The tsunami was 10 km deep at coordinates  44.7 South 80.3 West, off the South Coast of Chile.

Hawaii County Civil Defense trains Community CERT teams around the island, to serve as a backup to first responders in the event of an emergency.  At the last CERT training in Kona, over 40 community members participated.   There are CERT teams at several locations around the island, and more trainings will be conducted.

The training is an in-depth emergency response course fully funded by FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security and presented by our very own Hawaii Fire Department as a means of empowering individuals and communities alike to learn and know how to properly respond in an emergency.    Civil Defense reminds that Hawaii County has the potential for more disasters than almost anywhere else—tsunami, earthquake, hurricane, and more.   Citizen assistance is even more important here because of our isolation from the mainland or any other country, and even from other islands in the state—so in an emergency, it’s our first responders and citizens who will make the difference.

The course includes basic first aid, search and rescue techniques, how to help victims deal with the psychological issues that arise during trauma,  how to extinguish fires, basic emergency response, and more.

The training is a total of 24 hours.  It will be at University of the Nations off Kuakini Highway just south of Kailua Village.  There is no charge.  For more information or to register, please contact Bill Hanson at the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency at 935-0031. Seating is limited so call early and reserve your seat.

Once training is completed individuals may choose to join a local CERTeam. There are currently 24 Community Emergency Response Teams up and running in Hawaii County.  More information about the CERT Program can be found at – http://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/about.shtm, and at http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/civil-defense-cert .

• Saturday, June 2, at the Hilo Recycling and Transfer Station.

• Saturday, June 9, at the Kailua-Kona (Kealakehe) Recycling and Transfer Station.

These events are for household-generated and self-hauled waste only. No business or farm wastes and no electronic waste will be accepted.

The County of Hawai‘i Department of Environmental Management holds these regular collection events so residents can conveniently dispose of acceptable HHW in a manner that protects both public health and the environment. Some acceptable HHW are automotive fluids, used batteries, fluorescent lights and pesticides. For a more complete list of acceptable or unacceptable HHW, please visit our website www.hawaiizerowaste.org. The website includes other useful information on solid waste diversion and recycling.

If you are unable to attend the events described above, the next scheduled HHW Collection Events will be on September 8, 2012 in Wai‘?hinu and December 1, 2012 in Hilo and December 8, 2012 in Kailua-Kona (Kealakehe).

Please direct your comments or questions regarding these HHW Collection Events to Chris Chin-Chance, Recycling Specialist with the Department of Environmental Management at 961-8554 or email to recycle3@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Pier 1 Imports Inc. is a Fort Worth, Texas based retailer specializing in imported home furnishings and décor, including furniture, table-top items, decorative accessories and season décor.  They were founded in 1962 in San Mateo, California.   They now have over 1000 stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.  In Hawaii, there are Pier 1 stores on Oahu in Ward Center in Honolulu, Pearl City, and Kailua, and a store in Kahului, Maui.  The Kona store will mark their fourth.

Local contractor Tinguely Development is working on the store, which has been transformed from the former Ross Dress for Less, which moved to Kona Commons.

Pier 1 is hiring Assistant Managers, Sales Leaders, and Sales Associates.  Those interested may email their resumes to stm1581@pier1.com or fax them to 817-752-7251.

Hawaii Police advise motorists to avoid Highway 19, the Hawaii Belt Road, near Hilo at the Honoli’i Bridge.  There is a traffic accident and traffic is being detoured through Pauka’a.   Police say the road should reopen by 11 p.m.

Update:  Hawaii Police say the bridge was reopened shortly after 11 p.m. Wednesday night.

Federal and State mandates now prohibit the issuance of a driver license or permit to any person who is not legally authorized to be in the United States.   Individuals applying for an initial or renewal  Hawai’i driver’s license or permit are required to provide proof of identity, date of birth, Social Security Number, and legal presence.   Proof of an individual’s legal presence includes a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport or other documents.

A meeting to explain these new requirements and to answer questions on applying for or renewing your driver’s license or permit will be held on:

Monday, May 21, 5 – 6 p.m.

Aupuni Center Conference Room

101 Pauahi Street, Hilo

This is the first in a series of meetings to inform the public about the new requirements to help reduce the wait time and ensure that everyone comes in with the correct documents.  Lee Lord, Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division Manager, said they’ve run into issues of confusion in applicants understanding what documents are needed in what form.  Lord says the biggest confusion has come with people who have changed their names, such as women as they have changed their birth name to their married name.  The department’s goal is to eliminate the confusion so everybody knows what documents they need when they come in to obtain or renew their license.

This meeting place is accessible to persons with disabilities. To request accommodations, call 961-8021.     Information about the new requirements is available online at hawaiicounty.gov/finance-dl-hi-legal-presence.   The web site has a lot of Frequently Asked Questions plus information on what kind of identification is required in what situation.

Radiologist Dr. Douglas Sides, MD, who provides these examinations at the hospital commented, “Breast MRI is a new, innovative technology that can assist in enhancing the quality of care for patients and is an added benefit to our community. This new imaging service is a reflection of the progressive nature of Kona Community Hospital.”

The test is used to detect breast cancer and other abnormalities in the breast. The MRI captures multiple images of the breast and generates detailed pictures. It is typically performed when a doctor needs more information than a mammogram, ultrasound or clinical breast exam can offer. In certain instances, such as a woman with a very high risk of breast cancer, breast MRI may be used along with mammograms as a screening tool for detecting breast cancer.

