Tax department taking questions
Phone lines at the state Department of Taxation will be open Friday to answer taxpayers’ questions about state tax returns.
Calls will be taken from 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at 1-800-222-3229, (808) 587-4242 or (808) 587-6515.
The department is encouraging taxpayers to file their state tax returns earlier than the April 20 deadline if they wish to receive speedier refunds. Early-April filings can get refunds in six to eight weeks, while mid-April filings will receive refunds in eight to 10 weeks.
Beginning this tax season, the department is accepting electronic filings of returns through an Internal Revenue Service program. Filing electronically can reduce the time for refund checks even further, officials said.
Tax forms may be requested on-line at www.state.hi.us/tax or by calling 1-800-222-7572 or (808) 587-7572. Most forms can be faxed within 24 hours, while mailed forms will arrive in seven to 10 days, officials said.
Information on extensions beyond the April 20 filing deadline is available at www.ehawaiigov.org.
Gateway maintenance team forms
The Kaua`i Chamber of Commerce is enlisting volunteers to help maintain the new Lihu`e Gateway landscaped area leading away from Lihu`e Airport on Ahukini Road and Kapule Highway.
Prospective volunteers can contact the chamber at 246-7363 for additional information or to sign up.
The gateway project originally was supported by more than 150 organizations and individuals. The state Department of Transportation is administering the project, and Kaua`i Nursery and Landscaping is the contractor for irrigation and planting.
PMRF security plans live fire
Live firing exercises by the Pacific Missile Range Facility security force at Kekaha Firing Range are scheduled for two three-day periods in April.
During the exercises April 14-16 and 24-26, the range area is hazardous and the public should stay away, officials said.
April vehicle registrations due
Kaua’i County’s Department of Motor Vehicles is encouraging vehicle owners to check whether their annual registration payment is due in April.
“We show that the April renewal notices were mailed last month, but we’re getting reports that many owners didn’t receive them,” said Beth Tokioka, county spokeswoman.
If their registration is due in April, vehicle owners should bring their current registration and current safety check to the Department of Motor Vehicles in the Kapule Building at the Lihu’e Civic Center, Tokioka explained. Payments are accepted between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Additional information is available from the department at 241-6577.
Maha’ulepu cleanup open to all
Participants are welcome for a cleanup of Maha’ulepu Beach, said organizers of the April 22 Earth Day event.
Malama Maha’ulepu, the Sierra Club, the Rotary Club of Po’ipu and the KCC Environmental Club are planning the cleanup, which will start at 9 a.m. at the parking lot past Kawalloa Bay.
Beach and parking areas will get the cleanup’s attention. Work gloves, sunscreen, hat and protective clothing are recommended for participants. Sponsoring groups will provide water, refreshments and trash bags.
Coast Guard committee has openings
The Coast Guard is accepting applications for appointments to an advisory committee on safety-related commercial fishing issues.
The 17-member Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Advisory Committee meets at least once a year around the U.S. Members serve without compensation but are reimbursed by the federal government for travel and per diem costs.
Two committe positions representing the fishing industry, one for the general public, one for education and one for marine insurance will become vacant this October. Information on applying for the posts are available by writing to Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second St. SW., Washington, D.C. 20593-0001 (attn: Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Williams) or by calling (202) 267-0507. Completed applications must be received by July 6.
Information also is available by e-mail at rvance@comdt.uscog.mil.
