2008-09-18 Veteran Advisory Committee Minutes

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Veterans Advisory Committee Page 6 September 18, 2008 after Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, and Hana Matsuri (April 8). They will also be permitted from July 12 to August 15 in observance of "O- BON ". Christmas trees, no matter what size, are not considered potted plants and will not be allowed. Floral items and other types of decorations will not be secured to markers or Columbarium walls. Floral items and other decorations may be secured at a gravesite but may not be secured to headstones or markers. Permanent plantings, statues, vigil lights, breakable objects and similar items are not permitted on the graves." Chairwoman Fox said the rule for the National Cemetery outlines when items can be on the grave and asked if there is a motion to allow artificial flowers in Rule 7 with the same restrictions listed in the regulations for the National Cemetery? Mr. Ribbentrop asked if it addresses safety issues for maintenance employees. Mr. Flores said there are concerns for safety if glass vases are used and either employees or someone visiting the cemetery gets cut. Mr. Nishimoto said request was brought up by a constituent and he spoke to Gene Castagnetti, Director of the National Cemetery of the Pacific. Mr. Castagnetti said that artificial flowers are allowed. Maintenance crew cleans it up and throws it away on Friday afternoons. If you put artificial flowers out on Thursday, you lose it on Friday. They have a cycle for maintenance. The restriction time is because some people wanted to keep for a longer period of time, they leave it there. They also use a lot of silk flowers which are nicer and sometimes looks even nicer than cut flowers, they are recyclable, but fade. Glass issue has not been enforced here and its very dangerous. There are headstones with gallon containers which are hazardous, getting rid of glass should be priority one. He would like to see Rule 7 match the rules of the National Cemetery of the Pacific to be standardized and not say "no plastic flowers ". He checked rules nationwide which is the same as Punchbowl. P &R Director Engelhard said she knows who requestor is and she wants to leave artificial flowers there all the time. Mr. Minoru Hanato said in West Hawaii, maintenance crews cut the grass on certain days and they erect a sign to notify people when that will be so they can bring flowers after that day. By the next week all flowers are thrown away both fresh and artificial. At their gravesites, they have vases on every headstone that is level with the ground. When groundskeepers cut grass, the mowers can go right over it. The vases were purchased by the organization, which was funded by a County Council Member's contingency funds. It looks really nice and better than having bottles on the graves which is dangerous for the public and employees. P &R Director Engelhard commented that West Hawaii has around 170 to 180 graves and Veterans II has 2,500 graves and West Hawaii Veterans are much more active then East Hawaii. She thanked West Hawaii for their involvement and volunteer efforts. Lots of