2010-08-19 Veteran Advisory Committee Minutes

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Veterans Advisory Committee Page 3 August 19, 2010 the visitors regarding locations of functional areas, flower policy and visitor information. With training, the other State of Hawaii veterans cemeteries could quickly meet these standards." In summary, Deputy Director Honma stated that the other two cemeteries could also meet these standards and we may be leaving money on the table by not meeting these standards. This report also states that the state is receiving grant funds to maintain these cemeteries, but the Counties are not receiving funds to help with cost of maintainenance. In fact, the State has cut off supplementing any funds for the County to maintain cemeteries. Mr. Wery asked where all of the funds are going and several members responded that the funds are all going to Kaneohe. Deputy Director Honma said this report is an indication that maybe something could be done; funds should be audited so the County can obtain funds to help with cost to maintain all three cemeteries. This year the state notified us they would no longer be providing funding assistance. The state's reason is that the Counties are responsible to take care of their own veterans. Mr. Wery asked if cemeteries are state facilities and response was yes. Deputy Director Honma and members from East Hawaii applauded the West Hawaii Veterans for working so hard to beautify the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery. Deputy Director Honma reported that Park Planner James Komata submitted comments to DAGS relating to the plans for the Columbariums for Veterans Cemetery 11. The original plan was suppose to be set up like spokes of a wheel. Each side would be vertical and not have a front and back. DAGS responded that they are willing to take our suggestions into consideration. PRESENTATION BY BRONSTEN "KALEI" KOSSOW (Eagle Scout Project Mapping at Veterans Cemetery III — West Hawaii) Bronsten "Kalei" Kossow is working on his Eagle Scout Project at the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery plotting names for a brochure /directory. Currently there are approximately 304 Burials and he is planning to complete his project by Veterans Day, November 11th. He will be printing 1,000 copies of directory when completed. He has raised funds to pay for the cost of printing copies. He said information will include: Section, Row, Last Name, First Name, Middle Name, Date of Birth, Date of Death, War Rank, Location of the Plots and anything else. He asked for committee's assistance to name the different sections at the cemetery to be included in brochure. Chairwoman Fox asked if Minoru could assist with naming and he responded that the County should do the naming so it matches their records. Chairwoman Fox asked Bronsten to email sample of brochure to Nathalie to forward to her for review and she'll send suggestions to him directly. She also said if he needed any financial assistance to let her know and she could check with veterans for some help. She will also check on naming with County.