5-16-2025 - PUAPUA`ANUI TRAFFIC
 Members of the PEK Traffic Committee, Pualani residents/owners, and Hawai`i County representatives met on May 15 to discuss the increase in traffic and the safety issues that have plagued our community for several years.
The meeting was cooridnated by our district representative, Rebecca Villegas, and involved County traffic division personnel.
PEK presented a summary of homeowner concerns, what had been accomplished thus far, and shared additional possible options to remedy traffic safety concerns.
Responses from County representatives appeared cooperative and forward-looking, with a commitment to re-evaluate the matter in the near future. We look forward to the mana`o and outcome of the evaluation. Stay tuned; watch this space.
5-13-2025 - ANIMAL ALERT & REWARD OFFERED
 An escaped goat with a collar is wandering and munching around Pualani Estates. He has been known to enter open garages, terrorize cats and roam around yards.
He escaped from the school to our north, and now seems to have picked up a companion to travel with. He is not dangerous to wildlife as far as we can tell but will eat anything especially ti leaves.
If you are able to trap or enclose the goat, once you possess it, call owner Veronica at #407-417-0390. A reward is offered.
5-13-2025 - KOKUA @ KAHALU`U BEACH PARK
The County and The Kohala Center are asking for kokua this and Thursday (May 15) to help strip paint and prime the pavilion rails. Please bring a water bottle, hat, and sunglasses.
If you can help please e-mail Cindi Punihaole at cpunihaole@kohalacenter.org or text 808 895-1010. Mahalo!
5-13-2025 - KAILUA-KONA ROAD RESURFACING
The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works has announced the last two phases of a resurfacing project for Māmalahoa Highway in Kona.
Starting May 19, resurfacing will occur from Kalamauka Road to Ha'awina Street (approximately 3 miles). That segment is anticipated to be completed Oct. 2.
The last segment of the project, from Palani Road to Kamalani Street (approximately 3 miles), will begin June 18 and be completed Nov. 26.
The scope of work includes resurfacing and striping, sign and pedestrian crossing improvements, and adjustments to manhole frames, utility valves, meter box covers, and drainage frames.
Work will take place Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. weather permitting. Shifting lane closures will be in effect during work hours. Flaggers will be on site to help manage traffic flow. Motorists are advised to drive with caution through the work zone.
In total, about 9 miles of road will be paved through all phases. The anticipated cost of the completed project is $5 million.
MIRROR REPAIR
A traffic mirror at an active intersection in Pualani Estates was damaged in early May. The traffic mirror was installed several years ago at the urging of the PEK Traffic Committee.
Although the mirror is helpful, kupuna, keiki, the disabled, and others are still at high risk due to the increase of speeding vehicles both during the day and night.
The intersection is part of a small stretch of road that residents describe as a "dangerous blind curve" on Puapua`anui Street between the streets of Paulehia and Mea Lanakila/So. Mea Lanakila Place.
Upon discovery, Pualanipono.com immediately put a call in to the Kona Police Department and County's Department of Public Works. Within 48 hours a County road crew was on the scene to repair the damaged mirror.
Mahalo to the DPW for their quick response to this urgent safety concern.
4-23-2025 TELEPHONE TOWN HALL
The Senate is in recess this week. If you are a Hawai'i resident and interested to attend Senator Brian Schatz's telephone town hall on Thursday, May 8 @ 12:00 P.M., you can RSVP by visiting schatz.senate.gov/townhall. Senator Schatz will be giving updates from Washington, D.C. and taking questions from constituents.
4-21-2025 - PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS
 
Improvements appear to be underway at the Lunalilo park to the delight of a flock of white cranes that appear every morning in search of a meal.
4-21-2025 - PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE IN OUR COMMUNITY
 PEK is the largest subdivision on our island with three phases of building and development. To keep our neighborhoods appealing and safe, the HOA invites Homeowners to form committees and address certain key issues and improvements for the benefit of our community.
Are you a recent homeowner to Pualani Estates? There are current opportunities for current and new homeowners to serve their community in the following area:
CC&R Committee
What is CC&R? CC&R stands for Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions, which are rules and regulations that govern how properties in a planned community like Pualani Estates can be used and maintained.
It's a great way to learn about the place you live and make a difference by giving back to your community. To help Pualani Estates remain one of the most desired developments on the Big Island, please e-mail Kealani Winter with your questions or interest about the CCR Committee. Your voice matters.
4-9-2025 MAYOR DELIVERS STATE OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS
 During his first State of the County address, County of Hawai'i Mayor Kimo Alameda highlighted progress made by his administration, including investments in park facilities and infrastructure.
"We have had the best start ever!" Alameda told an overflow crowd at Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo on Tuesday, while acknowledging the work of his staff. "We are not just running, we are flying."
Accomplishments over the past four months include:
- Starting Phase 1 of the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Project with an Emergency Proclamation in place.
- Repairs and reopening of various County park facilities across the island.
- Reaching agreements with unions on hazard pay for County employees.
- Housing individuals at the Kuawa Street shelter and the Country Club condominiums on Banyan Drive in Hilo.
- Road repaving and resurfacing in every district.
Mayor Alameda also provided an overview of the proposed 2025-26 budget, which includes estimated revenue and appropriations of $937 million. That represents an increase of 1.8 percent over the current fiscal year.
The proposed budget focuses on taking care of what the County has in place, including increasing the maintenance budget for park facilities and addressing deferred maintenance of critical infrastructure.
"Let us move forward — not divided by districts, but united by aloha," he said. "… Let's look out for one another, for our island, and for the generations yet to come..."
Watch the video here.
View photos from the address here.
4-2-2025 - COUNTY AWARDS R&D GRANTS
The County of Hawaiʻi announced that $548,095 had been awarded to 31 projects for its Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Impact Grants.
The program, through the Department of Research and Development, is an annual competitive opportunity for nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and state or county agencies.
Eligible proposals include research, programs, or projects that have a positive impact on the following program areas within Hawaiʻi Island communities: Agriculture and Food Systems; Business and Industry Development; Community Well-being; Energy; Film and Creative Industries; and Regenerative Tourism.
Each funded project brings at least $1 in matching funds for every County dollar granted, bringing the total value of awarded projects to well over $1,096,192.
To view a list of the grant awards and project summaries, visit https://www.rd.hawaiicounty.gov/funding-grant-resources/impact-grants. |
