Lei-laying Scouts filled stalls at cemetery despite notices

Question: I have been going to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl, for over 20 years on the eve of Memorial Day. That’s the day the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts place lei on the grave markers. In the past, there would be more people at the cemetery, but everything was kind of normal. This year,

80 percent of the parking stalls were occupied by vehicles connected to the Scouts. I appreciate all the hard work and service that makes the event very successful. But if those connected with this activity are allowed to park at the cemetery again next year, shouldn’t the public be notified so alternate plans can be made? We are senior citizens and had to park our cars very, very far away to visit our loved ones.

Answer: Punchbowl officials apologize to those who had difficulty parking that Sunday afternoon.

"We publish the schedule of events to the local media to help folks plan their visits to the cemetery around them and avoid the traffic congestion," said Punchbowl Director James Horton.

However, "simply because so many people come out to pay respects on that weekend," the congestion is unavoidable Friday through Monday night, he said.

Punchbowl did issue notices that no parking would be allowed at the cemetery for Scouting units and their families during the grave-decorating period.

Parking spaces were reserved at Stevenson Intermediate and Lincoln Elementary schools for them, which meant an approximately 20-minute, one-mile walk up the hill to the cemetery.

Participants were urged to carpool or travel by bus, with a reserved bus drop-off area just outside the gates to the cemetery.

The Aloha Council of the Boy Scouts also issued notices to participants in the"Good Turn" decorating event that "no onsite parking will be available."

Still, "some parked inside (the cemetery) despite the notice to not do so,"Horton said.

All that said, "What made things a little more difficult this year is the construction of our new building outside the gate," he said. "This lot is normally a staging area to help get Scouts in without having a lot of vehicles in the cemetery."

Acknowledging the lot will be unavailable again next Memorial Day weekend, "We will work with (the city Department of) Parks and Recreation as we plan the event next year to minimize the number of vehicles in the cemetery during the Good Turn event," Horton said.

Question: Much has been written about the University of Hawaii Wahine volleyball team’s trip to Europe. But everyone skirts the issue: Where did the money come from to pay for that trip?

Answer: The issue was not skirted and was reported by Honolulu Star-Advertiser reporter Cindy Luis.

The last mention was in a May 15 story — bit.ly/1STZYoM — that said: "The trip, the Rainbow Wahine’s first since going to Japan over spring break in 2001, is being paid for through donations and fundraising."

Luis said she received numerous phone calls and emails regarding the perceived UH-paid trip, "including some that were not very pleasant."

However, no public or UH funds were used to pay for the trip for 12 players, three coaches, a trainer and an equipment coordinator.

"There were also three boosters who went who paid their own way," Luis said.

The Star-Advertiser paid for Luis’ expenses.

Mahalo

To Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, their leaders and families, for decorating the graves of veterans for Memorial Day. Many enjoy the day as a holiday but forget to say thank you to those who sacrificed to keep the United States free. Not only did they decorate the graves, but walked from Punchbowl Cemetery to Stevenson School a mile away to catch a ride home. One group walked as far as Punahou School. Mahalo for your time and remembrance of what Memorial Day is about. — Leonard Leong, Manoa

Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.