The following are reasons why a physician would recommend a breast MRI:

*        Determination of extent of disease in a patient with a recent diagnosis of breast cancer

*        Suspicious finding on mammography, seen on only one view, and thus not able to be biopsied with mammographic guidance

*        Clinically palpable lump with negative mammography and breast ultrasound

*        High risk of breast cancer, defined as a lifetime risk of 20-25% or greater

*        Strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, particularly in patients with dense breast tissue on mammography, rendering mammography less useful

*        Dense breast tissue and prior history of breast cancer not detected by mammography

*        History of precancerous breast changes – such as atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ

*        Routine surveillance in patients with history of high grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or invasive breast cancer.

*        Suspected leak or rupture of a breast implant

Breast MRI is intended to be used in addition to a mammogram or another breast-imaging test, and not as a replacement for a mammogram. Although it is highly sensitive, breast MRI can still miss some breast cancers that a mammogram can detect.

“The objective of this series is to provide soccer training and instruction to all players regardless of age, gender, or ability,” said Camp Director Ziggy Korytoski. “As part of our mission, we look to develop players that enjoy the game, are comfortable on the ball, and believe in playing for something much bigger than themselves.  “It is this philosophy that we have used to develop our camp curriculum based on years of research, education, and player development, that will allow your favorite player the chance to train under one of the most experience led staffs on the Big Island.”

The Residential Camp, July 19-22, offers players age 14-18 years old an opportunity to develop their technical and tactical abilities. The camp curriculum includes a combination of 11-on-11 and small-sided games along with daily sessions that focus on individual player development and group tactics. The residential cost is $495 while the commuter cost is $430.

The day camps, July 23-27, are divided into two sections – Vulcans and Junior Vulcans.  The Vulcans’ (ages 8-14) curriculum includes dribbling/ball control, passing/possession, group play/spacial awareness, defending and finishing. The sessions run from 9 a.m. – noon. The cost is $135.  The Junior Vulcans’ (ages 4-7) program includes fun games that will introduce and emphasize all aspects of the sport and runs from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. The cost is $85.

Korytoski holds USSF “A” and UEFA “B” licenses as well as an NSCAA Premier Diploma. He is the former Director Tecnico of Antigua GFC which won the 2010-11 Guatemala Segunda Division Championship.  Contact Assistant Camp Director and UH Hilo Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach Terry Yamane at 808-640-0694 or 808-933-3243 for more information or applications.

Applications are also available on the Vulcans website at http://www.hiloathletics.com/documents/2012/5/8/Vulcan_Soccer_Camps_2012_5-7-2012_A.pdf?id=786

“Historic sites are tangible evidence of a colorful, rich heritage and provide the community with a sense of continuity,” said Pua Aiu, SHPD administrator. “The programs and services offered by SHPD are designed to promote the use and maintenance of historic properties for the education, inspiration, pleasure and enrichment of Hawai‘i’s citizens and visitors. Community input is essential to help set priorities for the State Historic Preservation Plan and will guide actions over the next five years.”

The meetings will begin with a presentation on historic preservation issues in present-day Hawai‘i. Attendees will be invited to share their own perceptions, including feedback on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges for historic preservation.

Specifically, participants will have the opportunity to contribute to discussion on a variety of topics, including:
Priorities for historic preservation in Hawai‘i and individual communities
Key participants
Existing community resources
Identifying what other resources are needed

The development and implementation of a comprehensive statewide historic preservation plan is one of the responsibilities of SHPD, under grant funding it receives from the National Park Service (NPS).

“When meetings in every county are completed, we will have a clearer perspective of historic preservation issues and concerns throughout the state,” said Faith Sereno Rex, president of SMS Consulting, which is the lead contractor responsible for completing the 2012-2017 State Historic Preservation Plan. “We also hope to re-energize the community to be more active in historic preservation activities. When people are involved in the planning process they are more likely to stay active through implementation.“

The two types of sea turtles most frequently observed in Hawai‘i nearshore waters are the green and hawksbill sea turtle.  The green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) is listed as threatened and the hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).  Three other listed species – loggerhead, leatherback, and olive ridley sea turtles – generally inhabit offshore environments in the region and are very rarely seen in Hawai‘i’s coastal waters.

“We want to remind the community that all sea turtles are still protected, and that both State and Federal consequences apply to anyone harming a green sea turtle,” said DLNR Chairperson William J. Aila, Jr.  The public is urged to act responsibly and not attempt to touch, disturb, feed, pursue, ride, harass, harm, or otherwise injure these animals.

On February 16, 2012, NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (jointly referred to as the Services) received a petition to classify the Hawai‘i population of green sea turtle as a Distinct Population Segment (DPS) and evaluate that population for de-listing under the ESA.  The contents of this petition are currently being reviewed to determine if the petition warrants further consideration.  If so, a scientific review of the status of the species will be initiated.

While any person or organization may submit a petition to list or de-list a species, this action alone does not affect the legal status of that species.  If the Services propose any changes to the listing status of green sea turtles in the future, public comments will be requested and considered before any final decisions about de-listing are made.

“Even though a petition for de-listing was filed, green sea turtles in Hawai‘i remain protected under State and Federal laws,” said Aila.

Sea turtles across the U.S. face threats including, but not limited to, illegal harvest, destruction and alteration of nesting and feeding  areas, incidental capture in commercial and recreational fisheries, entanglement in and ingestion of marine debris, disease, vessel strikes, and climate change.  To effectively address all threats to sea turtles, the Services have developed recovery plans to direct research and management efforts for each sea turtle species.  In Hawai‘i, on-going sea turtle recovery activities include efforts to reduce and eliminate direct harvest of, and interactions with, sea turtles in nearshore and commercial fisheries; eliminate the threat of fibropapilloma (a tumor disease that can be harmful to sea turtles); protect important nesting and feeding areas; and reduce impacts from boat strikes, disturbance, and marine debris.

To report a sea turtle in distress, please call (808) 983-5730 or visit NOAA’s sea turtle stranding website at: http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/psd/mtrp/turtle_contact.php