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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-05-21 Veteran Advisory Committee MinutesVETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE Thursday, May 21, 2009, 3:00 p.m. Prosecutor's Office (Hilo) and Kona Mayor's Office (Via Videoconferencing) Present Absent Members Don Bennett 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) Keith Ribbentrop Guests (Kona) John Grogan Ex- Officio (Hilo) Clayton Honma, Deputy Director, P &R Ex- Officio (Kona) Robert Fitzgerald, Director, P &R Also Present (Hilo) Nathalie Santos, Secretary Richard Highley Wendall Kekumu Gilbert Sampaia Norman Stahl John Young Call to Order Chairwoman Penny Fox called the meeting to order at 3:06 pm - (10) members present. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC None PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES — March 19, 2009 (No Quorum at the April 16, 2009 Meeting) The minutes of the March 19, 2009 meeting were approved as submitted. Veterans Advisory Committee Page 2 May 21, 2009 REPORT ON CEMETERIES — STATE VETERANS ADVISORY BOARD Hawaii Island - East Hawaii Representative Mr. Herring Kalua Hawaii Island - West Hawaii Representative Mr. Herb Lum NO REPORT Both Mr. Kalua and Mr. Lum were both absent from the meeting. Veterans Cemetery III - West Hawaii - Construction Delay - Permits Required for Temporary Buildings Mr. Minoru Hanato said he heard the County is trying to stop work at the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery because there were no permits for the moveable buildings that are there. He said it shouldn't affect the work. Mr. Fitzgerald said those temporary structures do not have building permits so in order for the contractor to proceed, the Building Division needed to know whether or not we would wait to get permits or move buildings before they sign a final when the project is finished. We will have to move or remove those temporary structures. In order to prevent a halt in construction, he told staff of the Building Division that the water tank, two small buildings, container and greenhouse would be moved before final permits are signed for new construction. Mr. Hanato said its okay to move. Mr. Fitzgerald said he went to look at it before he sent the letter and also spoke to John Grogan since he didn't want to delay project. Mr. Hanato said it doesn't make sense because the County is using all of those buildings. Mr. Fitzgerald responded that P &R can move it, the only request is that once we near construction completion we work together to either move or obtain permits to bring one or two back if its salvageable. As he understands, the storage part is already part of the second phase, which includes room to store chairs and maintenance equipment. If we need a place to move it, it could be put on County property and obtain a permit and bring it back. Mr. Hanato said stored items could be put in the new storage building, which he hopes is big enough to hold everything. Mr. Fitzgerald said if the new one is not big enough, we would still have to move the temporary buildings and then ask for a permit to bring one back. Mr. Hanato said we won't move it until the project is done. Mr. Fitzgerald responded that we will have to move it the day before final inspection or they won't sign off on the construction project. Veterans Advisory Committee Page 3 May 21, 2009 Mr. Hanato said that would work cause we need it till then. Mr. Fitzgerald said we should be able to keep it there until around November l Ith Mr. John Grogran, President of the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery Development and Expansion Association, said when the new storage is ready we would be able to empty it out, put items in the new storage and then get rid of the sheds. Mr. Fitzgerald said that is correct if there's enough room, if there isn't enough room we would still have to move them and get a permit to bring them back. He said he made an executive decision after calling John because we didn't want to stop construction and wait for permitting. Mr. Hanato said that will work because you can't leave items in the open, the County employee told him someone cut the lock on a building and bent the hinge, they used a hex saw. They also tried to pry open the doors on the steel container. Mr. Fitzgerald said it sounds like someone came from the road and knows there is some equipment up there. Veterans Cemetery III - West Hawaii Update Mr. John Grogan said he's just a guest, but was grateful for the opportunity to say a few words. West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery Expansion Project is on schedule because Mr. Fitzgerald was able to handle the permit matter for the state. He said if you haven't been to the cemetery lately, you will hardly recognize it. On November 11th according to the VA we will have the most expensive per plot cemetery in the VA system after receipt of nearly 2.8 million dollars this year. We're very grateful after (12) years to finally have a respectful burial place. Looking forward to Veterans Day. Mr. Grogan said they rotate responsibilities between three veteran organizations for Veterans Day and Memorial Day, we were looking to get one of our senators to speak at Veterans Day Ceremony, but they may be unable due to schedule conflict so if anyone has recommendations on guest speakers please let him know. Grave Markin ,-s Mr. Hanato said we need to get together on the grave markings. He is