2007-10-18 Veteran Advisory Committee Minutes

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Veterans Advisory Committee Page 5 October 18, 2007 Chairman Highley said his understanding according to the letter sent by Director Engelhard, is that 3,600 gallons per day of non - potable water comes to the cemetery through the line that Kukio supplied. Kukio also promised to supply 4,200 gallons per day of potable water, but the county or the state or somebody has to provide the transportation to get that water. Mr. Lum shared that it sounds like the DLNR proposal years ago that they were able to provide 4,200 gallons per day, but the County has to pay for infrastructure. Hearing that the 4,200 gallons comes from Kukio is news to him; maybe it's a different thing. Chairman Highley brought up the water issue so all parties involved are aware of the situation in order to reach a solution that makes everyone happy including Reforestation Group, OVS, Cemetery Grants Services, Veterans and the County. Mr. Lum said the big issue is a permanent supply of water, not necessarily for the turf, reforestation, or restrooms because all water could be cut off at anytime since we have no control over it. It's in Kukio's control. Chairman Highley said Kukio has committed water and asked why have they committed water, how long is commitment for, is it in writing, and if Kukio sells the golf course to another company or corporation, does that corporation buy into the commitment? Director Engelhard said the commitment to supply water would continue even if it were sold. Mr. Lum said there must be some sort of agreement in writing that he is not aware of The issue does not exist if there is water in perpetuity. Director Engelhard said we've talked about this subject enough. Maintenance Funds from Legislature Chairman Highley said there was a question about legislative funds directed for maintenance assistance to the County being used by OVS to purchase graveliners for cemeteries. Director Engelhard said as she explained at the last meeting, the funds that were suppose to come to County P &R for maintenance would have come through the Office of Veterans Services. She contacted Major Moses and he said he spent the money on graveliners for all of the cemeteries on all of the islands. At the next session we will again ask the legislature to provide additional funding for maintenance of the Big Island Cemeteries. This year's budget is in the vicinity of $156,000 and we receive $22,500 from the State.