2006-06-15 Veteran Advisory Committee Minutes

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Veterans Advisory Committee Page 4 June 15, 2006 and has not yet received a response. Chairman Highley asked Mr. Kalua to follow -up on grants with Mr. Morita. Vice Chairman Stevens shared information, but it was inaudible. After adjusting the microphone, he continued: In speaking for the entire veterans community Dr. Stevens said the main point is the state is not paying any attention to veterans. Plans they are proposing have some serious flaws in it and the state seems unwilling to discuss any possible changes. Its like the train has left the station, is rolling down the tracks and we have been left behind. This is causing a great deal of concern in the Veterans community. Our concerns have not been addressed at all. Hoping that through the Mayor's Veterans Advisory Committee, the Mayor can get involved. We have been trying to go through all political representatives including Senator Inouye, Senator Akaka and Representative Case yesterday up at PTA. Hoping that there is a way that the state can discuss concerns. P &R Director Engelhard shared that part of the reason that you're not getting anything is that you're not telling the County anything. She said that she is only hearing about these concerns today and the County will be responsible for maintaining this cemetery. The County needs to know what's being proposed. She was unable to attend the meeting that she was invited to in Kona, however, she knows nothing about what has happened subsequent to that meeting. Vice Chairman Stevens said that the Chairman has information that he can share to bring the County up -to -date. P &R Director Engelhard said its very important that the landlord knows what is going on. Vice Chairman Stevens said that County could be the key to getting the best use of taxpayers money on this project. Member Louis Kaoiwi stressed the importance of keeping Director Engelhard informed of what is going on because when the VA calls her if she doesn't know what you folks are trying to do she wouldn't be able to answer. Everything needs to go through the Director of P &R. He begged members to go through P &R and keep Director Engelhard in the loop. Vice Chairman Stevens reported that Chairman Highley has been keeping everyone copied in his letter of June 8th including Director Engelhard. Mr. Kaoiwi has made an excellent point and we will definitely keep P &R informed. Mr. Delbert Nishimoto (Field Representative for Daniel K. Inouye) said he just heard yesterday about the problems. Mr. Herb Lum gave him copies of letters submitted, listed on the letters are James Nakatani and Chris Abbott from Congressman Case's office. He asked if they have responded to the letter. He also said yesterday was the first they heard, so please put Senator Inouye on the list, and do not grumble after the fact when we are so close to the deadline.