2006-07-20 Veteran Advisory Committee Minutes

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Veterans Advisory Committee Page 4 July 20, 2006 Chairman Highley feels that when Washington is aware of the problems, things get resolved quicker and also asked Mr. Kalua if he is the only person that attends state meetings from the Big Island. Mr. Kalua said there are representatives from each island and he is the only representative for the Big Island. Louis Kaoiwi recommended Mr. Kalua coordinate requests for funding with Senator Sakamoto of Military Affairs Committee at the State Legislature. Mr. Minoru Hanato asked if the plans are that there will be no graveliners at all. Chairman Highley responded that at this time there were no bids submitted for graveliners so funds will be put back into the state budget. Mr. Kalua said he will talk to Senator Sakamoto and will also try to get Ed Cruickshank to talk to P &R Director Engelhard and the West Hawaii Veterans. He will work hard to get these problems solved for the veterans. Chairman Higley shared that he sent an email to Mr. Morita of DAGS requesting another meeting regarding Veterans Cemetery III -West Hawaii and has not yet received a response. He asked Mr. Kalua to please ask the State to communicate with us. Louis Kaoiwi said he heard that Mr. Morita is no longer with DAGS, and that Major Mitsuyoshi is again the contact. UNFINISHED BUSINESS VETERANS CEMETERY II — EXPANSION PROJECT Director Engelhard reported that Veterans II currently has a lot of bald spots. The contractor is working on removing the hilahila grass. The current estimate for completion is now October. VETERANS CEMETERY III — WEST HAWAII (Reforestation Project) Chairman Highley reported the fence is going up, a meeting was held with Harold Deniz and fencing should be completed by next month's meeting. Next volunteers will move on to the gates that are needed. Irrigation has been installed and trees planted. Continues to receive help from the community and Pohakuloa Training Military Personnel. VETERANS CEMETERY III - WEST HAWAII (Flower Vases - In Ground) Chairman Highley reported that they received enough in- ground flower vases for every grave. Vases were purchased with a grant by the West Hawaii Non - Profit Organization. The grass is getting so thick it needs to be thinned, cut, mowed and leveled with sand in order to install in- ground. Chairman Highley contacted Less Chess of the Golf Course Association to help again with this process. Mr. Chess requested that a representative from the veterans group attend the next meeting to make this request. They will be more than willing to assist with thinning and top coating within the next couple months.