2006-08-17 Veteran Advisory Committee Minutes

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Veterans Advisory Committee Page 5 August 17, 2006 Motion - Write Letter to OVS Mr. Kekumu made a motion to have Chairman Highley write a letter to the OVS Director addressing these concerns that are on the record. Don Bennett seconded the motion. All members voted in favor of sending a letter to Colonel Cruickshank. Mr. Kaoiwi suggested that P &R Director Engelhard help put letter into perspective so that no one is offended. UNFINISHED BUSINESS VETERANS CEMETERY II — EXPANSION PROJECT Director Engelhard reported that the ground at Veterans 11 is getting better although its not yet finished. She just checked it yesterday. Project has not yet been accepted, but it should be soon. VETERANS CEMETERY III — WEST HAWAII (Reforestation Proiect) Vice Chairman Stevens reported the reforestation project is rolling on. Everyone is invited to attend the next big planting scheduled for Saturday, September 9th. Opening ceremony will begin at 9am, then everyone will plant and pull fountain grass until lunch is served at l lam. Goat proof fence is approximately 99% complete. Begun planting large trees along the access road that leads in from the highway. Vice Chairman Stevens encourages everyone that can come join them in this all volunteer effort on the 9th Chairman Highley said the fence at the cemetery is quite impressive, it encompasses the 60 acres, its 4 foot of hogwire, bobwire on top, wooden posts and metal posts inbetween. It goes 1,300 feet one way, 2,600 feet the other way and 3,000 feet across the top. It's very well made and has gates on both ends of the ancient Hawaiian trail that goes through there. Fence comes right up to the pavement of the entrance to the cemetery. The only place the goats can get in is at the entrance where the 1% is not yet finished, but will be closed up with a gate soon. VETERANS CEMETERY III - WEST HAWAII Gate Closure P &R Director Engelhard reported that she contacted Glen Taguchi, Superintendent of State Parks for the Big Island, who put out to bid the closing of two State Park areas: Kekaha Kai State Park which includes an area two miles north of the airport and another section called Maniniowale which is right across the Veterans Cemetery and got no bids. He called every single security company that operates in West Hawaii and they all told him they would bid, however they did not. He will try to put it out to bid again in a couple of months. If that happens and he gets anything, he will let P &R know so that we can join in. It's a very expensive proposition getting gates locked up that far away from Kailua.