2004-11-18 Veteran Advisory Committee Minutes

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Veterans Advisory Committee Page 4 November 18, 2004 Veterans Cemetery I — Columbarium Mr. Mukai asked about columbariums for Hilo and Mr. Nishimoto responded that they were told indirectly to remove the one in Hilo since its not the standard design which poses privacy issues. When you open a panel, four cubicles or four different families will be in view. The new columbariums are individual, neat, small and very appealing. Punch Bowl has the most recent design. Waiting for the VA to replace with the new type, however, there are also security problems in Hilo, whereas, the cemetery on the west side is secured with double gates and fencing. There have been problems in various cemeteries throughout the united states with vandalism of columbariums. Veterans Cemetery II — Urn Burials At Cemetery II there is a designated urn section which saves a lot of burial space and is secure. Mr. Nishimoto suggests that a columbarium could be erected against Halai Hill similar to Kaneohe or Punchbowl. He also confirmed that urn burials would remain, the placement of urns in the columbarium would start after erected. UNFINISHED BUSINESS VETERANS CEMETERY II — EXPANSION PROJECT UPDATE Director Engelhard reported that P &R has requested an inspection date and include Veterans Advisory Committee members, however, local contractor M &E is unable to set a final inspection with the Department of Defense until the sign is installed in the rock wall and project complete. DOD is also short handed because of deployments and unable to send someone here to answer questions relating to project. Chairman Kaoiwi shared concerns relating to the height of the lawn in the new section at Veterans Cemetery IL Director Engelhard responded that the grass has since been cut because she received a call from a neighboring property owner that the grass was being mowed too early in the morning. VETERANS CEMETERY III — WEST HAWAII Landscaping Improvement Proiect Update - Burials Mr. Highley shared that the project has been completed, however, one concern is how burials are done at the cemetery utilizing a large backhoe and 2 t/2 ton dump truck. Driving equipment over the sod would damage the landscaping. After approximately a month the sod would grow together and become a lawn which would not be so easily damaged. P &R Maintenance staff would need to use a sod cutter and a smaller version of the dumper to haul soil. Les Chess suggested a Toro Workman (a utility cart with a dumper on it) for hauling soil, which is what is being used at the Arlington Cemetery as seen on a TV special the night before Veterans Day. Les said that the cart has special wheels that won't hurt the turf and is also checking if any golf courses have a used one available. Mr. Highley asked if the County would be able to purchase a cart if there was one available at a good price and Director Engelhard responded depending on the price it may be possible.