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Veterans Advisory Committee <br />Minutes May 25, 2022 <br />Page 2 <br />OLD BUSINESS <br />Hidden Heroes Cities and Counties <br />Chair Doolittle introduced the topic and deferred to Marcia Brinkley to introduce the <br />guest. <br />Vice -Chair Brinkley: introduced Ilihia Gionson as the Hawaii Fellow for the Elizabeth <br />Dole Foundation. Ilihia is a caregiver for his dad who is a veteran and is also the Public <br />Affairs Officer for the Hawaii Tourism Authority. <br />Ilihia Gionson: Thanked the group for advocating on behalf of veterans. He cares for his <br />dad who is a veteran. Elizabeth Dole was a US Senator and spent time with her husband <br />while he was recovering from injuries and she was able to meet with caregivers of vets. <br />The caregivers' stories are what inspired Elizabeth Dole to create this foundation to <br />support the 5.5 million caregivers across the United States. The role of caregivers is <br />wide-ranging and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation works to advocate for those caregivers. <br />Currently on the Hill is the Elizabeth Dole Act is a bill that will reinvest in caregivers <br />support at the Department of Veterans Affairs. The program he was here to talk about is <br />the Hidden Heroes Cities and Counties program. It's a recognition and commitment to <br />the veterans and their caregivers, a commitment to make resources available to them. <br />Ilihia is interested in pursuing that designation for Hawaii County. <br />Brinkley: Explained that this body signed a letter to former Mayor Harry Kim to support <br />this designation for Hawaii County. <br />Laurie Soares: Asked what exactly is the designation and what types of services do they <br />provide to veterans. <br />Gionson: The designation indicates that our County is supportive of veterans and their <br />caregivers and is willing to explore what resources we can make available. Some of it is <br />simply bringing attention to the resources already in place. Different Counties, different <br />cities have approached this in different ways. <br />A discussion ensued regarding the different issues and concerns the group has <br />encountered with caregivers needing resources or not knowing where to go for help, <br />including being able to provide help and resources to homeless veterans. <br />Debra Lewis; Motioned that the group reaffirms the support for the Hidden Heroes Cities <br />and Counties' program and that the group does everything possible to be accessible to ask <br />questions and get answers for hold this together as that Fellow. <br />Brinkley seconded the motion. <br />Eight ayes. None opposed. Motion carried. <br />NEW BUSINESS <br />