HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES for 2024-05-22 FINAL VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Wednesday, May 22, 2024, 10:00 a.m.
Zoom Video Conferencing and Kona Mayor's Office (Via Videoconferencing)
Present
Members
Michael Doolittle
Isaac Nahakuelua
George Sheridan
Tom Wojszynski
Kona Mayor's Office (Via Videoconferencin2)
Members
Antonio Gaspar
Marcia Brinkley
Guests
Conrad Chong
Ex-Officio (Hilo)
Michelle Hiraishi, Deputy Director P&R
Also Present (Hilo)
J Yoshimoto, Deputy Corporation Counsel
Absent John Hiduchick-Nakayama
Debra Lewis
Brittany Iyo, Secretary
Call to Order
Chair Michael Doolittle called the meeting to order at 10:06 a.m. Quorum met with six
members present.
STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
There were none.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
Chair Doolittle introduced the minutes from the last meeting of February 28.
Tom Wojszynski made a motion to accept the minutes as is.
Vice Chair Marcia Brinkley seconded the motion.
Six ayes. Minutes accepted.
OLD BUSINESS
Cemetery Updates and Improvements:
Exploration of Camp Tarawa Exhibit at Kona Airport
Chair Doolittle introduced the agenda item and deferred to Tom.
Veterans Advisory Committee
Minutes May 22,2024
Page 2
Tom did not have any update at this time.
NEW BUSINESS
New VAC webme and links to cemetery map information
Chair Doolittle introduced the topic and asked for discussion.
Tom reported that he has been working with Thatcher Moats of Parks &recreation and
he has published a new Veterans Advisory Committee webpage. He has also linked the
island-wide memorials list to the webpage. He also linked the UH Hilo mapping of
Veterans Cemetery I.
This item has been closed.
West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery WWII Memorial- Update
Chair Doolittle announced the topic and deferred to Tom.
Tom reported that construction has begun on the three-walled, six-foot high memorial.
There will be etched photos on the walls. They are targeting August or September for the
dedication ceremony, and everyone will be invited.
REPORT ON CEMETERIES
Hawaii Island—East Hawaii Representative—Kelcie Figueira— OVS
Kelcie Figueira was not present, no update provided.
Cemetery Audit Update
Michelle reported that most items have been taken care of for the audit. We are still
working on getting the names on the database to match the cemetery information.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Memorial Day
• West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery—ceremony at 11:00 am on Monday, May 27tn
• East Hawaii Veterans Cemetery II—ceremony at 9:00 am on Monday, May 27m
• Hakalau Veterans Park— ceremony at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 25Ih
Veterans Housing Project
• Chair Doolittle is trying to get an updated timeline. The project was supposed to
be completed in June 2024. They are currently in the process of accepting
applications for residents.
The Wall That Heals
Tom wanted to thank the County again for assistance with The Wall and allowing them
to have a small memorial within Aupuni Center with memorabilia that was left behind at
The Wall. Tom wanted to put a call out that someone stole a jacket from the memorabilia.
Everyone expressed regret.
Veterans Advisory Committee
Minutes May 22,2024
Page 3
Chair Doolittle also noted that The Wall has some money left over. If anyone has ideas
where the money can be donated to support veterans, please let him know.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is scheduled for August 28, 2024, at 10:00 am.
George Sheridan motioned to adjourn.
Tom Wojszynski seconded.
Six ayes. None opposed. The meeting was adjourned at 10:36 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brittany Iyo
Secretary