The State Commission on Memorials for Veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts (SCM) was established by the Hawai‘i State Legislature in 1988 through Act 112, as part of a broader initiative that also created the State of Hawaiʻi Office of Veterans Servicesʻ (OVS) and the Advisory Board on Veteransʻ Services. The SCM was tasked with planning and selecting works of art and an appropriate site for memorials honoring Hawai‘i’s veterans who served and died in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
Composed of nine gubernatorially appointed members, including veterans of both conflicts and a Gold Star family member, the commission held its inaugural meeting on March 22, 1989. David Price, a highly decorated U.S. Army veteran, was elected chair. In its early work, the Commission conducted extensive site visits and educational sessions, drawing inspiration from national memorials and public feedback.
The original design process culminated in the selection of a memorial concept by Benjamin Lee and Elaine Murphy in 1990. However, after public concerns over lack of veteran input, the Legislature reopened the design competition through House Bill 3658 in 1992. Six original commission members resigned in protest, and a newly appointed panel — led by Chairman Kenneth Kupchak — undertook an ambitious 90-day redesign effort. With support from OVS, the Department of Defense, and community volunteers, public displays were held statewide, collecting over 1,000 written comments. October 1992, the final design by architect Paul Medley was approved. His concept featured twin granite walls —one for each conflict — inscribed with the names of 766 Hawai‘i service members killed or missing in action.
The groundbreaking ceremony occurred on July 27, 1993, on the Ewa Lawn of the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, and the completed Korean-Vietnam Memorials were formally dedicated on July 24, 1994. The moving event drew over 3,500 guests and included speeches, wreath presentations, a time capsule burial and a missing man flyover. The names of two additional veterans were later engraved in 2013 following recognition of their wartime deaths.
Today, the memorial stands not only as symbols of sacrifice but also as a testament to public engagement, perseverance and healing. Maintained with the help of volunteers, they continue to honor Hawai‘i’s fallen heroes and provide a place of reflection and remembrance for generations to come.
Last updated July 2025
The State Legislature, while establishing the Office of Veterans Services in 1988, also created the Advisory Board on Veterans Services (ABVS), and the State Commission on Memorials for the Veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts (SCM). . .
The function of the memorial commission, as specified in Act 112/88, is ” . . . to plan and select works of art for permanent public memorials to the veterans of the Korean and Vietnam conflicts as well as to select a memorial site.”
The memorial commission is composed of nine members appointed by the governor, three being selected from a list of persons nominated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and three being selected from a list of persons nominated by the Senate President. The members are : Mr. David Price (Chair), Mr. Lawrence Ebesugawa, Mr. Donald Gillum, Mr. Lester Higa, Mr. John Keliiholokai, Mr. George Matsumoto, Mrs. Mildred McColgan, Mr. Yoshio Sugino, and Mr. Larry Tamanaha.
In establishing the commission, the legislature appropriated out of the general revenues of the State an initial sum of $20,000 with which to begin the commission’s work.
The SCM held their first meeting on March 22, 1989. At this meeting, the chairperson was elected unanimously by the members, operating procedures were established, an orientation video tape focusing on the history of the Vietnam Wall and titled, “To Heal a Nation,” was shown, and a companion article from National Geographic magazine was distributed. As of June 30, 1989, the commission members had visited and evaluated many proposed sites, and investigations were continuing.
State Commission on Memorials and Office of Veterans Services staff-Alfred Los Banos (seated), Larry Lee-OVS director (left), Yoshio Sugino, Larry Tamanaha, John Keliiholokai, Carswell J. Ross Jr. and Alvina Puaoi-OVS staff, Lester Higa-vice-chairperson, David Price-chairperson, Donald E. Gillum, Mildred McColgan, and Maj. Gen. Alexis T. Lum, state adjutant general. Missing from photo is George Matsumoto. (Picture from the 1989 January – March Pūpūkahi)
The State Commission on Memorials for the Veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts held its first meeting March 22. at State Department of Defense Headquarters. The commission was established by the 1988 Legislature to plan and select works of art in memorials to the veterans of the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.
Mr. David Price was unanimously elected chairperson. Price, the State Family Planning Coordinator in the Office of the Adjutant General, State Department of Defense, is a 30-year veteran of the U.S. Army. He retired as a colonel in 1987. Among his awards are three Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, and two Purple Hearts.
At the March 29 meeting of the commission, Mr. Lester Higa was unanimously elected vicechairperson. Higa, a real estate broker, served in the Republic of Vietnam from 1969-1971.
