2004-02-26 Veteran Advisory Committee Minutes

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Veterans Advisory Committee Page 3 February 26, 2004 Norfolk Tree and Avacado Tree Norfolk Tree at Cemetery II will be removed with the approval of the new owner since part of the roots were removed during excavation and it is now a safety concern. Park Planner James Komata will be discussing removal with Director Engelhard. James will also discuss removal of the avocado tree on the mauka side. M &E Pacific will need to know decision as soon as possible since the heavy equipment is still on site. Chairman Kaoiwi shared that if trees in the center were to be relocated there would be a cost factor as well as a difficult task for P &R to drive heavy equipment near plots to prune in the future. DOD Engineer Major Neal Mitsuyoshi recommended that members table the tree issue because any changes could impact the scope of contracted work and DOD could be found in violation. Chairman Kaoiwi responded that M &E Pacific representatives will be contacting Major Mitsuyoshi to discuss any proposed changes to contract. Major Mitsuyoshi proposed that we not agree to remove those trees until we confirm that it doesn't affect contract. Chairman Kaoiwi confirmed that M &E will contact Major Mitsuyoshi directly before any decision is made. Ms. Fox wanted clarification on tree removal since at the January meeting Director Engelhard said she received requests from residents to save trees, but today after visiting cemetery, those trees are also being recommended for removal. Chairman Kaoiwi confirmed that those trees are also recommended for removal. Director Engelhard reminded committee that all members are doing now are making recommendations, it doesn't mean that is what will happen. Gates at Entrance Chairman Kaoiwi said that while at Cemetery II, he asked Deputy Director Mizuno about gates and she responded that it would be difficult for someone from the County to lock gates and the cost factor to hire security would be approximately $4,000 per year. He said that the recommendation would be for Director Engelhard to look into it, however, a resident at today's meeting shared that because the area is now clear, kids may not hangout since area is visible from nearby homes. Director Engelhard asked committee that even if the recurring cost is high to lock gates nightly, is the committee still recommending it? Chairman Kaoiwi confirmed that request is important because of the damage and graffiti kids have done in the past, especially the damages and graffiti at Cemetery I.