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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-02-19 Veteran Advisory Committee MinutesVETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE Thursday, February 19, 2009, 3:00 p.m. Prosecutor's Office (Hilo) and Kona Mayor's Office (Via Videoconferencing) Present Members Carolle Brulee- Wilson Penny Fox Edward Lee George Mukai Delbert Nishimoto George Yamamoto Kona Mayor's Office (Via Videoconferencing) Members Antonio Gaspar Minoru Hanato Robert Welter Guests (Hilo) Emile Wery Lino Cabral Zack Abregana Frank Kovacie Boogie Lu`uwai Hisashi Mokita Robert Karp Hideo Gushiken Gisela McGuire Rena Cortez William Yoeman Hiroshi Shima Lawrence Hirata Guests (Kona) Tom Leone Ex- Officio (Hilo) Clayton Honma, Deputy Director, P &R Joseph Flores (OVS) Ex- Officio (Kona) Robert Fitzgerald, Director, P &R Also Present (Hilo) Nathalie Santos, Secretary Herring Kalua, State Veterans Advisory Board - EH Representative Herbert Lum, State Veterans Advisory Board - WH Representative Veterans Advisory Committee Page 2 February 19, 2009 Absent Don Bennett Richard Highley Wendall Kekumu Gilbert Sampaia Norman Stahl John Young Call to Order Chairwoman Penny Fox called the meeting to order at 3:05 pm - (9) members present. She introduced P &R Director Bob Fitzgerald and Deputy Director Clayton Honma. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Veterans Cemetery II - Concerns - Unfair Rule Enforcement Gisela McGuire and Rena Cortez shared concerns regarding Veterans Cemetery II. Their husbands are buried there and they feel that they follow the rules diligently, but cemetery employees make their own rules. Employees have different rules for different graves. Gisela shared that the only time she had more than (4) plants on her husband's grave, was during Christmas time when she added a poinsettia plant. She knew they would throw everything away that was illegal on December 7th. She didn't have anything illegal, nothing over 3' tall and nothing breakable. To her horror when she got to the grave there was absolutely nothing on it, but when she looked around there were a lot of graves where everything was gone, but there were plenty with the same poinsettia and plants that were removed from her husband's grave. She called to complain and was told she couldn't put anything on there unless it's in a coffee can and then was told plastic pots are fine. Then somebody said you can only put (2) pots there, but in the rules it states (4). Nothing was artificial and not over 2' high. They are very concerned. Employees throw everything away. Gisela had miniature roses on the grave which are good because they stay low and don't grow over 2 feet. They don't know what to do, staff aren't very nice when they ask questions, in fact they are very nasty. Rena Cortez added that she was told only (2) cans are allowed and both have to be close to the headstone, but there are other graves that have (4) and (6) cans and are set all over the grave. Would like to know how come rules aren't the same for everyone. Everything is taken off of their graves without notice and when she called, employees told her to come down and take a look, she found two of her empty pots, but no flowers. Her husband was a pilot and her grandson made a little bi -plane at school and left it on the grave which was removed. He was upset. Employee told her she could look through the (5) big full rubbish bags to find items. Chairwoman Fox explained that the reason employees don't like items like the bi -plane left on the grave is because when they cut the grass they cut over the top of the stones and if they have to pick up every little piece, it takes time. They usually put it in a bag in the Veterans Advisory Committee Page 3 February 19, 2009 back, and it's not their responsibility to keep it separate. They should post a notice when they will be cutting the grass, but unfortunately its very difficult because of the unpredictable weather in Hilo to determine when that will be. Director Fitzgerald apologized for anybody that is not being treated fairly. Everybody is our patron and should be treated fairly. Unfair treatment is unacceptable. That is a separate issue. Nobody should go to visit their loved ones and be treated badly. He will look into matter of being treated fairly. As far as if one grave has (2) cans and the other has (6), he is aware that there is an investigation on that issue, he has seen a complaint and he or Deputy Director Honma will respond to the complainant and the Committee. There are certain rules we must follow because of the mowers. The plastic doesn't quite fit into the normal maintenance plan that workers have at that site. The role of P &R is to serve the community. Rena Cortez asked how employees mow over the stones when it's above the ground. Chairwoman Fox responded that the clearance on their mower is so they don't hit the stone. If you have cans with flowers, they can throw them away. Rena Cortez said there have been different employees there the last few weeks and when they mow, they just move it over. Carol Brulee- Wilson asked if there are rules posted at the cemetery and the ladies responded that the rules are posted near the spigots. Giesla McGuire shared that her biggest problem is that there are different rules for different graves. She knows that for (4) months you can put as much as you would