Members of the commission include veterans of both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts and one widow of a service member killed in Korea. They are: Alfred Los Banos, George Matsumoto, Donald E. Gillum, John Keliiholokai, Yoshio Sugino, Larry Tamanaha, and Mrs. Mildred McColgan.
The commission will be meeting weekly to establish specific objectives and time-frames for the accomplishment of their mission. They will also schedule briefings in the future by veterans organizations interested in providing input for these memorials.
NEWLY SWORN-IN STATE COMMISSION ON MEMORIALS FOR VETERANS OF THE KOREAN AND VIETNAM CONFLICTS – (seated) Gov. John Waihee and Alfred Los Banos, (standing left to right) First Circuit Court Judge Thomas K. Kaulukukui Jr., Mildred McColgan, Maj. Gen. Alexis T. Lum, state adjutant general, George Matsumoto, Yoshio Sugino, Donald E. Gillum, John Keliiholokai, Lester Higa, vice-chairperson, and David H. Price, chairperson, pose for their first official group photograph as a State commission May 17. Judge Kaulukukui conducted the swearing-in and Gov. Waihee presented the members with certificates of appointment. The commission was established by the 1988 Legislature and is tasked to plan and select works of art for memorials to the veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts.(Picture from the 1989 April – June Pūpūkahi)
Highlights and Significant Events
The Commission on Memorials for Veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts was appointed and met throughout the year to select a common site and works of art for memorials honoring casualties of those conflicts. . .
The Commission on Memorials for Veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts was appointed to select a common site and art works for memorials honoring Hawaii’s casualties of the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts. Governor Waihee’s 1989 Veterans Day Proclamation announced that the memorials would be sited on the State Capitol grounds.
A two-stage open competition was held among local residents to select designs for the Memorials. A jury of seven was selected to judge the entries. The members of the jury were: Brig. Gen. Irwin K. Cockett Jr., Mr. Thomas M. Klobe, Mr. Vladimir Ossipoff, Ms. Juli M. Kimura Walters and three members of the Commission, Mr. Lawrence Ebesugawa, Mr. Lester Higa and Mr. George M. Matsumoto.
On June 7, 1990, the jury provided its unanimous recommendation to the Commission. By unanimous vote, the Commission adopted the recommendation of the jury on June 13, 1990, and forwarded it to the Governor.
The winning design was submitted by a team of two individuals, Mr. Benjamin B. Lee and Ms. Elaine M. Murphy. The design uses three triangular pylons surmounted by clear triangular prisms that cast patterns of light in colors of the rainbow. The triad and the triangular shape of the prisms are intended to represent the universal symbols for family, life and God. They are also a symbolic reminder of the triangular form of the folded flag presented to the family at all military funerals.
The Commission on Memorials for Veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts continued to advocate for a site and the winning design submitted by Mr. Benjamin B. Lee and Ms. Elaine M. Murphy. A series of meetings and hearings was held to obtain information and solicit comments from the public. The memorials are scheduled to be completed by Veterans Day 1992.
The Commission on Memorials for Veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts included:
Chair, David Price (resigned February 1991), Lawrence Ebesugawa, Lester Higa, John Keliiholokai, George Matsumoto, Mildred Mccolgan, Yoshie Sugino and Larry Tamanaha.
The Office of Veterans Services worked with: the department’s Engineering Office to . . . plan for the design and construction of memorials for the casualties of the Korean and Vietnam conflicts
Vietnam veteran Robert K. Miller of Kihei, Maui, studies a display at the Hawaii Army National Guard armory in Wailuku. Architect Paul Medley’s design, featuring inscribed granite blocks, was selected by the Commission on Memorials for Veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts, Sept. 28.Commission members Ken Kupchak and John Parrish Jr. count ballots in the lobby of the Keauhou Beach Hotel, Kona. (Pictures from the 1992 August – September Pūpūkahi)
After months of public debate, followed by a whirlwind finish, the long-awaited design for the Korean-Vietnam veterans memorial was selected Sept. 28 by the state Commission on Memorials for Veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts. The design, by 30-year old architect and former Army reservist Paul Medley, consists of two winding walls of terraced granite blocks – one for each war – inscribed with the names of those killed or missing in action. The structure is designed to allow visitors to touch the names and adorn them with flowers on special holidays.
The memorial design competition was reopened by the state legislature after some veterans expressed discontent over a lack of input in the initial selection process. House Bill 3658, which became law without Gov. John Waihee’s signature July 7, gave the nine-member Memorials Commission just 90 days to solicit entries, receive public input and select a design.