requesting a map with grave locations since their markings and the County's markings are completely different and they are unable to assist families locate graves. Mr. Grogan expressed appreciation to P &R employee who is responsible for updating the cemetery plot listing on the County's web site. Whoever it is, is doing a great job. The locations are clearly marked, however finding the physical location is difficult. Mr. Grogan said the markings on the fence for the original plots are gone. Veterans Advisory Committee Page 4 May 21, 2009 Mr. Hanato said that is why a map is needed. Mr. Fitzgerald will try to obtain a copy of the map and asked Secretary Nathalie Santos if there is a map in the office. Nathalie responded that she doesn't think there is a map, but will double check. Mr. Nishimoto said he understands what is happening, the website has information on location of the gravesites, someone has a map of the gravesite, but he thinks what we're talking about is the ground markers and asked if there are any.. Mr. Grogan said there aren't ground markers on the old side, there will be on the new side. Mr. Nishimoto said there is a report that was submitted recently by Mark Moses and Gene Castagnetti, which states that West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery needs to be surveyed and control markers same as at Punchbowl be put in place. Many years ago it was suggested that the rejected headstones (those with spelling errors) be used for markers. It could be cut and engraved by someone that handles granite and buried at the curbline or edge of the field, whereever each row starts. That was suggested about two years ago. Mr. Grogan stated that he discussed ability to locate graves with Mark Moses and Willocks Construction Project Manager Alex Schneider who is doing expansion project and they spoke about purchasing these markers, however, if there is granite available it could reduce cost to mark grave locations. Mr. Nishimoto said by regulation those rejected markers should be destroyed, but its kind of neat so its being kept around and possibly they could use the back side, unsure if using those would be cost effective, it might be cheaper to purchase premade markers. Mr. Hanato shard that the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery also has some rejected markers. They are brittle so they can be cut, but with a tap they can chip. They look nice. Mr. Grogan said his organization (West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery Development and Expansion Association) will review situation and come up with a recommendation to Committee. Both Mr. Fitzgerald and Chairwoman Fox said they would appreciate hearing back from Mr. Grogan on a recommendation relating to marker. Chairwoman Fox asked Nathalie Santos to check again if there is a map of plot locations. Veterans Advisory Committee Page 5 May 21, 2009 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Veterans Cemetery III - West Hawaii Reforestation Proiect (Dr. Richard Stevens submitted a written report dated May 17, 2009 - copy attached.) Chairwoman Fox asked if members had a chance to read report and asked if there were any questions. Mr. Hanato added that trees were planted on the side of the road to complete that project which started awhile ago. Irrigation was changed, the old removed and new system installed which will save water. Mr. Fitzgerald said Council Member Brenda Ford's resolution came through his desk to pay for plants. Money will go to Dr. Stevens to select plants to purchase for reforestation proj ect. War Memorial - Tribune Herald Article - April 30, 2009 Chairwoman Fox asked if everyone had an opportunity to read the April 30th Hawaii Tribune Herald article about the War Memorial sent to all members. She asked if anyone had comments or statements to share about the article. Mr. Yamamoto said he was wondering why the article in the newspaper didn't mention anything about Louis Kaoiwi reading the letter from Disabled American Veterans. Chairwoman Fox said that's because the reporter went only to the Korean War Veterans, they didn't question anybody else except Mr. Fitzgerald. Mr. Yamamoto said the article mentioned they were not treated properly and something like we were insulting. Chairwoman Fox read the part of the article stating "that the veterans' treatment by the county advisory committee was "insulting" and insisted that his group will not back down ". She shared that bothered her because she felt committee gave organizations an opportunity to talk. She apologized if she came across as insulting, but she couldn't let them have a bickering war back and forth about minor issues. She is also bothered by the statement "there was 100% agreement by the County Council" everytime its brought up, because yes they agreed to a Korean War Veterans Memorial at one of three locations: Liliuokalani Gardens, Kalakaua Park or Wailoa State Park. That is what the County Council agreed upon, we weren't given those options. Mr. Yamamoto commented that when people read that, they have a misconception of what's going on here. Veterans Advisory Committee Page 6 May 21, 2009 Chairwoman Fox said she tried unsuccessfully to contact Reporter John Burnett. Its nice the article came out on the front page, but the only person they contacted from this Committee was P &R Director Fitzgerald. Chairwoman Fox asked if anyone else had any further concerns or comments to share regarding the article. Mr. Hanato later shared that