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Veterans Advisory Committee <br />Page 4 <br />February 26, 2004 <br />NEW BUSINESS <br />Veterans Cemetery III — West Hawaii <br />Richard Highley reported that representatives from Kona veterans organizations, <br />Department of Defense Engineer Major Mitsuyoshi and OVS Acting Director Ross have <br />been in conference discussing priorities for improvements to the Veterans Cemetery III - <br />West Hawaii. He wanted public record to reflect that there are a lot of unhappy veterans <br />in West Hawaii. <br />Mr. Highley said that State Representatives are aware of the many problems and the <br />cemetery in its current condition is a disgrace. Representatives Takamine and Kokubun <br />visited cemetery in December and agree. <br />Mr. Highley stated that there is currently $100,000 available for improvements and some <br />additional organic assets through community support. The original scope for this <br />cemetery called for Phase I and II. However, there are no funds for Phase II. This <br />excludes any facilities. The only expected additions at this point will be landscaping and <br />graveliners. Kona veterans will be requesting funds from State Legislators. Burial <br />numbers are not very high, however, veterans served our country and deserve a nice <br />cemetery. West Hawaii has the highest growth rate in the State of Hawaii and burial <br />rates are expected to increase. However, the catch 22 is that no one wants to be buried at <br />Cemetery III because it looks so horrible. <br />Chairman Kaoiwi stated that East Hawaii Members and Veterans will continue to <br />support the requests to improve West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery III. <br />Soil — Maintenance Difficult <br />Mr. Nishimoto said that Mr. Alani told him that the type of soil they are receiving from <br />Hilo has a lot of sleeping grass and is creating maintenance problems at the cemetery. <br />Combination Lock <br />Mr. Nishimoto shared that an elderly lady complained that she has a difficult time <br />opening the combination lock. She has to lay on the ground and it takes her a long time <br />to get lock open. He recommended improving the lock at the cemetery. <br />Les Chess, President of the Golf Course Superintendent's Association <br />Community Service Proiect at Veterans Cemetery III-West Hawaii <br />Mr. Highley introduced Mr. Les Chess, President of the Golf Course Superintendent's <br />Association. Members of their organization would like to assist with landscaping and <br />making improvements at the cemetery on a voluntary basis. Mr. Highley asked for <br />County's approval of this volunteer project. <br />