like and looks at the date on the gravestone. Some graves are full, some have plastic flowers and items left for a long time. She also knows that flags and windmills aren't allowed, but sees a lot, but when she puts a windmill up, its removed. The people who are there now are fine and she hopes they stay there. Rena Cortez said it's so sad to lose a loved one and have all these problems when visiting their grave. Chairwoman Fox shared that she's not trying to belittle their problems, but other veteran cemeteries are stricter. She apologized and said we're trying to fix the problems and thanked them for sharing. Mr. Minoru Hanato asked if staff posts the cutting dates at the cemetery. Mr. Nishimoto responded that dates are not posted, because Hilo's weather is so unpredictable it's hard to post a date. Mr. Hanato recommended trying to post cutting date so families can put the flowers up after its cut. Veterans Advisory Committee Page 4 February 19, 2009 Obituaries - Flag Photo for all Veterans Mr. Tom Leone asked Chairwoman Fox the status of request submitted to newspapers to insert a flag on all Veterans obituaries. Chairwoman Fox said she has not received a response and has been unable to meet with anyone at the newspaper regarding request. She has sat outside of the office at Hawaii Tribune Herald without success. She and Mr. Nishimoto will try to get in touch with the owners of the newspapers. Hasn't been able to do anything during the holidays and due to health issues, but will keep trying. Mr. Leone will continue to check. PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES — November 20, 2008 The minutes of the November 20, 2008 meeting were approved with a correction on bottom of Page (2) provided by Minoru Hanato: There are currently (4) columbariums at Veterans Cemetery III and there will be (4) new ones for a total of (8) columbariums not (6) as stated in the minutes. REPORT ON CEMETERIES — STATE VETERANS ADVISORY BOARD Hawaii Island - East Hawaii Representative Mr. Herring Kalua Hawaii Island - West Hawaii Representative Mr. Herb Lum Mr. Herring Kalua - Report Veterans Cemeteries I and II Columbariums Mr. Kalua reported that columbariums are being installed statewide. DOD Director Mark Moses and Mr. David Castagnetti visited Veterans I, II and III to address the concerns relating to the flowers and the rules. He believes a letter should have been sent to P &R on the site inspection. Joe Flores of the Office of Veterans Services and Nathalie of P &R has not seen a letter on this matter. Joe will follow up and check if the inspection report was sent. Mr. Nishimoto asked how many columbariums are planned for Veterans Cemeteries I and II. Mr. Kalua responded that there isn't a count for those cemeteries. Numbers were statewide and he doesn't know the number, he just knows that Veterans I and II will have columbariums. DOD is addressing the suggestion to use the old columbariums (that are not being used because families are not able to secure niches) as a memorial wall instead of removing them. Mr. Nishimoto asked if once the columbariums are installed at Veterans Cemetery II if the in- ground urn burials would continue or if they would be put in the columbariums? Veterans Advisory Committee Page 5 February 19, 2009 Mr. Kalua knows there was a question about that during the site inspection, but doesn't know the results, so hopefully the letter that Mr. Flores will check on from DOD will answer that question. Mr. Nishimoto shared that it bothers him a lot that urns are being buried in full body plots at Veterans Cemetery II. Mr. Lum said the issue has been discussed for a long time whether to continue to allow burial plots for cremains and the conclusion was to allow both because we cannot deny a family that wants cremains buried in the ground. In the strategic plan for Veterans Cemetery III there are areas called cremains area where there would be urn burials in the ground and he doubts it would be the size of a full body plot because that wouldn't make sense. Chairwoman Fox said if there is an urn in a full body plot, it might be because the spouse or disabled child could be buried there. If the spouse doesn't want to be cremated, you will need space for a full body. Mr. Hanato said on the west side there are columbariums, casket burials and urn burials. The families state if they want to be interred in the ground or in the columbarium. In the old burial area, there are some full casket burials, urns are buried in the same plot. On the new side, there is a double burial, casket only. Columbariums can normally hold two urns, unless the urns are too large. Mr. Herb Lum - Report Veterans Cemetery III - West Hawaii Expansion Proiect Update - Movement of Columbariums Mr. Lum reported that Phase II -C construction project has started at Veterans Cemetery III - West Hawaii. The contractor is out there working and it looks like they are in the area where the new columbariums will be located. There has been a lot of discussion of how to and who will be moving the old columbariums to the new area. The contractor will be responsible to move it. The veterans are very concerned about notifying the families of those interred in the columbariums and feels that P &R should handle that matter. Chairwoman Fox asked if dates have been set to move columbariums. Mr. Lum responded that the building of the new columbariums will take place