2006-06-15 Veteran Advisory Committee Minutes

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Veterans Advisory Committee Page 2 June 15, 2006 STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Veterans Cemetery III - West Hawaii Columbarium Vases Mr. Minoru Hanato reported that (75) columbarium vases were received, (100) were ordered. He said they may have to fill marble plate to mount it and wondered if they need a county employee there while performing that task. Director Engelhard will check and get back to Minoru on whether or not a county employee should be present. PREVIOUS MEETINGS MINUTES — MAY 18, 2006 • The minutes of the May 18, 2006 meeting will stand in record per Chairman Highley since there were no corrections as submitted. REPORT ON CEMETERIES — STATE VETERANS ADVISORY BOARD Hawaii Island Representative Mr. Herring Kalua Mr. Herring Kalua reported that he met with veterans in West Hawaii regarding their concerns relating to the meeting held with Colonel Cruickshank and DAGS representatives. He also shared with the West Hawaii veterans the plans he received at the June 2nd State Veterans Advisory Board Meeting. The veterans have major concerns relating to those plans and have requested changes. Mr. Kalua submitted those requested changes along with the letter from Mr. Highley to the state. The state has concerns, so he recommended they set up another meeting to discuss plans further. Chairman Highley said letters were written by Vice Chairman Stevens and himself to Mr. Morita of DAGS addressing these concerns. Chairman Highley again read the email response from Major Mitsuyoshi dated May 16th, which was also shared at last month's meeting. Chairman Highley said he wrote to Representative Cindy Evans regarding the use of the $300,000 since he was concerned if it could be used in such a manner. Representative Evans response sounds like she is well aware of what is going on and doesn't object to it. Representative Evans also wrote that the weather in Hilo is totally different from Kona, the hot and dry weather can be unbearable, second the $300,000 by the State Legislature has to be encumbered by June 30th or funds are lost. Chairman Highley says he hopes funding issue has been handled, as obtaining those funds is the current priority. Chairman Highley shared he was informed that $150,000 would go towards design of cemetery and the other $150,000 would go towards installation of 56 grave liners. We're happy to hear that the 56 grave liners will be going in, however, we feel that a lot more grave liners could be put in if they utilize funds in the area we suggested. In order for the funds to be encumbered, the contract had to be out so it looks like the grave liners will be put in where state projected. As far as other concerns relating to design of chapel and other facilities, hoping the state can work with veteran community to find out what they would like to have there.