MAKAWAO - Plans to expand the Makawao Veterans Cemetery have received a boost in recent weeks with the governor's release of $250,000 for the cemetery project and submission of a subdivision application that includes the expansion parcel.
Time is of the essence for the expansion with a state official saying that it's possible the cemetery could reach its capacity in 1 1/2 to 2 years.
The money released by the governor is part of $5.3 million appropriated by the state Legislature for the planning, purchase and development of an adjoining 10-acre parcel. The $250,000 will be used for an environmental assessment, appraisal, title search and subdivision application for the much-needed addition to the 7-acre cemetery along Baldwin Avenue, said Ronald P. Han Jr., the director of Hawaii State Veterans Services.
David Goode, director of the county Public Works Department, got involved to help the process along and to get the parties together to resolve problems involving the transaction. The veterans cemetery wasn't the only party seeking land from the owner of the adjacent property, which according to property tax records is Paul Turner.
A private cemetery next to the veterans cemetery was seeking an additional 3 or 4 acres and a neighboring property owner wanted to purchase 40 to 50 acres, according to Goode. He said a large lot subdivision application was submitted last week.
