Composting workshop offered Feb. 18

The Hawaii County Department of Environmental Management is sponsoring a Composting Workshop in Waimea from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 18 at Waimea Country School. The cost for the two-hour workshop is $10 per person and includes a free composting bin for those who attend the complete session.

To register or for more information, email ann_hassler@yahoo.com or call 937-1100. Composting bins may not be immediately available after the completion of the workshops. If this happens, vouchers for future composters may be distributed to qualified attendees. Vouchers may be redeemed according to the terms of the voucher or the directions of your instructor.

Free tax prep offered to residents

Appointments are now being made for free tax preparation for low-moderate income residents/families and seniors with simple taxes. The free service is provided by the AARP Foundation in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service. The service will open Feb. 3 and run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Monday and Friday throughout tax season (except Feb. 20) ending April 16 at Tutu’s House. To schedule an appointment or ask questions, call (808) 388-6645.

Federal and state tax returns will be prepared by volunteers who have donated their time and skills to serve their community. All returns will be filed electronically, with a few exceptions. After scheduling an appointment, prepare a tax packet that will include the following items:

c Picture identification (driver’s license, passport, etc.)

c Social security cards for yourself, spouse and all dependents

c Copy of last year’s income tax return

c W-2 forms from each employer

c Unemployment compensation statements

c SSA-1099 if paid social security benefits

c All 1099 forms, 1099-INT, 1099- DIV, 1099-B, etc. showing interest and/or dividends, and documentation showing original purchase price of sold assets

c 1099-MISC showing any miscellaneous income

c 1099-R if received a pension or annuity

c All forms showing income tax or estimated tax payments paid

c Dependent care provider information (name, address, ID number or social security number of care provider and amounts paid)

c Any other forms or statements received applicable to tax situation

c A copy or voided check showing bank account number so refund can be deposited directly into bank account.

Waikoloa Car Show seeking entrants, vendors

The Waikoloa Lions Club is hosting its “Island Fever” car show Feb. 18 at the Waikoloa Elementary School. The organization is looking for entrants and vendor food and craft booths that would like to participate.

The car show will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Lions expect more than 100 of the island’s coolest classic, vintage, hot rod and custom cars and trucks to be on display. The vehicles will be judged and awarded trophies in several categories.

There will be lots of fun for the entire family with prizes, raffles, and tee shirts for sale.

The event will feature live music, quality craft booths, delicious food, prizes, raffles and T-shirts for sale. The event is a fundraiser for the Waikoloa Lions Club; proceeds will go to help the community events and programs the club supports.

For show information and vehicle entries, contact Don at 883-1501 or email donraye@prodigy.net. For vendor food and craft booths, contact Sue at 989-0215 or sue.mccord@gmail.com.

Governor seeking applicants for boards, commissions

The Office of the Governor is reminding interested individuals who are looking to serve the public to consider service on a board or commission. Applications are being accepted for service on numerous boards and commissions including the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee and the Island Burial Councils.

Members of the public may apply themselves or recommend qualified applicants via hawaii.gov/gov.

The Office of the Governor oversees more than 160 boards and commissions established by the state constitution, statutes or executive orders.

Vacancies include seats on boards and commissions focusing on a cross-section of interests and industries, including: aerospace, alternative medicine, environment, cosmetology, civil defense, economic development, corrections, culture and the arts, education, festivals, health and human services, medical education, pest control, physical therapy, private detectives, public housing, small business, state parks, taxation, technology, tourism, voter registration and wastewater treatment.

More information, including a complete list of vacancies and application instructions, is posted at hawaii.gov/gov/about/boards-commissions.html.

Community fund grants available

The Kukio Community Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation is now accepting proposals from nonprofit organizations for projects that benefit West Hawaii residents. Deadline for submissions is Feb. 3.

The Kukio Community Fund is interested in proposals that seek to reduce youth risk-taking behaviors and increase positive social development through a variety of ways, including: Extracurricular activities; interaction with adult role models; opportunities for exploration of new interests; academic support; developing new friendships; and opportunities for leadership and building self-esteem.

The Request for Proposal Guidelines (RFP) can be downloaded from Hawaii Community Foundation’s website at hawaiicommunityfoundation.org. The average grant range is $1,000 to $5,000. Proposals must be postmarked by Feb. 3 and mailed to the Hawaii Community Foundation Oahu office: 827 Fort Street Mall, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.

Hawaii Energy offers free energy-saving workshop

Hawaii Energy, the energy efficiency and conservation program serving Hawaii, Honolulu and Maui counties, has partnered with Waimea Community Association to offer a free energy-saving community workshop to Big Island residents to help reduce their electric bill. The workshop will be held from 5:15 to 7 p.m. Feb. 2 at the Waimea School cafeteria.

The workshop will offer ways to save money on the electric bill to keep “lights on,” as well as information on how to get rebates from Hawaii Energy when purchasing energy-saving appliances, lighting and water heating. Light refreshments will be served.

Attendees will receive free energy-saving advanced power strips (while supplies last, limited to one per household). It is expected to be a “standing room only” event, so please come early. For information on rebates, visit HawaiiEnergy.com.