first and they are currently leveling that area, guessing it should happen soon, maybe in a couple months when the actual movement takes place. Mr. Fitzgerald reported that P &R drafted a letter and is sending it to Corporation Counsel for review before sending to the families. This letter is not to ask for approval, it will just be sent to notify the families of what will be done. Veterans Advisory Committee Page 6 February 19, 2009 Mr. Flores asked if the movement has been contracted. Mr. Lum said his understanding is that it's being sub - contracted by a mainland firm under the Willocks Contract. Chairwoman Fox said the concern is that if its not properly moved, there could be legal issues if the urns are damaged. Mr. Flores asked Mr. Fitzgerald if he has met with Department of Defense Director Mark Moses regarding the movement of the columbarium. Mr. Fitzgerald said he has not yet met Mr. Moses. He visited the cemetery on Sunday to familiarize himself of the project. Mr. Welter asked if we addressed this when we got everyone's permission to move the headstones at Veterans Cemetery III when the old section of the cemetery was resodded. Chairwoman Fox said we notified the families for that project, but this is a different matter. For that project, we notified the families that we would be moving the stones, resodding and then returning the stones to the exact same place. The current project involves moving the columbariums, which have urns in them to a new location. A private contractor will be moving them. Some religions or people would like to do something if their loved ones ashes are moved from one place to another. Mr. Welter asked if we need to obtain their permission. Chairwoman Fox said no, just notification, but families can then decide if they want to leave the urn in the columbariums, take urn home or have it buried prior to movement, depending on their cultural or religious belief. Families don't have an option to answer yes or no because there won't be a columbarium at that location, it will be the same columbarium moved to a different location at the cemetery. Mr. Hanato said Mr. Castagnetti and Mr. Moses of the Department of Defense told him when they remove urns from the niches, they will be taking photos and again taking photos when the urns are returned to the new niches. It will all be recorded. Veterans Cemetery III - West Hawaii - Designation of Gravesites Mr. Lum shared that Mr. Castagnetti pointed out the alpha /numeric system the veterans devised to locate gravesites at Veterans Cemetery III does not conform with National system, so a revision has to be made to conform with the national system. Unsure what national system is, but something about going right to left instead of left to right. This concern should be in the Tri- Annual Report, which has not yet been issued. Veterans Advisory Committee Page 7 February 19, 2009 Mr. Hanato said the veterans organization in West Hawaii were advised to contact P &R for a copy of a location map to be used at the cemetery so visitors can locate grave sites. Mr. Lum said it is the responsibility of P &R to maintain records, which includes having a current listing of gravesite locations available at the cemetery for visitors. Veterans have been doing it, but its something they shouldn't have to, it's a normal part of the maintenance of the cemetery. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Veterans Cemetery III - West Hawaii Reforestation Proiect (Dr. Richard Stevens submitted a written report dated February 15, 2009 - copy attached.) Meeting Dates for 2009 Chairwoman Fox said at the last meeting there was a discussion about the possibility of changing the meeting dates, however, after the meeting she discovered that Nathalie had already scheduled all of the meeting dates for 2009 and was in the middle of changing everything over to get ready for a new Director so she didn't feel extra work should be added. She instructed Nathalie to leave meeting dates as they were on the third Thursday of the month. Committee can discuss changing it for next year (2010) if anyone would like to do that. Members should have received the schedule for 2009 in the mail, there is no exception and there will not be a meeting in the month of December. Membership Status Chairwoman Fox reported there are (17) members on the committee of which (7) have expired terms so if everyone on the committee shows up, there would barely be a quorum. Club 100 will be removed from the Hawaii County Code because they no longer have members able to attend the meetings. Mr. Yamamoto of the Hilo Interpreter's Club has had to remain on the committee because there isn't anyone to replace him. HIVM, BIRMA , American Legion, MOPH and an Independent slot need to be filled. If you know people from these organizations, please ask them to fill the slots that are vacant on the committee. NEW BUSINESS Proposed Veterans Monument to be erected at Liliuokalani Gardens Presentation by the Korean War Veterans to follow the official meeting since Mr. Yamamoto needed to leave for an appointment and there wouldn't be a quorum. A vote would be taken at the March 19th meeting regarding erecting the monument proposed by the Korean War Veterans at Liliuokalani Gardens. Veterans Advisory Committee Page 8 February 19, 2009 EX- OFFICIO MEMBERS None ANNOUNCEMENTS None NEXT MEETING The next meeting will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 3pm at the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney and video - conferencing at the Kona Mayor's Office conference room. