2006-04-20 Veteran Advisory Committee Minutes

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Veterans Advisory Committee Page 3 April 20, 2006 VETERANS CEMETERY III - WEST HAWAII Chairman Highley said the meeting held this morning at Veterans Cemetery III - West Hawaii with Mr. Ralph Morita and staff member Joseph of DAGS; Herring Kalua, State Veterans Advisory Board- Hawaii Island Representative; many members of various Veterans organizations, Council Members Virginia Isbell and Pete Hoffman; representatives from Cindy Evans' office and Ed Case's office was good. They discussed burial availability at Cemetery III and the importance of preparing the second section so that veterans families don't get turned away and have to bury loved ones elsewhere. Chairman Highley also reported that the $300,000 from the State legislature has been released. Colonel Cruickshank told him the 1.2 million dollars would be part of the funds secured from the Veterans Administration. The revised master plan will be worked on beginning May or June and is expected to take approximately six (6) months to complete. The plan will then be submitted to Veterans Administration to release the funds to continue project. He asked if there were any comments or questions about items discussed at the meeting. Mr. Minoru Hanato of DAV said veterans in attendance stressed the importance of installing graveliners quickly. State representatives will try to push project and asked if anyone knows of somebody that could manufacture concrete graveliners on this island. There will be another meeting with state representatives in July after they gather more information. Will work with them closely and continue to push the issue of quick expansion. VETERANS CEMETERY III - WEST HAWAII Vandalized Road Sign Repaired Mr. Hanato thanked Herring Kalua for requesting that the vandalized sign on the Highway be replaced. APPRECIATION - FORMER CHAIRPERSON LOUIS KAOIWI Former Chairperson Louis Kaoiwi served for many years in various capacities on the Veterans Advisory Committee. He was honored with a lei from the Department of Parks and Recreation, a plaque from members of the Veterans Advisory Committee, a Certificate of Appreciation from Mayor Kim presented by Managing Director Dixie Kaetsu, and a summary read by Director Engelhard describing his sixteen years of volunteer service to the committee. Louis Kaoiwi thanked Director Engelhard, Mayor Kim and the Managing Director for helping to get what is needed for the cemetery. He also thanked everyone for working together as one team. Managing Director Dixie Kaetsu thanked all members for serving on the committee and for their hard work and dedication. She then presented Mr. Kaoiwi with a Certificate of Appreciation from Mayor Kim. Refreshments will be served following the committee meeting.