2009-06-18 Veteran Advisory Committee Minutes

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Veterans Advisory Committee Page 3 June 18, 2009 Director Fitzgerald said he would look over proposal (Preliminary sketch of Peace Garden) and report about it at the next meeting. He will first check if everyone is in agreement with proposal, and if it fits in with intent of what we want to see done at the cemetery. Chairwoman Fox said that works for the committee. Veterans Cemetery III - West Hawaii Recommendation on Location Markers for Gravesites/Maps Director Fitzgerald said he went through department files, spoke to maintenance staff and called John Grogan of the WHVCDEA, relating to concern that there may not be an accurate map of the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery. He will schedule a meeting to review records and discuss this after John Grogan returns from vacation. Meeting would include veterans and Parks maintenance staff to go over list of gravesites. There are plot numbers and a list, but nothing concrete. He requested copies of any documents people may have to go over it and see what available records reflect. Mr. Hanato said that's good because his list and the P &R list is different. Director Fitzgerald said the second phase should be okay, but would like to review the first phase. He is most concerned about plots that still don't have markers. Mr. Lum said when Area #1 was sodded and became green, all the markers were marked in ink on the lower right hand corner with the alpha numeric location. He has the complete list of the markings alpha /numeric by individual and alphabetical by individual for the 284 that's interred right now, but information may not be as accurate as we add on. The information he has would be a good starting point because there are 284 interments recorded. Director Fitzgerald asked if everyone would provide copies of whatever records they have. Mr. Lum said he would drop off a copy of the records he has. Chairwoman Fox said the meeting is a good idea and to let her know if she's needed. Mr. Nishimoto said when a cemetery is built, there should be a map with the size of the plots. Kona had issues because they take the caskets out and also because there were times where the walls would collapse. So its not in line and its not only Kona, in Hilo Veterans I and II the curbside to the start of the first grave is pretty far, but when you look at the federal funds it specifically states how many plots should be there. In the future, if you ask for more cemeteries, there may not be federal funds. There should be a construction plan and start from there. Mr. Lum said at Cemetery I there are big gaps in the rows because they ran into problems trying to dig down.