2004-11-18 Veteran Advisory Committee Minutes

Home

Veterans Advisory Committee Page 2 November 18, 2004 STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Veterans Cemetery III — West Hawaii — Maintenance of Newly Landscaped Area Maintenance Responsibilities Les Chess stated that there was a meeting this morning attended by County representatives Steve Morifuji and Jeff Alani, Richard Highley, Minoru Hanato and himself. They discussed maintenance of new sod area, the County will mow grass every other Wednesday, Veteran volunteers will remove flowers, beer cans, flags, vases, and various items left at the gravesites prior to that Wednesday. The Big Island Golf Course Superintendent's Association will do all of the fertilizing on a monthly basis and all of the herbiciding as needed. Irrigation will be the responsibility of the County, but the Golf Course Superintendent's Association will help if needed. Watering will be reduced from (4) times a day to (3) times per day. Previous Meeting Minutes — September 23, 2004 • The Minutes of the October 14, 2004 meeting were approved as submitted. STATE VETERANS ADVISORY BOARD — REPORT On behalf of the OVS Director and all members of the State Veterans Advisory Board, Big Island Member Delbert Nishimoto, commended and congratulated Les Chess and all volunteers on the outstanding job and community involvement for the landscaping improvements, including creating a beautiful lawn at the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery III. Graveliners — Veterans Cemetery III — West Hawaii Delbert announced that the specs for the graveliners have been submitted to the Feds and are still being worked on. It is taking awhile, at least 60 days. They are continuing to work on this project. Graveliners will be provided piece meal, maybe just 10 at a time. Excavation will be done incrementally. The $100,000 allocated for graveliners comes from federal funds (grant -in -aid). Mr. Highley shared his concern relating to the high cost of excavating incrementally and suggests that the entire area be excavated at once. Delbert suggested that when the plans are complete, the engineer be advised and matter discussed at that time to see how far the funds can go. Director Engelhard recommended that the entire $100,000 be spent on graveliners one time rather than spending portions at a time. Mr. Lum asked if veterans benefits include graveliners and Delbert responded that it does not. It is newly developed and the most economical solution for the conditions at the West Hawaii cemetery. Chairman Kaowi explained that the veteran entitlement includes the opening and closing of a grave, headstone and a flag. Mr. Wilson said he will check information on veterans benefits and confirm with Mr. Lum via a phone call.