2006-07-20 Veteran Advisory Committee Minutes

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Veterans Advisory Committee Page 2 July 20, 2006 STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Veterans Cemetery II Concerns Relating to Rules - Items Left on Gravesites Presentation by Mary Yoshida Guest Mary Yoshida said that her husband was reinterred at Veterans Cemetery II and shared some of her concerns about the care of that cemetery. She observed both Cemetery I and II and is very familiar with veterans cemeteries since her husband retired after 24 years of military service. One of her concerns relates to the white picket fences erected on some of the graves. She stumbled over one while on her way to her husband's grave and informed P &R immediately about the dangers, since then all of the picket fences have been removed. Other concerns include seeing articles of clothing, artificial flowers, Christmas decorations, stuffed animals, plants with concrete around it, pebbles, etc.. She understands it's allowed during a period of mourning, but after awhile they should be removed. Mary also contacted Keith Ribbentrop of OVS and Ed Cruickshank of Department of Defense on Oahu, who suggested she take photos, which were shared with members. The icing on the cake was at one gravesite where a chainlink fence was put up and the grave stone hoisted up to be read like a magazine, the relatives of the grave next to it did the same thing. If someone does something, others follow. She shared that the cemetery should be one of respect. She said on behalf of the Department of Parks and Recreation, employees spend too much time having to pick up items from each grave. A couple days ago she watched one employee spend 15 minutes just picking up plants from one grave which takes away from the rest and these items are illegally there anyway. Mary Yoshida stated that it's very important for the Veterans and they deserve to have a very respectful and dignified cemetery. She thanked members for listening to her and offered help if needed. Chairman Highley thanked Mary Yoshida for sharing her concerns and said he would bring subject up under New Business for comments. PREVIOUS MEETINGS MINUTES — JUNE 15, 2006 • The minutes of the June 15, 2006 meeting were approved as submitted REPORT ON CEMETERIES — STATE VETERANS ADVISORY BOARD Hawaii Island Representative Mr. Herring Kalua Veterans Cemetery III - West Hawaii Mr. Herring Kalua reported that the bid was put out for the graveliners, however, no bids were received. Because there were no bids, there are no graveliners, the funds were put back into the budget to be used towards design portion of the cemetery. Director Engelhard said she has concerns, but will express that later.