2007-09-20 Veteran Advisory Committee Minutes

Home

Veterans Advisory Committee Page 4 September 20, 2007 Director Engelhard responded that the County doesn't have control over that - state funding is handled by the Office of Veterans Services (OVS) and State Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS). Chairman Highley said that question should go to OVS representative Mr. Kalua, if he doesn't have that information, we'll go by those amounts and wait till he finds out. Particularly when the start date will be. Mr. Lum stated that the Notice to Proceed was given to the contractor, but it was pulled back because permits weren't received, so once the permits are complete, the Notice to Proceed will again be issued. Mr. Lum will find out specifics on Cemetery III since Mr. Kalua has the East Hawaii Cemeteries to follow up on. Reforestation Proiect Chairman Highley announced that the next planting will be held on September 29th and is being coordinated by Richard Stevens. Mr. Antonio Gaspar said the planting will be from 9 am to 11 am and lunch will be served at 11 am. Gravelinerc Chairman Highley said Herb Lum made an official announcement that we will be getting vaults as opposed to graveliners - we're still confused as to the definition of the terms. Mr. Lum said it's the same. Director Engelhard said that graveliners are not vaults, they are polyurethane, much less expensive, won't last forever, but will last long enough. Maintenance Funds from Legislature Director Engelhard said she called Major Moses to find out about graveliners since Representative Cindy Evans called to say that the legislature approved some funding for maintenance of cemeteries. Director Engelhard assumed that since the County asked for $100,000 the legislature gave that amount. It turns out that the Office of Veterans Services has kept those funds for graveliners so the County will not receive additional maintenance funds that has been requested for 20 or more years, although having more graveliners will help to some degree. We will be again requesting funds from the legislature during the next session and asking them to be more specific as to where monies go. Mr. Kalua reported that he thought all cemeteries were to receive the same amount of $70,000, and funding for liners was not suppose to be combined with maintenance. He will check with Major Moses and report at the next meeting. Veterans Cemetery II - Placement of Markers Director Engelhard said in response to concerns from one of the members that the markers don't line up right. She asked cemetery crew to be more conscious about lining