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Veterans Advisory Committee <br />Page 2 <br />April 21, 2005 <br />Previous Meeting Minutes — March 17, 2005 <br />• The Minutes of the March 17, 2005 meeting were approved as submitted. <br />STATE VETERANS ADVISORY BOARD — REPORT <br />Delbert Nishimoto, Big Island representative on the State Veterans Advisory Board <br />reported the following: <br />Veterans Cemetery II <br />Mr. Nishimoto shared that he has visited site twice recently. The sleeping grass <br />continues to be a problem, the sign is still not placed, and there are other conditions that <br />need attention. He will inform Mr. Ito of the DOD Engineering office of the problems <br />so he can contact M &E. <br />Culdesac — Distance to Cemetery Plots — Planning for Funding Needs <br />Mr. Kaoiwi said he was asked why the culdesac ended way down at Veterans <br />Cemetery II compared to the old side, which leaves a longer distance for County <br />employees to transport the caskets to cemetery plots. <br />Mr. Nishimoto said that the normal procedure is for the casket to be brought to the <br />committal shelter for the service instead of direct burials. After the service, the families <br />are asked to leave and the cemetery crew will take the casket to the plots. <br />Mr. Kaoiwi shared his concern that this puts a burden on County employees. He said that <br />the County should be informed of these plans ahead of time since they will need more <br />employees and equipment to accommodate these changes. <br />Mr. Nishimoto shared that the committal shelter has been constructed for a purpose and it <br />hasn't been utilized as intended. Veterans' families and mortuaries need to be informed <br />that the shelter should be used for services rather than direct burials. Another factor is to <br />be sure there are enough chairs at the shelter to accommodate people. He will ask if the <br />VA could provide equipment to transport caskets and purchase chairs under cemetery <br />improvements. <br />Mr. Nishimoto also suggested that the Veterans Advisory Board submit a priority list of <br />items needed, such as equipment to transport caskets because of the distance. There may <br />be discretionary funds available for these purchases. <br />Chairman Kaoiwi shared that he just wants P &R to be a part of these changes /plans so if <br />necessary the County can include personnel and equipment in their budget request. <br />Mr. Nishimoto said other concerns at Veterans II include installation of a gate, improving <br />the lighting at the culdesac, and extension of the flagpole. A priority list should be made. <br />Chairman Kaoiwi asked Mr. Nishimoto if the contractor would be held responsible for <br />the changes of the roof at the committal shelter. Mr. Nishimoto responded that he didn't <br />