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 3:50 pm. Respectfully submitted, Nathalie Santos, Secretary Veterans Advisory Committee Page 9 February 19, 2009 PRESENTATION BY EMILE WERY OF THE KOREAN WAR VETERANS ORGANIZATION PROPOSAL TO ERECT HAWAII WAR MEMORIAL AT LILI`UOKALANI GARDENS February 19, 2009 Chairwoman Fox shared that although the meeting has been adjourned, the presentation will still be held for informational purposes. She said all members should have received a copy of the letter from Managing Director William Takaba to Robert Montague of the Korean War Veterans dated February 3, 2009. She recommended members review the letter which is asking Hawaii County Veterans Advisory Committee to approve the requested location of Lili`uokalani Gardens. Presentation by Emile Wery: Emile Wery, Retired 1st Sergeant, United States Army did a presentation on the Hawaii War Memorial. He stated that there is a mistake in the title, its not a Korean War Memorial, its being sponsored and built by the Korean War Veterans, but it is a Hawaii War Memorial. The memorial will have the names of every veteran from the Island of Hawaii who has died fighting for the United States. The first two were from the civil war. A man named Timothy Pitman, his mother was named Kino`ole. Kino`ole Street is named after her, she was a high chief. The Hilo Hotel property was her home. His father was a merchant from Boston. They had three children, two sons and a daughter. Kino`ole's father was a high chief by the name of Ho`olulu. Ho`olulu and his brother were the ones that carried the bones of Kamehameha and hid them when they were buried. Their father was a man by the name of Kamiamoku. He was a twin on the coat of arms for the State of Hawaii, he and his brother are there. They were two of the consuls of Kamehameha when he conquered the islands and established the kingdom of Hawaii. That's the geneology of that man. His mother died when he was young, his father took the three children back to Boston where he was from. He was born in the 1940's. The civil war started, he volunteered to fight with the union against the confederacy. He was captured, got lung fever, pneumonia in a POW camp in the south and because of that he was repatriated, sent to Washington, there was a hospital outside Washington where he died of pneumonia. His cousins were Lili`uokalani and Kalakaua. Since those two from the Civil War, the following have died from Hawaii; (11) in World War I; (157) in World War II; (47) in the Korean War; (50) in Vietnam; (6) Iraq and Afghanistan. Monument Description Mr. Wery showed the model of the memorial. It will sit on a 50' diameter concrete platform. It will be 16'X 16' Square with a Korean style roof. In the center there will be a "Y" shaped platform and on each side there will be names of the veterans who have died relative to the wars they were in. There will be (4) bronze statues on it representing Veterans Advisory Committee Page 10 February 19, 2009 all the armed forces: (Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines). There will be lighting on at night so you can see it from a distance. Project will be completely funded by the Korean War Veterans, no money or funds are being requested from anyone else. Funds can't be solicited until approval is received so the permitting process can begin. The location requested at Lili`uokalani Gardens is on the corner of Lihiwai and Banyan Drive. Presently all that is there is a big grassy area surrounded by trees. To the rear of it is memorial stones put up for the centennial. On the other side is the Japanese Garden. Approximate cost is $212,000, which may rise because of the economy, but again funds will be provided by Korean War Veterans. Questions Merchant Marines Mr. Lum said the Merchant Marines are also considered a branch of military service. Someone else asked about the Coast Guard and the response was that is not a branch of the military, it is part of the interior services. Mr. Lum said the Merchant Marines are second to the Marine Corp for the highest casualties killed in action. Mr. Wery responded that this memorial is for the veterans who have died in wars from the Island of Hawaii while fighting for the United States. If anyone died from the Merchant Marines from the island of Hawaii, they would be honored on that memorial. If there was anyone from the island of Hawaii who died fighting in a war while serving in the Coast Guard they would also be on the plaque, but technically the Coast Guard is not a part of the military. Electricity and Maintenance Cost Chairwoman Fox asked who would be responsible for the electricity bill. Mr. Wery responded that the Korean War Veterans would be responsible for the electric bill. Chairwoman Fox asked how that would be handled with Parks and Recreation. Mr. Wery said they would set up solar panels to charge the battery. Mr. Flores asked if the Korean War Veterans would also provide cost of maintenance for the monument and surrounding area. Veterans Advisory Committee Page 11 February 19, 2009 Mr. Wery responded yes. Chairwoman Fox asked Mr. Fitzgerald if there is a plan for maintenance and costs. Mr. Fitzgerald responded that we're not there yet, the Mayor gave