2006-06-15 Veteran Advisory Committee Minutes

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Veterans Advisory Committee Page 5 June 15, 2006 Chairman Highley said he has been corresponding with James Nakatani of Congressman's Case office. He will try to communicate with everyone. Mr. Herring Kalua, Hawaii Island Representative on the State Veterans Advisory Committee said that we identified the problems and tried to put everything together. We got to be on one team and work together. Very proud of the West Hawaii Veterans community team, he will be a part of that team and the County will be the main part of that team. He said he doesn't like to hear excuses, if he cannot make things happen, he will resign. Things are working well, just need to work on communication and things will happen. Veterans Cemeteries I and II - Columbariums Mr. Kalua told Ma i or Neal Mitsuyoshi while he was here to check on the grass at Cemetery II, about the committee's recommendation to install a columbarium like Cemetery III at Cemetery H. This item will be discussed at the July State Veterans Advisory Meeting and he will have a report to this committee next month. UNFINISHED BUSINESS VETERANS CEMETERY II — EXPANSION PROJECT Director Engelhard reported that Veterans II is still being worked on (weed removal and drainage issues) and as previously reported is expected to be completed by July or August. VETERANS CEMETERY III — WEST HAWAII Grave Liner Proiect - Grave Sizes Director Engelhard reported that the grave liner project is moving ahead, however, tried to make a change because the rules state that the gravesites should be 4' X 9'. The grave liners maybe 3' X 8', but will still try to make plot sizes 4'X 9'. The issue with that is that culturally people in Hawaii have problems regarding stepping on graves and people spend more time at cemeteries with their loved ones than other people may, so felt that the gravesite size should remain the same at West Hawaii as East Hawaii. We may not be successful and may need to change rules to accommodate the size of the graves, nationally grave sizes are 3' X 8'. Chairman Highley asked if they will be putting in the 56 grave liners at one time and Director Engelhard responded that her understanding is that they will be putting in as many as they can. They haven't gotten the actual contract amount so all they can do is estimate until project is put out to bid and find out what cost will be. (Reforestation Proiect) Vice Chairman Stevens reported they are still waiting for the next part of the fence to be put up, a great part of the makai side is in so far, very concerned about goats getting in to the planted areas. Trying to move it quickly to get the fence completed. Had to