Hopefully we can pass it finally through the full Senate in September when we go back into Session.

I think what you have all heard is that the VA has significantly improved its ability to deliver services to our veterans here on Maui.

Thank you, Senator Akaka, for procuring and advocating for the funds to get these two additional Mental Health providers into the Maui clinic.

Trust must be established in order for servicemembers and veterans to be successfully served.

Can you get us travel for all these deserving Veterans Senator Akaka!

Thank you very much for that. Since our troops have been returning as of last week, this becomes very, very important.

I believe that we are prepared and committed to go forth with this project if we can receive the proper funding for it.

As Chairman, I am committed to overseeing that all veterans, especially those in my home State of Hawaii, receive the highest quality of care.

In my opinion, the system discriminates against qualified disabled Native Hawaiian veterans.

Your vision and support have led to an unprecedented level of health care services for veterans.

If we use the VA health care system, the VA should take care of us 100 per cent.

Do you see any barriers, including potentially connecting VA to the community health clinic in East Maui?

Thank you for your service to our country.

More can be done to assist veterans and their families in the reintegration of the wounded or injured veterans into their community.

Thank you, Senator. Before I start my testimony, I would like to give personal thanks to the Molokai vets...

Would you be able to tell me the national average time to approval for an application for independent living services and the average time for approvals in Maui?

Thank you, Senator Akaka, on behalf of all the Hawaii veterans for being our most vocal and powerful voice for veterans ranked in our State.

Mahalo, Senator Akaka. As far as here on Maui, there probably could be some improvement, but in my opinion, 10, 15 years ago there was some. Today there is more.

Thank you all very much for your testimony. Again, I want to thank this panel for bringing us up to date and especially what we are anticipating will happen, providing the supports come through.

Part of the billions spent overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan need to be spent on the men and women who relive this war on a daily basis.

Thank you very much, Sergeant.

This is a journey that we are on. We have come a long ways.

Well, you can provide that specific for the record.

I think you know what our country is going through at this time and we must be ready to come up with the kind of help that our country needs.

Again, Senator Akaka, we want to thank you for your Tireless and ongoing assistance in the overall improvement of our Maui VA health care in the last two years.