The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutMINUTES for 2022-11-30 FINAL VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE Wednesday, November 30, 2022, 10:00 a.m. Zoom Video Conferencing and Kona Mayor's Office(Via Videoconferencing) Present Members Michael Doolittle Isaac Nahakuelua Marcia Brinkley Debra Lewis George Sheridan Antonio Gaspar John Hiduchick-Nakayama Kona Mayor's Office (Via Videoconferencing) Members None Guests None Ex-Officio (Hilo) Michelle Hiraishi, Deputy Director P&R Also Present(Hilo) J Yoshimoto, Deputy Corporation Counsel Also Present(Kona) Brittany Iyo, Secretary Absent Minoru Hanato Doug Gora Call to Order Chair Michael Doolittle called the meeting to order at 10:01 am. Quorum met with seven members present. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC There were none. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES Chair Doolittle introduced the minutes from the last meeting of September 28, 2022. Vice-Chair Marcia Brinkely made a motion to accept the minutes as is. Debra Lewis seconded the motion. Six ayes. Minutes accepted. OLD BUSINESS Veterans Advisory Committee Minutes November 30,2022 Page 2 Veteran Transportation to Appointments Chair Doolittle introduced the topic and announced that he asked Jack Truesdale from the Star Advertiser to attend the meeting to speak on the topic but he did not attend. Chair Doolittle asked if anyone had any other input. Chair Doolittle asked if we could table this item to see if Jack Truesdale could attend the next meeting. No objections. *Jack Truesdale joined the meeting at 10:25 am where Chair Doolittle asked that the meeting go back to the topo of the agenda then introduced him. Jack Truesdale read a VA report regarding transportation on the island makes it harder for veterans to access healthcare. He asked if it was an accurate representation of veterans experiences here. Chair Doolittle explained the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) has picked up a lot of the slack in transporting veterans to appointments. Debra Lewis added the Office of Aging provides information about and services for older adults/veterans. But if it's a younger veteran they are not able to get assistance in transportation. The DAV on the east side of the island is not functioning so that is not an available resource. We need to provide more resources/phone numbers. Lack of Providers/Medical Staff at Veterans Homes & Community Based Outpatient Clinic *Secretary, Brittany Iyo noted for the record that there was a typo and items (b) and(c) should actually be one item on the agenda. Chair Doolittle introduced the topic and deferred to Vice-Chair Brinkley who requested the discussion. Vice-Chair Brinkley began that Doug Gora brought it up at the last meeting that there wasn't enough staff at the Veterans home to care for the veterans. But wanted to add that DOD Veterans Advisory Committee is looking at hiring more staff for the Veterans Homes as well. All medical facilities are having issues with hiring medical professionals. Because the committee has discussed suicide rates and mental heath, she wanted to make a note that the Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) has a shortage of psychiatrists. Veterans are not able to see psychiatrists in a timely manner and some of them aren't able to get the medications they need. Some instances telehealth may be available, but not always. Below are some hotlines Veterans can reach out to if they need assistance. Isaac Nahakuelua also added that he will provide the Crisis Hotline information. Veterans Advisory Committee Minutes November 30,2022 Page 3 Veterans Crisis Line: Phone—Dial 988 then press 1 Text— 838255 Chat Online—veterans cri sisline.net White House VA Hotline (Veterans Experience Office) Phone— 1-800-MyVA411 or 1-800-698-2411 Patient Advocate Phone—808-433-0760 Email —vhahonpaoL&va.or Crisis Line of Hawaii Phone— 1-800-753-6879 *Available 24/7 and also available to family members of veterans. Hawaii State Mental Health Eli_ig bility Determination Phone— 1-800-643-2643 Chair Doolittle added telehealth is not always as effective as in person visits and may be helpful. Vice-Chair Brinkley closed with the VA will continue to recruitment of psychiatrists. Cemetery and Memorial Proiect Updates Chair Doolittle introduced the topic and turned it over to Vice-Chair Brinkley. Vice-Chair Brinkley mentioned that Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)were able to have a workday and got many photos of the memorials. They continue to work on the list. Since Laurie Soares has left the committee their working group for the west side of the island has lost a member and asked if anyone would like to switch groups, if not they'll continue to work. NEW BUSINESS Vacancies (Brian Harrington and Laurie Soares` Resignation) Chair Doolittle introduced the topic and asked if anyone knew of any applicants for the committee. Brittany Iyo, Secretary said she wasn't aware of any applicants but would follow up with Pomai Bartolome of the Mayor's office as she is the person who receives the applications. Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony Chair Doolittle introduced the topic and asked Debra to speak on the topic. Veterans Advisory Committee Minutes November 30,2022 Page 4 Debra cheered for the conclusion of Veterans Day and the success of both the ceremony at Veterans Cemetery L The parade didn't have as many units in the parade but there was good representation of the veteran organizations. The Grand Marshal of the parade were the Gold Star families, rented a bus for the families. The Community Marshal was the Boys and Girls Club, they provided so many resources and meals for the island community during COVID and even after COVID, finding a way to get resources to those in need. The Business Marshal was Home Depot, they provide so much support for the community. Next year's Veterans Day Parade will be November 4, 2023. Vietnam Veteran Memorial Wall Chair Doolittle explained that he and Vice-Chair Marcy Brinkley are working with Berm and Teresa Fuata to bring the memorial wall to Hilo. The wall has been traveling around the Country for 20 years and has never been to Hawaii. Planning to bring it end of February 2024 and will stay through March 2024. They are trying to ensure that every veteran in the state is able to come to Hilo and view the wall. Vice-Chair Brinkley added that they've had conversations with national organizations and starting to meet with local organizations to assist with getting the memorial wall here. It will be open 24 hours a day for the length of time it is here. It is usually on display for four days but may be available longer because the lengths we have to go to get it here. Will need assistance from all veterans' organizations. Johnny Hiduchick-Nakayama offered to get the motorcycle clubs involved and even escort the wall/display to the display site. Chair Doolittle is encouraging everyone and anyone to participate. This item is closed. Schedule of Meetings The proposed schedule of 2023 meetings were shared on the screen with meeting attendees. Meetings are scheduled for the third Lewis motioned toa accept the proposed meeting dates for 2023. Vice-Chair Brinkley seconded the motion. Seven ayes, none opposed. Meetings are confirmed as presented. REPORT ON CEMETERIES Hawaii Island—East Hawaii Representative—Kelcie Figueira —OVS Chair Doolittle deferred to Kelcie Figueira . Kelcie reported that the audit is currently being scheduled and can report on that at the next meeting. Veterans Advisory Committee Minutes November 30,2022 Page 5 Jonathan Kimura is the new State Coordinator for Veterans Services and oversees all of the Counselors. Cemetery Audit Update Chair Doolittle introduced the topic and deferred to Michelle Hiraishi. P&R Deputy Director Michelle Hiraishi announced that the follow up audit of the cemeteries is going to be January 23 —27. 2023. Parks crews have been working hard to make improvements to the cemetery. ANNODUNCEMENTS VFW National Commander Flying into Kona Lewis announced that on Sunday, December 4 the VFW National Commander is scheduled to arrive. He will arrive in Kona, will visit that post and then traveling to Hilo to try visit that post. Wreaths Across America Antonio Gaspar announced on December 17 from 9:00 am— 10:00 am the Kona Civil Air Patrol will be doing the "Wreaths Across America" at the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery. Placing wreaths on the graves at the cemetery. Join if you can. Veterans Home—Adopt-A-Tree Hiduchick-Nakayama announced that the Veterans home is trying to find individuals or groups to come and decorate at the veterans home on display for the veterans. Vice-Chair Brinkley confirmed that this is from the first weekend of December and you go to the Veterans home and decorate the tree for the veterans to view. NEXT MEETING The next meeting is scheduled for February 22, 2023, at 10:00 am. Lewis motioned to adjourn. Vice-Chair Brinkley seconded. Seven ayes. None opposed. Meeting adjourned at 11:02 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Brig rya- Secretary