MINUTES for 2023-05-24 FINAL - Laserfiche WebLink

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Veterans Advisory Committee Minutes May 24,2023 Page 2 Vacancies Chair Doolittle introduced the topic and asked if Tom Wojszynski was present. Tom retired from the Air Force working in intelligence and acquisitions. After he retired from the Air Force he served in engineering and sales positions. Tom worked for Google for 12 years before permanently relocating to Hawaii Island in January 2022. The committee welcomed Tom. Vacancies will continue to be updated at future meetings until all seats have been filled. Motor Vehicle Registration—Issuance of Veteran License Plates Chair Doolittle reintroduced the topic and gave a little background on prior discussions. He also indicated that Kelsie Figueira from the Office of Veterans Services was not present at the meeting and there may not be an update. Assistant Corporation Counsel J Yoshimoto did a little research and found Act 254, House Bill No. 1724 which provides changes to the requirements of Veterans license plates. Changes made were from only one set of license plates to more than one. He also asked for permission from the Committee to reach out to the Office of the Attorney General (AG)who oversees these regulations to clarify the requirements. All members agreed that ACC Yoshimoto reaching out to the AG would be helpful. ACC Yoshimoto will then provide an update to the Committee once he is able to clarify with the AG the requirements. The Wall that Heals —Hilo Group Application Chair Doolittle introduced the topic. Chair Doolittle traveled to San Luis Obispo, California with Ben and Teresa Fuata to experience the Wall. Hawaii Island has an opportunity to bring the Wall to our island. They expect the official letter, if the Wall will be coming to Hilo, to come out after Memorial Day. Will need to budget approximately $120,000 to pay for transportation. They are looking for two co-chairs for the west and south sides of the island to help coordinate. Hawaii Island Veterans Fund will be accepting any donations as they are a non-profit. John Hiduchick-Nakayama suggested getting the motorcycle clubs involved. They can do fundraisers for this purpose; they can escort the wall when it arrives and stage at site. *Debra Lewis left the meeting around 10:20 am Chair Doolittle explained that they would like to have a parade through town before arriving at the final site. It's a van that is 55 feet long by about 14 1/2 feet high. But we'll