2009-05-21 Veteran Advisory Committee Minutes

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Veterans Advisory Committee Page 3 May 21, 2009 Mr. Hanato said that would work cause we need it till then. Mr. Fitzgerald said we should be able to keep it there until around November l Ith Mr. John Grogran, President of the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery Development and Expansion Association, said when the new storage is ready we would be able to empty it out, put items in the new storage and then get rid of the sheds. Mr. Fitzgerald said that is correct if there's enough room, if there isn't enough room we would still have to move them and get a permit to bring them back. He said he made an executive decision after calling John because we didn't want to stop construction and wait for permitting. Mr. Hanato said that will work because you can't leave items in the open, the County employee told him someone cut the lock on a building and bent the hinge, they used a hex saw. They also tried to pry open the doors on the steel container. Mr. Fitzgerald said it sounds like someone came from the road and knows there is some equipment up there. Veterans Cemetery III - West Hawaii Update Mr. John Grogan said he's just a guest, but was grateful for the opportunity to say a few words. West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery Expansion Project is on schedule because Mr. Fitzgerald was able to handle the permit matter for the state. He said if you haven't been to the cemetery lately, you will hardly recognize it. On November 11th according to the VA we will have the most expensive per plot cemetery in the VA system after receipt of nearly 2.8 million dollars this year. We're very grateful after (12) years to finally have a respectful burial place. Looking forward to Veterans Day. Mr. Grogan said they rotate responsibilities between three veteran organizations for Veterans Day and Memorial Day, we were looking to get one of our senators to speak at Veterans Day Ceremony, but they may be unable due to schedule conflict so if anyone has recommendations on guest speakers please let him know. Grave Markin ,-s Mr. Hanato said we need to get together on the grave markings. He is requesting a map with grave locations since their markings and the County's markings are completely different and they are unable to assist families locate graves. Mr. Grogan expressed appreciation to P &R employee who is responsible for updating the cemetery plot listing on the County's web site. Whoever it is, is doing a great job. The locations are clearly marked, however finding the physical location is difficult. Mr. Grogan said the markings on the fence for the original plots are gone.