2007-10-18 Veteran Advisory Committee Minutes

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Veterans Advisory Committee Page 4 October 18, 2007 10,000 gallons per day of non - potable water. He expressed his disappointment that Kukio didn't respond to letter. Chairman Highley read a report from Mr. Jim Brown who contacted Kukio to ask how much water the cemetery was using to confirm meter calculations. Mr. Brown was told that Kukio does not monitor cemetery water usage. There is no written report to confirm the usage figure of 17,000 gallons per day. There was a fire started by people smoking and burned the irrigation line. At that time a lot of water leaked which could have been the reason for 17,000 gallons on that day. Chairman Highley said he's hoping the VA will realize how important constructing restrooms at the cemetery are. There's talk about construction of chemical toilets, everyone at the cemetery smiles when they hear that since the cemetery already has a chemical toilet and we don't need another. Mr. Young said he doesn't know if he believes it or not, but was told that an Arizona Company went to the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery to conduct a study on natural landscape that wouldn't require much watering. He asked if it was true because their cemeteries use that type of system. Mr. Lum stated that the Arizona idea was a different kind of burial ground, not with grass. Chairman Highley shared they explored the possibility of getting a well, Dr. Stevens reported at the last Association meeting that there is a company willing to tap a well at a cost of approximately $70,000. Mr. Lum said they would be meeting with this individual next week Tuesday. Chairman Highley said they have to find out what the legality of the Association is relating to tapping a well and what permits will be required. Mr. Lum stated that the company should have information about permits and doesn't feel the meeting will be to accomplish too much other than learning a little more about process. He feels that price doesn't sound logical since there is such a water shortage and cost of water is high, at that price there would be a lot more wells drilled up and down the coast if it was only $80,000. Doesn't think it's an easy task, but hoping to find out more about it before matter is discussed further. Director Engelhard asked if it could be that it only costs $70,000 or $80,000 to dig the hole, but a pump would have to be installed in the bottom. Chairman Highley asked the same question and was told price includes a solar pump. They will explore possibility further of drilling a well at the cemetery. Mr. Lum asked about the 4,200 gallons of potable water, which has been talked about for many years which is something that DLNR said was available, but would not pay for the infrastructure? He asked if we have the means for infrastructure?