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Veterans Advisory Committee <br />Minutes December 4, 2018 <br />Page 3 <br />Mr. Messina explained that the homeless at Veterans I were guys who were afraid to be <br />at other places and they knew if they were at Veterans I they were safe, they've now <br />moved on. Big influx of homeless coming from Oahu, from what the Police are telling us. <br />The guys who are now there have no respect for the place. <br />Debra Lewis asked if everyone saw what Wailoa Art Center did. Because they had a <br />horrible problem. Not sure if that's possible with the pavilion at Veterans I but they have <br />it on a track and its wood and they've painted beautiful pictures, but they lock at night. <br />Chair Doolittle commented a fence around the pavilion wouldn't look very nice. <br />Mr. Messina explained, we are looking at a fence around the whole cemetery. We're also <br />having an issue with people stealing flowers and stealing the copper vases and they'll <br />trade it in at the recycling centers for money. Just wanted to bring that up. <br />Chair Doolittle asked who would do the improvements. <br />Mr. Messina explained State did the improvements at Veterans II so that's who were <br />going to bring up the issues to. If they need something official, maybe this committee <br />could send something and possibly even bring it up to the Mayor. <br />Emile Wery added we can put a fence but if they want to climb over the fence, they'll <br />climb over the fence. <br />Mr. Messina added but for some reason we don't have the same issues at Veterans II. <br />George Sheridan suggested to put up a gate first. <br />Chair Doolittle explained there is a gate but it's a vehicle gate, people can still walk in. A <br />fence and gate may slow the problem, not sure it will ever stop the problem. If someone <br />is really determined to get in there, but then it would only be people who are seeking <br />safety rather than a convenient place to hide. <br />Mr. Nahakuelua added majority of the homeless population are out of shape so he doesn't <br />see them climbing a fence. <br />Chair Doolittle suggested this is something that should be addressed sooner rather than <br />later. <br />Mr. Messina added especially because our homeless population is growing and there is <br />no place for them to go. We know in our department, they are in every park and every <br />facility that we have. <br />Chair Doolittle asked if anyone has any ideas on how to address this. <br />