HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0150.013 1998-2000 To: Hawaii County Committee on Human Services 3/21/99
and Economic Development. r RECEJVm `R
Councilman Curtis Tyler Chairman Dr^"-------rf~-: Rr-------
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- County Council i ~ i_
From: Mr. Charles R. Mayes
Hawaii Island Veterans Memorial Inc.
Public Relations Chairman
My name is Charles Mayes and I come before you today as a retired
U.S. Navy Veteran, a Disabled American Veteran and a Citizen of Hilo on
the "Big Island". As well as having served twenty (20) years on active
duty,(Vietnam Era), I am also rated 10096 disabled by the Veterans Admin-
istration, for several "Service Connected" medical conditions. I have held
this 100% ratting for the past twenty-three (23) years and have experienced
many of the road-blocks and frustrations in obtaining the adequate medical
care and services that the majority of, "Big Island", vateran~ have Ex2er-
ienced for years. These conditions have persisted far to long. The 2res~nt
facility in downtown, Hilo is grossly inadequate. It is and has been 3rsatly
under staffed for a very long time. Having as full-time Medical Doctcr
assigned by the Veterans Administration and at times lacking qualified staff
this facility leaves much to be desired. We ail must now help those who
gave of themselves to make life better for their Country and Community.
I testify today not only as a Veteran, but also as a member of the
Hilo Community. I am a Board Member of the Hawaii Island Veterans Memorial,
Tnc.,-representing thirty (30) "Big Island" Veterans Organizations with a
.membership of 14:,44D; veterans and their families. And as a member of the
Hawaii-AARP State Legislative Committee, I represent the support of 15,460
"Hig Island" AARP members and their families. We also enjoy the support,
State-wide, of 118,000 Veterans plus families and 127,000 AARP members plus
families. I'm sure you will agree that there is a sizeable number of citi-
zens who would like to see this Vet Center built in the near future.
We Head your support in obtaining the State Funding needed to build
this "One-Stogy-Vet-Center". HZVMI, believes that this facility will not
only be a "One Of a kind" for the State, but in the Nation as well.
The States funding of the "Vet Center" on the "Big Island", will at cast
Comm. No. 15O ~ ~ 13
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Ref. Tos
Ref. Date `~-7-99
Charles R. Mayes
50 Kapaka Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
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enable the Veterans of Hawaii County to receive the Medical Care and
Personal Services they so rightfully deserve!!
This worthy cause will not only benefit the Veterans of Hawaii, but
will benefit and support the entire community as well. It will create
jobs in the construction industry, will provide jobs on a continuing basis
at the facility after it is built and provide services to the whole com-
munity. The young and the elderly will also benefit. The Center will pro-
vide ROTC training, training for the nurses program at UH Hilo. There will
be recreational facilities and programs for Seniors and the young alike.
Such as, tennis, gateball, basketball, picnic areas, overnight camping areas
for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Classes will be offered in Line Dancing
and Square Dancing as well as other activities. The Center will also have
a Veterans Museum for War-Time Artifacts. There will be VA Volunteer train-
ing and other Educational Programs. Activities for Handicap and Under-
privileged Children will be available, also. The Center will develope a
Scholarship program for descendants and siblings of member Veterans. The
Center can also serve as a DisasteY Shelter for a"Csvil Defense.
In closing my testimony I once again ask for your support in obtain-
ing the critical funding needed to build the, Hawaii Island Veterans Center.
The Veterans of the "Big Island" and the State of Hawaii deserve the
very best in their quest for fair and meaningful Medical Care and under-
standing of their problems brought on by long and honorable service to their
country. Let us, now fulfill the obligation we owe them.
Thank you for your time and fair consideration in this matter.
V ry resp ctfull e/~wJ
harl s R. Ma es 6
USN Retire