Low-income residents can get help with utility bills
The latest Census Bureau statistics indicate 11.2 percent of the state of Hawaii is considered living in poverty. The rate for the Big Island is 19.5 percent. The Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council will be taking applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program from Monday through June 30.
Eligible low-income residents can apply for assistance with their Hawaii Electric Light Co. or gas bill; or apply for the Energy Crisis Intervention program for assistance to stop termination of electricity service. The Energy Crisis Intervention program is available throughout the year to assist eligible low-income individuals and families to maintain their electric service.
Applications will be taken at the following sites between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.:
• Naalehu — HCEOC Youth Center (Behind Naalehu Community Center/Senior Nutrition Site
• Hawaiian Ocean View — (Monday and Wednesday) Ocean View Community Center, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates
• Kona — HCEOC Kona, 76-6804 Mamalahoa Highway, Holualoa
• Honokaa — HCEOC 45-3380 Mamane St., Honokaa
Documents needed are the most recent HELCO electric bill or last two Gasco bills; photo ID for all household members 18 years and older; Social Security number verification for all adults and children older than 1 year old in household; children under 1 year old must have birth certificate; citizenship verification — birth certificate, Passport, INS card I94; proof of income, including Social Security, pension, disability, unemployment, general assistance, other payments and bank statements; adults with no income must bring a notarized/sworn statement; proof of physical address (rental agreement, lease or deed, property tax bill); final utility termination notice, shut-off notice from HELCO.
For more information, call HCEOC at 961-2681, ext. 415.
Nacinto to be honored at luncheon
The Kona Crime Prevention Committee will honor Officer Chandler Nacinto as its “officer of the month” at noon June 3 for his outstanding performance as a member of the Hawaii Police Department. The guest speaker will be Laura Guluzzy, gerontologist.
The committee encourages and supports the police department in its efforts to prevent crime, deter potential criminals and enforce laws. The committee also provides needed police equipment for use by its Kona District officers when department funds cannot support those needs.
The public is invited to attend the luncheons normally held on the first Wednesday of each month. The cost of the luncheon is $20, all inclusive at Huggo’s Restaurant.
Reservations are required and may be made by contacting Liz Holey at lholey@hawaii.rr.com or phone 443-7708 by Monday.