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Veterans Advisory Committee Minutes February 25, 2020 Page 9 graduate on time. The Veterans State home, we have one in Hilo, and the story that I know is Senator Inouye knew that if he had put one in Oahu, he knew we'd never get one on the other island. He built ours, Yukio Okutsu and the intent was to build one on Oahu. I think all the Veteran Organizations need to be aware, they didn't fund it last time. They funded it in the past but it's not enough funds to make it happen and the need is probably very great on Oahu, but they haven't supported that. So, the number, they're asking, it's supposed to be 24 care with 120 beds in the Kapolei area. So, 26 million was appropriated with 42 million in the Finance and other committees but just making sure that this is a priority, and we want to support Veterans everywhere. There are veterans on our island that sometimes move back to Oahu where will they have a place? Chair Doolittle: I understood that there was 42 million appropriated by the Federal and the 27 million was matching funds that has not been appropriated. This was from the letter that Col. Han had just sent out a few days ago. Part of the problem was that if it was not funded this year, in 2020 they would lose the money. They would need to reapply, and it would be 5 — 7 years before they would be able to make an adequate case for refunding. He was sending out a notice for everyone to get in touch with their contacts to different State Senators and what not, to encourage them to vote to add these funds. Lewis: This is something we want to bring up with County and say we want to support Oahu to make sure this thing goes through. Wery: When it was first proposed, I think it was 195 bed facility and it was determined at the time that they would do 95 here and leave them the bulk to use on another island. At that time, they were discussing Oahu and also Maui. That's why they went with 95 here so they would be left with that remainder. If they would have been the 195 here, that's it, finished, no more. That's why they split it. Chair Doolittle: I was told this just the other day, most states have only one Veterans Home, is that true? Lewis: Yes, there's usually only one. But they don't have islands. Wery: That's why they put a smaller one here. So, they would have the ability to put another one on another island. Chair Doolittle: Even at 195 beds/200 beds when you look at the veteran population that's like an infinitesimal drop in the bucket for who might need those services. Wery: But at the time, it was better than nothing. Lewis: But I think the point I want to make sure, this is the time, now. The idea is, I don't know what the time frame is, and we want to make sure the County is aware that this is an issue.