him direction to be sure the Committee is in agreement with proposal and location. The details would be worked out later. He did speak to his maintenance staff and they said they could do the basic stuff on the outside since its part of the park. The main thing is that the Committee agrees with the proposal before the County proceeds with it. If the committee agrees, we're all for it. Chairwoman Fox said we aren't able to vote, so this item will be voted on at the next meeting. This information will be in the minutes for review prior to the next meeting. Any Opposition Mr. Kalua asked if group received any confrontation or if anyone was against the site proposal? Lili`uokalani Gardens has a historical background and purpose. Mr. Wery said this part of the park is just an open area, there is nothing there just trees and grass. Right below it is the centennial monument stones. On the other side is the Japanese Gardens separated by trees. Mr. Kalua said anytime you do something, you always have community hearings, or with other veterans. Do all of the veteran organizations from the different wars support this? Mr. Wery said as far as he knows some members of the 442nd are against it. But if they are, they have to state why. Chairwoman Fox asked if it's been presented to anyone else other than the Mayor and this committee. Mr. Wery said it was presented at the County Council. They approved it. Mr. Kalua said that's good because anytime you do something, you try to present it to the people in that area. Because if something should happen and you don't get the vote, do you have an alternate plan to take it to a different location? Mr. Wery responded, no we don't. He shared they also received 10,000 signatures from the people of this island supporting the location and memorial. They briefed them on it and told them what it was and where it would be erected. Mr. Nishimoto asked what's your major opposition to selecting the site. Mr. Wery said his understanding and he might be wrong, is that some people in the Japanese community and not sure how large that group is, are saying the entire park is a Veterans Advisory Committee Page 12 February 19, 2009 Japanese Garden when actually it isn't. This section is here, this is the garden, because if that were the case then there shouldn't be the stone monument there for the centennial. Mr. Nishimoto asked where the ice house is on the plan. Mr. Wery showed him where the ice house and Suisan are and said its right on the corner next to the sign. Mr. Kalua said he's pretty sure there will be a dedication and that entire area was dedicated when the park was built, concerned because it's a Japanese Garden and Lili`uokalani Park. What is the tradition of that site? Mr. Wery said the park goes back to Ho` olulu, who was the high chief after Kamehameha conquered the islands. Ho`olulu's cousin was Lili`uokalani. It ended being owned by Kennedy who ran the plantation and had the canic factory down there. Mr. Kalua said on the Wailoa side. Mr. Wery said he dedicated or gave the land for a park. It was named Lili`uokalani because it had been hers at one time. Mr. Kalua asked if it had been dedicated to the Japanese people. Mr. Wery said no, as a park. Then a Japanese Garden was put in and that garden was dedicated to the Japanese who had worked in the plantation because Kennedy had run Waiakea Plantation. That is my understanding of the history of it. Mr. Flores asked if they've received any negative vibes from the Japanese community regarding that. Mr. Wery said as far as he knows just some members of the 442"d, that's it. Mr. Flores asked what about the Japanese community themselves who are responsible for the park. Chairwoman Fox said she knows its been put to the Council, but has it been put out to the public. John Lu`uwai said in 1917 the park was made for Lili`uokalani. Korean War Veteran Hiroshi Shima asked if anyone knows where the Vietnam Memorial is. Most of the people in the meeting knew, but he said most people do not know where it is. That is the main reason they want to erect it somewhere exposed where the people can see it. The Mayor agrees with them and said that he bumped into the Korean War Memorial by accident. He approved of this site because it's visible to the entire public. They want people to see it right in front of their eyes. Monuments are historical, future Veterans Advisory Committee Page 13 February 19, 2009 generations will learn about the history of those who have died in the war from the island of Hawaii. It' very important to the community. Mr. Wery said one last thing. This memorial includes every veteran from the island of Hawaii who died from the civil war to the present. Not any particular war or group. All wars, all veterans. Someone asked if anyone knows where the World War I monument is. Mr. Nishimoto responded it's located at the Federal Building. Chairwoman Fox said there is also a monument at Kalakaua Park. Mr. Nishimoto said it's a great idea and he buys it, but why are we separating all of the memorials all over. Chairwoman Fox said this is for everybody. Mr. Nishimoto said it's all over and asked if the memorials at Kalakaua and Wailoa Parks will be abandoned. Someone said no, but the names of all will be listed. Mr. Wery said this memorial would have all the veterans who have died in the County of Hawaii. Chairwoman Fox thanked group for their presentation. END