2011-06-16 Veteran Advisory Committee Minutes

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Veterans Advisory Committee Page 4 June 16, 2011 Mr. Brian Jordan said that a steel collar may have to be used instead of a web, something that is strong and can be removed to keep it from caving in. Mr. Hanato said that when they dig the hole, they drop in a steel collar so it doesn’t cave in when they are at the service, but when they begin covering they remove the steel collar. Mr. Nishimoto said the initial plan was to have concrete liners, the plastic came out of Punchbowl Cemetery because they ended body burials there. Mr. Hanato said they fought for the concrete liners for a long time, but the VA said no. Mr. Lum said the issue was taken all the way to Senator Inouye, but the VA said no. Mr. Wery asked if the liner is just a couple feet high and if so, it should not have an impact on the fill. Chairperson Fox responded that it doesn’t. Mr. Minoru Hanato said the County needs to label the grave lines so families can find their graves. He commended Eagle Scout Kalei Kossow’s brochure, but said the County has to finish the labeling. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION Director Fitzgerald said he will schedule a meeting with the West Hawaii Veterans, the P&R Supervisor and workers at the cemetery to discuss the concerns about the cemetery. Director Fitzgerald reported that the Water Company has not yet gone to the PUC and will let the members of this committee know when it is scheduled. Director Fitzgerald shared that Deputy Planning Director Margaret Masunaga recently returned from Washington DC where she met the head of Veterans Affairs, General Counsel Will Gunn and invited him to come to Hawaii. She wanted this committee’s approval to invite him to be a part of the Veterans Day Ceremony at the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery. Members in attendance were in agreement with extending the invitation. Director Fitzgerald wanted to compliment Kalei Kossow prior to his presentation for all of his hard work and dedication to his Eagle Scout project. He saw a young boy become a strong man in the last six months. This project is a model for others to work on at the other cemeteries the County manages on the island. He thanked Kalei for his hard work. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Reforestation Project (Members reviewed the Reforestation Report dated May – June 2011 submitted by Dr. Richard Stevens). (Copy attached)