Comprehensive Annual Financial Report 2017

Home

District Park and Ka'u Gym. Furthermore, the Department completed various projects which offer outdoor recreation such as Hilo Bay Front Trails Phase I, Kaamana Lani Park, Honaunau Rodeo Area Improvements as well as various ball field and court lighting improvement projects. For the Future Public Safety — The Fire Department celebrated the opening of the new Haihai Fire Station in Hilo in November 2017 which replaced the Kawailani Fire Station facility. The Department's legislative priorities include work towards the achievement of an additional Advanced Life Support Ambulance unit for the District of Puna and the expansion of its Ocean Safety Division to further protect popular beaches in West Hawai'i. The Emergency Medical Services Bureau will continue to grow its community based paramedicine program thereby reducing the burden on 911 emergency medical services. In the future, the Department continues to seek funding and a co -located site (partnering with the Fire Department) to serve as the main Puna District Station in the Kea'au area in lieu of the current Pahoa substation which is overcrowded and not centrally located. Securing funding for building a South Kona Police Station and the necessary attendant staffing continues to also remain a goal of the department. The department is also seeking funding for eventual implementation of a body worn camera system to assist our officers in the field. Public Works - DPW is currently working on a large Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) project. The Kawailani Street Improvement project ('Iwalani Street to Pohakulani Street) is valued at $21 million and started in fiscal year 2017. The Project includes grading, paving; installing drainage improvements, water mains, retaining walls, street lighting, and traffic signal systems; constructing sidewalks, curbs and gutters, driveways, curb ramps and paved swales; and installing pavement markings and signs. Traffic signals will be installed at the `Iwalani Street and Kawailani Street intersection and at the Kawailani Street and Pohakulani Street intersection with a projected finish of the project currently slated for the end of fiscal year 2018. DPW is looking forward to starting on the Mamalahoa Widening project (Mud Lane to Mand Road in Waimea), which is estimated at $20- $25 million. Bids for the project are due at the end of December 2017 and DPW is hoping construction on the project can start by the end of fiscal year 2018. Culture and Recreation — Parks and Recreation will continue to provide a wide array of recreational programs and services for diverse ages ranging from youth through elderly and provide safe facilities by conducting ongoing repairs and maintenance. Projects near completion include Mauna Kea Recreation Area which will feature bunkhouse and cabin lodging, a new Clubhouse and Improvements for Hilo Municipal Golf Course, new Kukuihaele Park, new Kuawa Fields, Panalewa Drag Strip and Skeet Range Improvements. - 4 -