WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, announced upcoming visits by VA to provide benefits information and claims assistance for neighbor island veterans and their families.  VA scheduled visits for Kauai, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and the Big Island after being prompted last year by a letter from Chairman Akaka to VA Under Secretary for Benefits Daniel L. Cooper.  Akaka expressed his concern that neighbor island visits had been curtailed, asked for an explanation, and encouraged Cooper to reinstate the visits. 

"I continue to assert that as the only island state, Hawaii requires a special approach for veterans care and services," said Senator Akaka.  "I extend a warm mahalo to VA for seeing how important it is to provide face-to-face services for our neighbor island veterans."

Veterans are encouraged to make appointments for assistance during the VA visits to their island. 

On Kauai, VA will be using the Kauai Vet Center for their visits.  The Kauai Vet Center is located at 3-3367 Kuhio Hwy. Ste #101.  VA will visit Kauai on the third Wednesday of every month.  The dates for the next four visits are:  March 19, 2008; April 16, 2008; June 21, 2008; and July 18, 2008.

On Maui, VA will be using the Maui Vet Center located at 35 Lunalilo Street, Suite #101.  VA will visit Maui on the second Thursday of every month.  The next four visits are: March 13, 2008; April 10, 2008; May 8, 2008; and June 12, 2008.

On the Big Island, VA will be using the Kona and Hilo Vet Centers. 

Kona's Vet Center is located 73-4976 Kamanu St., Suite 207; VA will visit Kona on the fourth Wednesday of every month.  The next four visits are March 26, 2008; April 23, 2008; May 28, 2008; and June 25, 2008.

Hilo's Vet Center is located at 126 Pu'uhonu Way Suite 2; Hilo visits will be on the first Wednesday of every month.  Those next four visits are: April 2, 2008; May 7, 2008; June 4, 2008; and July 2, 2008

Molokai and Lanai are visited on a quarterly basis.

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