2008-09-18 Veteran Advisory Committee Minutes

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Veterans Advisory Committee Page 2 September 18, 2008 PREVIOUS MEETINGS MINUTES — July 17, 2008 (The August 21, 2008 Meeting was Cancelled - No Quorum) The minutes of the July 17, 2008 meeting were approved with one correction (Mr. Keith Ribbentrop was present, but not listed on the minutes). REPORT ON CEMETERIES — STATE VETERANS ADVISORY BOARD Hawaii Island - East Hawaii Representative Mr. Herring Kalua - Absent Hawaii Island - West Hawaii Representative Mr. Herb Lum Mr. Herb Lum - Report Veterans Cemetery III - West Hawaii Mr. Lum reported that eight (8) bids were received for Veterans Cemetery III - Phase II C. The successful bidder was Willocks Construction Corporation at 2.7 million dollars. There was one protest relating to the bids, but it was resolved by DAGS office. The recommendation was sent to Veterans Administration for approval to award project to Willocks. They expect it will take approximately two months for project to begin which is ahead of schedule. Mr. Lum said the bids were below estimate and restrooms were included. Mr. Highley asked if a copy of the contract is available online. Director Engelhard responded that contract is not available online and gave Mr. Highley the email address for Gina Ichiyama who is in charge of project: gina. e.ichiyamaghawaii.gov. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Veterans Cemetery III - West Hawaii Reforestation Proiect Mr. Gaspar said Mr. Lum told him 67 volunteers helped last Saturday and Dr. Stevens told him 20 volunteers planted native Hawaiian trees last Sunday. The trees on the side of the road that he reported as drying are now green and have new shoots. Chairwoman Fox asked if anyone contacted Dr. Stevens to ask how long before the dryland forest becomes self - sufficient. Mr. Highley said Dr. Stevens is a member of this committee, but has been unable to attend meetings. Chairwoman Fox said Dr. Stevens could email a report stating when he thinks the trees can stand on their own without irrigation.