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Veterans Advisory Committee <br />Minutes November 20, 2024 <br />Page 3 <br />Tom made a motion to accept the meeting dates as presented by Brittany. <br />Minoru Hanato seconded the motion. <br />No discussion. <br />Nine ayes. None opposed. The proposed meeting dates have been accepted as presented. <br />Committee Vacancies <br />Brittany explained that there are currently two vacancies in the committee. Both <br />vacancies are at -large members and do not need to be veterans to become a member. All <br />members need to apply or reapply through the Mayor's office. I will as a courtesy, send <br />all members their expiration date. <br />*DCC Cody Frenz left the meeting for another emergency meeting. <br />Grants for Homeless Veterans & Other Ideas for Support <br />Debra explained that she is a part of other non -profits involved with homelessness and <br />there's a lot of questions where and how to help. <br />Chair Doolittle brought up some issues that may prevent veterans from getting help. He <br />also mentioned that mental health is a big part of homelessness. <br />Isaac Nahakuelua explained that some issues he's encountered in people claiming to be a <br />veteran for the social status. But if he connects with homeless veterans he assist with <br />getting their discharge documents and then connected to veterans services. He also found <br />that mental health seems to be connected to childhood and suicide relates to a sense of <br />worthlessness once out of the military service. <br />Debra brought up this issue because she explained it's hard to know what services are <br />available and how to connect veterans to services. <br />Michelle recommended the committee request Housing to speak on how veterans are <br />affected by homelessness. New Mayor coming in has background in mental health, and <br />encourages the committee to tap into the new Mayor's expertise. <br />Kelcie Figueira announced that Hope Services used to have a home for veterans but it <br />was not being utilized so it was closed. She also mentioned that Catholic Charities has <br />some new veterans programs. <br />REPORT ON CEMETERIES <br />Hawaii Island — East Hawaii Representative — Kelcie Figueira — OVS <br />Kelcie Figueira announced no current updates for cemeteries. She also announced there <br />are three Veteran Service Officers on the island and Terry Pule is now at the federal (post <br />office) building downtown. She is able to see veterans same day or same week. There has <br />been a slowdown in veterans contacting OVS. But they are available to assist veterans. <br />Cemetery Audit Update <br />