Saddle Road resurfacing and reconstruction of 13 miles of highly deteriorated road from MP 43 to MP 56 $15000000

This evening will be one of the best educational opportunities of the year. From food, water safety, energy and health to invasive species, green business, alternative building, public advocacy and civil defense this evening will help provide what you need to know about our island’s sustainability projects and practices.

After the presentations, audience members are encouraged to ask questions of the panelist.

Opening Chant by Students of Kua O Ka La Public Charter School

Presentations ( ten minutes each, subject to change without notice)

1. Huakai`i `Aina Ho`oilina: Exploring the Lands that Sustain us through Public Education
   Susie Osborn – Kua O Ka La Public Charter School
2. Considering BioFuels for Hawai`i’s Future
   Dr. William Steiner - Dean for the UHH College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management.
3. Organic farming and value added products
   Randyl Rupar – Owner Mauna Kea Sacred Gardens
4. Helping Hawaii Island become a global model for sustainability – Public Advocacy 101 .
   Gary L. Hooser - State Senator District 7 – Senate Majority Leader, Hawai`i State Senate
5. Sustainable Building Techniques and Structures in Bamboo
   Leimana Pelton – Owner, Bamboo Village
6. Invasive Species Impacts on Sustainability
   Page Else – Outreach specialist for the Big Island Invasive Species Committee
7. The State of Green Business
   Michael Kramer - Managing Partner, Natural Investments LLC
8. Ganjanomics
   Roger Christie - Reverend, THC Ministries
9. The Road to Community Resilience
   Bill Hanson – Hawai`i County Civil Defense

Video shorts will play between presentations.

Panelists in Addition to Presenters listed above (questions from audience and website – subject to change without notice)

• Julie Myhre – Energy Management Analyst, Department of Water Supply. Education: Registered Licenced Civil Engineer with Environmental Engineering / Water Resources Specialty and experience working in the Energy Industry.
• Linda Damas – Instrumental in helping Recycle Hawaii and Rick Anthony & Assoc. in the Zero Waste proposal, public meetings and follow up report to the County of Hawaii.
• Linda Peters – Linda has been employed as the Recycling Coordinator with the County Department of Environmental Management for the past two and one-half years.
• Dr. Keola G.A. Downing Ph.D. – Keola Downing, is a “Katomlap” or Go-Between, for the Royal family of Queen Limijwa Nittol of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and has experience in building Pandanus Thatch Housing. Hawai`i County has recently added “indigenous architecture” to the approved building codes, and this very “sustainable” building method deserves our careful consideration.
• John Schinnerer – Master’s degree in whole systems design. He is a provider of appropriate technology services and a cultural and ecological design practitioner, consultant and teacher.
• Jesse Law – Founder of Sustainable Island Products, a market innovator and leader who, with the launch of his distribution business in 2007, created a new and GREEN precedent for the paper products, hotel & restaraunt supply industries. By introducing Planet & People friendly products that are petroleum free, non-toxic, made with annually renewable plant fibers & starches, and designed to be composted back to soil after use, Jesse works to soften the footprint of his industry while educating the public & private sectors about the opportunities associated with converting to products that cause less harm and instead of having to landfill, can create more soils to FARM!
• Mark Hanson – Builder of the Island’s first planning department approved “EarthShip” educator and tree planter.

DJ Red-One from Moemoea will provide the music.

Mati from Moemoea will provide sound engineering.

Renrick Tulloch, local energy physicist will direct multimedia audio and video.

The Hawai`i Island Sustainability Forum is your chance to update the public on the current and future sustainability of our island home.

Hele Mai! Come share what you know.
Share your latest updates on current, island-thinking and sustainability efforts.

Last Day to Submit Applications – February 20th.

On March 20th, we’ll gather a few hundred island residents at the Palace Theater in Hilo, Hawai`i. If you’ve got some facts to share, this is your chance. 

Click here for more details and to apply.

The presentation format is divided into two parts.

1. Each presenter will be given exactly ten minutes to give their perspective in their area of expertise at the podium. Multimedia presentations are encouraged. We can help you prepare. If you’ve got specific knowledge in a key area of sustainability for the island, we need to hear from you. 
2. After the last presentation, presenters will sit on stage for a moderated discussion. A moderator will share questions from the audience with the presenters for one hour.

• All presentation applications submitted before February 20th will be considered.
• Applicants must provide completed multimedia or slide presentation by March 2nd. 
• All applications will be reviewed and acceptance notes sent by March 9th. 

A short video will play before and after each presentation. Videos are also okay in your presentations. No sales pitches, looking for facts, come talk story with neighbors.

Consider the following topics of interest to attendees:

• Hawaiian Cultural Practices
• Renewable Energy / fuels
• Green Economy
• Egovernance
• Community Planning
• Food Security and Farming
• Water Supply and safety
• Health and Holistic Practice
• Education / Green Jobs Training
• Natural Shelter / Green Building

The evening will be filled with culture, music, public participation and with your help, a strong educational component.

The official event flyer is below, right.

Click here for more details and to apply.

Join us Saturday September 27th at the Hawai`i Innovation Center in downtown Hilo (Map and Directions). Expect plenty of room and bandwidth to setup your laptops and spread out in the classroom. No laptop? Bring pencil and paper.

Several Free short courses will be given on the following topics:

• Sustainability 101 – Learn how to live a more sustainable life on Hawai`i Island.
• Google Apps (Celelbrating Google’s 10th Anniversary)
• Using the web as a platform to become sustainable (Small business success in “the cloud”)

Experienced sustainability and technology workers will be on hand to answer your questions about the emerging green economy. Any-Collar and No-Collar workers are all invited to join this co-working event. You’re welcomed to bring food and drinks to support the cause. Come lend your sustainability expertise to those in need. Help support Green Jobs and employment on Hawai`i Island.

Presented by Green Collar Technologies with support from the Apollo Alliance and GreenforAll.org.

From GreenforAll.org,

On Saturday, September 27, 1Sky, Green for All and the We Campaign are joining with tens of thousands of Americans for Green Jobs Now: A Day to Build the New Economy. People of all backgrounds are organizing Green Jobs Now events, with a special focus on low-income communities and communities of color.  Whether it’s an intimate house party or a giant rally, your event can keep the pressure on our leaders to build a new, clean economy that begins to heal the planet and ensures prosperity for all.

Anyone interested in supporting this event or Green Collar Workers on Hawai`i Island should contact Brent Norris at Green Collar Technologies : 808-896-7656

>> Get Email Updates <<

Current List of goals for the directory:

• Low entry barrier for participation (perhaps free with some sort of required logo program)
• Online with ability to print in high quality on demand
• No advertisements
• Learn about the current state of Green Hawaii Businesses
• Categorized based on needs of users with high degree of usability
• Support photos and video
• Should work well on a cell phone (maybe not the video)
• Secure logins for business that wish to edit their listings
• Information standards – set of requirements for each listing
• Optimized for search engines (so Green Hawaii Businesses can be easily found online)

We won’t be creating this directory without your input. Unless we get input from at least 50 Hawaii Island Businesses, we won’t create the directory. So please participate in our survey.

Please take the 3 minute survey. This provides a standard way for everyone to provide input and share in the development of the directory.

Important! No personal information will be shared. The answers will be compiled into demographics but specific information will not be shared or sold to anyone. Please read our privacy policy.

Mahalo