2007-06-21 Veteran Advisory Committee Minutes

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Veterans Advisory Committee Page 3 June 21, 2007 installed upon receipt. Eventually the fenced area on the inside will need to be removed for the expansion of the burial sites on the west side. Veterans Cemeteries - Information on Locating Graves Mr. Hanato shared that mainland visitors came to Veterans Cemetery III during a weekend to look for a family member's grave. They could not find the name on listing stapled on bulletin board, and they also checked at the Hilo cemeteries, but were unable to find grave there either. Mr. Hanato suggested improving system for people to locate graves at the cemeteries. Director Engelhard will check possibility of posting that information on the website and report results at the next meeting. She said to have a listing for the Veterans Cemeteries at the sites would be difficult. Mr. Hanato said most people don't bring computers on vacation and Director Engelhard said they could go to internet cafes if posted on website or call the P &R office. Graveliners Chairman Highley said he believes the Department of Defense will be supplying (30) graveliners. Director Engelhard said if we run out of graveliners and aren't able to get anymore from DOD, we will have to charge the families. Mr. Hanato reported that the families paid for the graveliners for the last burials at Veterans Cemetery III. Chairman Highley said P &R employee Norman took (5) hours to dig a grave recently because he hit blue rock. That portion was never intended for graves, the next one should be okay because its inside, but space is a problem. Norman shared that if the fence came down; he could do more burials along the last row. Permission needed to remove fence. Director Engelhard asked Chairman Highley to call her about it since she needs more information about fence removal. She thought there was plenty of room between the last row and fence, however, Chairman Highley suggested she speak to employees who told him there isn't enough room to get a bulldozer in. Mr. Lee asked if the Veterans Cemeteries in Hilo would receive graveliners too? Chairman Highley said the West Hawaii Cemetery needs graveliners because of the dangers of graves collapsing due to the large boulders that was in the original fill. He said he didn't know if that was a problem in Hilo too. Director Engelhard said it is a problem in Hilo as well and the families have been providing graveliners. The grant gave 30 graveliners specifically for the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery. Chairman Highley suggested the state fund purchases for new backhoes that have tracks, which would be more appropriate for the cemeteries. Director Engelhard said she could make that request.