2004-03-18 Veteran Advisory Committee Minutes

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Veterans Advisory Committee Page 3 March 18, 2004 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Veterans Cemetery I — Expansion of Flagpole Area George Mukai absent — No Report. Veterans Cemetery III — West Hawaii Priorities (Graveliners and Committal Chapel/Pavilion) Peter Callahan reported that the number one priority for the cemetery was not graveliners as stated in February's minutes. Following last month's Veterans Advisory Committee meeting, the group overwhelming decided that the committal chapel /pavilion should be started somehow. Director Engelhard shared that safety concerns make the graveliners a priority, because while employees are digging graves the next grave erodes. She also shared her concern relating to shelter. Funds could be wasted if the slab and stub -outs are done first and then later trying to fit the roof, which if is not perfectly fit, may require removal of slab. Peter responded that Major Mitsuyoshi would be providing information on funding and possible phases of the building, the slab may not be the first phase. Regarding the liners the north side is approximately 2/3 filled and the occupied graves should not be disturbed. He suggests completing the (first) north side in the same way and if graveliners are going to be used, it could be started on the south side. Mr. Highley concurs with leaving the old side as is and starting with the new side. "Mr. Nishimoto reported that during the meeting held with representatives of Kona Veterans organizations and Department of Defense Acting Interim Director Carswell Ross and Engineer Major Neal Mitsuyoshi held in Kona on February 26th, the number one priority requested by Kona veterans was a committal shelter followed by concrete graveliners. However, DOD representatives strongly recommend graveliners beginning on the south side and $100,000 is available for liners from the Federal Government. West Hawaii veterans testified at the legislature in support of $600,000 which could be used for the shelter, septic system and water. HB 1800 moved from House to Senate and it seems like it will be a go, but funds are under West Hawaii Cemetery maintenance fund and not specifically designated for committal shelter construction. Landscaping Improvements Veterans and volunteers will be preparing cemetery for Golf Course Superintendent's Association upcoming Community Service Project. Volunteers will be packing and marking vases and plastic flowers to be stored in the storage shed at the cemetery at 10 am on March 19, 2004. Notice will be published tomorrow (March 19th) in West Hawaii Today to inform families of what is being done and request for volunteer help.