Opening Statement

Senator Daniel K. Akaka
Chairman
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs

Aloha. Welcome to today's hearing of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. This is the first of three field hearings that I am chairing here in the State this week and next.

We held similar hearings at the start of 2006. Much has improved since that time, for which I am grateful, but it is important for the Committee to understand the remaining challenges.

VA's flagship in Hawaii - the Spark Matsunaga VA - is a very busy place and is in need of better ambulatory surgery space. We know, too, that the VA nursing home here is full. And there are pockets on Oahu - especially on Leeward Oahu -- that are underserved.

I applaud the efforts of every VA employee on Oahu - these men and women work hard to help the veterans who seek their assistance. There are many things that VA does well in Hawaii. However, there is always room for improvement. I want to hear about how we can give VA the tools to make a difference in the lives of Hawaii's veterans.

Back in Washington, we have worked hard to ensure that VA has the resources to provide the best possible care. The VA spending bill, which the Senate will take up in early September, includes $43 billion for VA, $3.6 billion more than was sought by President Bush. We are finally on track to adequate funding for VA mental health care, and care for those veterans with a traumatic brain injury.

We've also been spending time to ensure that DoD and VA work together to improve the transition process for servicemembers and veterans. Given the existing relationship between VA and Tripler Army Hospital, Hawaii should be at the forefront of national efforts to ensure that the two Departments work closely together. We will explore that issue today.

Congress has also given VA a significant increase in funding to hire new staff to deal with VA's claims backlog. The Veterans' Affairs Committee will carry out focused oversight to ensure that the hiring and training process proceeds in a timely fashion. VA and several veterans service organizations are working on innovative ways to process claims in a more efficient manner. I will ask VA to describe specific plans for using this funding to improve the claims adjudication process here in Hawaii.

Another concern that the Committee will be looking into is the status of Punchbowl. VA erected columbaria at the cemetery to accommodate cremated remains, but the demand has been much greater than anticipated. I have worked with VA on how to address this problem, and look forward to VA's testimony.

Today, and over this week and next, I will examine health care and benefits in Hawaii. Given the State's unique features, VA must adjust its strategies that may be successful on the mainland, but may not work as well here.

It is vitally important that you share your thoughts with us so that we know how to help VA help you and the rest of Hawaii's veterans. VA officials are here to listen to and respond to the concerns raised by the witnesses on the first two panels.

Finally, I note that there are many veterans here today who would like to testify. Following the more formal part of today's hearing, we are going to invite members of the audience to address the Committee. We ask that your comments be focused on veterans issues only, and that you stick to three minutes for your comment. My staff is here to follow-up with each of you. If you do not wish to speak, feel free to provide a written comment to my staff.

Once again, mahalo to all who are in attendance today. I look forward to hearing from today's witnesses.