2004-05-20 Veteran Advisory Committee Minutes

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Veterans Advisory Committee Page 2 May 20, 2004 STATE VETERANS ADVISORY BOARD — REPORT No Report - Mr. Delbert Nishimoto, Big Island representative on the State Veterans Advisory Board was unable to attend the meeting. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Veterans Cemetery I — Expansion of Flagpole Area George Mukai — Same Report - No List Available. Mr. Gilbert Sampaia offered his assistance to help Mr. Mukai in some way with this project. Mr. Mukai responded that he needs a mason that will donate services. Veterans Cemetery II Director Engelhard reported that the wall is probably 2/3 completed and is not as high as originally planned. Although unsure of plans, she shared that possibilities may include installation of a fence on top the wall or planting a hedge to buffer activity at cemetery from the neighboring residents. Trees Trees were not yet removed, however, removal expenses is a contract item and should be covered under the contract. Veterans Cemetery III — West Hawaii Landscape Improvements Mr. Highley reported that sprinkler system is working well and turning on automatically, grass is growing nicely, however, that grass will be poisoned in order to make landscape improvements following Memorial Day. Removal of Headstones for Landscaping — Responses from Families Mr. Kekumu asked the status of responses received from families regarding temporary removal of headstones for landscaping improvement project. Director Engelhard responded that 3 or 4 of the letters were returned stating that they do not want the headstones of their loved ones removed, the rest seem to be okay. 4 -6" Curbing (Retaining Wall) and Accessibility to Cemetery In order to do planting, the area has to be raised 4 to 6 inches — the volunteer group is proposing to erect a short (4 -6 ") retaining wall along the parking lot to avoid soil erosion. Director Engelhard expressed the importance of keeping the area accessible to the disabled. Mr. Highley asked how many accessible entrances are necessary and if there are plans to follow. Director Engelhard responded that there needs to be at least one access. They both agreed that the access should be near the disabled parking stall.