comment in article about the committee treated them insultingly bothered him. All members on this committee are veterans and that is insulting to veterans. NEW BUSINESS None EX- OFFICIO MEMBERS None ANNOUNCEMENTS MEMBERSHIP Ms. Brulee- Wilson shared that a few people have expressed a desire to serve as members of this committee, however, there are members that are on this committee for a period of years and don't attend meetings. She said she understands that the membership for this Committee is governed by County Code. She asked if the Code could be reviewed and paperwork be submitted to delete these members especially after they have been contacted and did not respond so that individuals that would like to serve, have good ideas and would be a benefit to this committee be given an opportunity to be a part of this committee. Mr. Hanato said there are still some open slots. Chairwoman Fox responded that there are openings we are working on filling. There are also a few people that hold positions that are not showing up and it is frustrating especially when we don't make quorum and there are people who do want to be here. But to change the organizations involved with this Council we would have to change the County Code. Secretary Nathalie Santos said there are (3) independent slots and (14) assigned by organizations which require the commander of the organization submit a nomination. The Mayor's Office has been really busy filling those Boards and Commission that don't have enough members to meet like the new Leeward and Windward Planning Commissions, which right now is the priority. They do have some applications to work on which will need to be submitted by the Mayor to the Council. There are members on Veterans Advisory Committee Page 7 May 21, 2009 the committee that aren't attending meetings, so we can write a letter to the Commanders of these organizations and ask them if they would like to look at appointing someone else. She will look at list and write to the organizations whose members haven't been attending. Chairwoman Fox said okay and we have to wait for the others to be approved. Nathalie shared that there is one organization (Club 100) that is still listed on the County Code, but doesn't have representation because they don't have members that are able to attend anymore so Corporation Counsel will remove that from the Code. FOOTBALL CLINICS - NAVY AND ARMY Mr. Fitzgerald announced he knows both the Navy and Army Football Team Coaches and invited both teams to come to the Big Island to do football clinics when they come to play football on Oahu. He's hoping the veterans would support the clinic, put their names behind it and help facilitate. Feels its good for both kids and veterans. Navy will be coming in 2010 and Army in 2011. As time nears, he will let veterans know about how they can help. Chairwoman Fox asked members to go back to their organizations and let them know this may happen and obtain their support. She said the Pro Bowl does a great clinic on both sides of the island when they come. Mr. Fitzgerald said yes Pro Bowl and UH does a lot of clinics, but thought since both coaches have Hawaii ties and local kids play on both teams, it would be natural for them to want to come back and put this on. Chairwoman Fox said yes there are at least three local kids on the Navy Team cause she knows two of them. She suggested finding out who helps put on Pro Bowl Clinics so they can help organize these. Mr. Fitzgerald said the Mayor has helped with Pro Bowl Clinics for the last couple years. KOREAN WAR VETERANS Deputy Director Clayton Honma announced that the Korean War Veterans did a community service project to clean all of the headstones at Veterans Cemetery I and 11 in Hilo to prepare for Memorial Day. Mayor's Executive Assistant Hunter Bishop will assist by preparing a Certificate of Appreciation and submitting a press release. Chairwoman Fox said that's fine. Members expressed their appreciation of the community service project. Veterans Advisory Committee Page 8 May 21, 2009 OBITUARY - FLAG Ms. Brulee- Wilson asked the status of placing flags in the newspapers of veteran obituaries. Chairwoman Fox said she hasn't yet gotten with Nathalie on sending a letter to the owner of the Newspaper, but will try to do that soon. MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONIES EAST HAWAII Ms. Brulee- Wilson invited members to attend Memorial Day Ceremonies on Monday, May 25th. loam the ceremony will begin at Veterans Cemetery I and at 3:30 pm at KMC there will be another event. The Keynote Speaker will be Honorable Mayor Billy Kenoi and she will be the Special Guest Speaker. There will be a dinner following for a fee. WEST HAWAII Mr. Gaspar announced a Memorial Day Ceremony to be held on Monday, May 25th at I lam at the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery. GUEST STOPPED BY - TERRY PAJON Terry Paj on showed up at the end of the meeting and requested assistance from the Veterans Advisory Committee with her husbands status because he was denied medical treatment. Chairwoman Fox explained that this committee has nothing to do with that matter as it is only an Advisory Committee which handles veterans cemeteries. There was a short discussion and then Chairwoman Fox referred her to the Office of Veterans Services. NEXT MEETING The next meeting will be held on Thursday, June 18, 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 3:45 pm. Respectfully submitted, Nathalie Santos, Secretary