STATEMENT BY
FRANK CRUZ, PRESIDENT KAUAI VETERANS COUNICL
CHAIRMAN FOR THE STATE OFFICE OF VETERANS SERVICE
GOVERNORS ADVISORY BOARD
BEFORE
TIDE SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS
REGARDING
THE STATE OF VA HEALTH CARE IN HAWAII
January 9, 2006
Lihue, Kaua'i, Hawaii
 
 
Chairman Craig, Ranking Member, Senator Akaka, and members of this Hearing: My name is Frank C. I am a Vietnam Veteran and currently the President of the Kauai Veterans Council and Chairman for the State Office of Veterans Service Governors Advisory Board.
The 95 bed Long Term Care Facility being build in Hilo is a welcome and long awaited project for our veterans living in the State of Hawaii. This Facility wi11 help our veterans especially the World War U, Korean, Vietnam and our 100% disable veterans here in Hawaii a much needed long term care place. However there are some question and information that needs to be decimated to all veterans wanting to apply for this facility.
1. What are the criteria for any veterans applying for long term care?
2. What will be the cost for the veteran and their family?
3. This facility needs professional and trained caretakers, how will this facility be able to be self sufficient without putting the burden on the veterans staying in this facility?
The Kauai Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) has provided top notch services to our veterans here on Kauai. There are some areas where much needed improvements are needed.
1. Parking for this clinic is inadequate to accommodate for patients having appointment.
2. How will this clinic be able to handle the influx of veterans coming from Iraq and elsewhere?
3. The medical equipment must be up-graded to current standard.
4. There is a need for qualified female to handle the needs for our women coming from Iraq and elsewhere.
5. There is a need to increase manpower and services due to the increased of veteran population returning form the Gulf war.
On behalf of the veterans on Kauai, I thank the members of this Committee for the time you have taken to listen to the concerns of our Island. Your commitment and efforts to our Veteran Community is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.