Shortly after passage of the new law, six members of the original Commission resigned in protest, delaying the selection process until new members could be appointed. Five appointments were announced Aug. 18. Ken Kupchak, Pat Hammon and John Ching, the three remaining members of the original Commission, were joined by Allan Kellogg Jr., Ellsworth “Breezer” Bush, Norbert K. Enos, Kurt E. John son and John A. Parrish Jr. The Commission went straight to work, electing Kupchak as chairman, Kellogg as vice chair and Hammon as secretary. In early September, Herbert S. Kondo became the final appointee to the Commission.
Criteria for design entries were announced Aug. 20 and a Sept 16 deadline was set for submission of entries. Despite the quick turnaround time, the response was overwhelming. Fifty-one entries were received, with designs ranging from simple, engraved walls to complex and detailed forms. Several designers drew inspiration from Hawaiian culture and tradition. Others incorporated features such as fountains, reflecting pools, flames, helmets, bayonets and human figures.
Assisted by the state Department of Defense and Office of Veterans Services, the Commission put together a rigorous six-day schedule to display the entries throughout the state. Seven locations were selected on the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui and Kauai. Veterans and members of the National Guard helped transport and oversee the displays during the IO-hour days. When Hurricane Iniki intervened, reducing the available National Guard suport and forcing cancellation of display plans for Kauai, National Guard family support groups stepped in to help staff the sites.
Commission members visited each display location to hear what veterans, their families and friends had to say about the entries. Kurt Johnson, commission member, explained that talking to people about their ideas for a memorial gave him a new way of looking at the entries.
The displays evoked emotion and generally positive comments from those who came to see them.Warren Guyer, a Vietnam vet from Hilo, said, “I think they should keep it simple and try to make a point, so we don’t have to make any more.”
“What I see in here is good. It’s good that we have a choice,” said Korean vet James Y. C. Lee, also of Hilo.
A comment card, designed by Jim Dannemiller of SMS Research, encouraged visitors to·put their views in writing. Over 1,000 cards were filled out. Dr. Gene Kassebaum of the University of Hawaii made arrangements to tabulate and analyze them in order to give the Commission a better idea of which designs generated the most enthusiasm.
The Memorials Review Board was required to approve or disapprove of the Commission’s design selection within seven days of receiving word from the Commission. The Review Board was established under the same act that reopened the design competition to ensure that the design selection proceeded fairly and according to the law. The Medley design was approved by the Board Oct. 8. The Department of Accounting and General Services will solicit bids for the memorial’s construction on the Ewa lawn of the State Capitol.
The Commission on Memorials for Veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts continued to advocate for memorial sites and designs. A series of meetings and hearings was held to gather public comment. Towards the end of its session, the 1992 Legislature voted to reopen the design competition, specifying the location of the memorials and establishing guidelines for the height and proportion of the design.
In the next few months, we will be deeply involved in providing support to the Office of Veterans Services and the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts Memorials Commission. The Passage of H.B. 3658 mandates the commission to select a memorial design in 90 days. This will no doubt be a major undertaking and we are committed to doing our best to ensure a memorial is built for our deserving veterans. I want to thank the members of the Memorial Commission and Office of Veterans Services for their dedication, sacrifice and hard work over the past 2 years. It has been a difficult period for many reasons and we appreciate the progress we have made thus far. As we take the final steps of our long journey, I ask for your continued support.
The Office of Veterans Services (OVS), meanwhile, dedicated the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe in July, and the State Commission on Memorials for Veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts selected a design for the Korean-Vietnam Memorial in October.
the State Department of Defense’s Engineering Office on continued development of the . . . plans for the design and construction of the memorials for the casualties of the Korean and Vietnam conflicts . . .
The Commission on Memorials for Veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts selected a memorial design after reviewing input from many veterans and the general public who had the opportunity to view and comment on the designs at several locations on Hawaii, Maui and Oahu. Kauai did not participate in the review because the Veterans Hall exhibition space was used to house Iniki refugees. . .
The Commission on Memorials for Veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts unanimously selected a winning design by Paul J. Medley. It consists of two serpentine terraced paths with granite pedestals, arranged chronologically with each bearing the name of a soldier killed as the result of the conflict. Members are: Ellsworth M. Bush (resigned 1/93), John Ching, Norbert Enos, Pat Hammon, Kurt E. Johnson, Allan J. Kellogg Jr., Herbert Kondo and Kenneth Kupchak (Chair).
Vietnam veteran Larry “Joe” Burress stands at attention during the ceremony at the State Capitol, July 27. Gov. John Waihee, veterans representatives, and others involved in the planning, design and construction of memorials for veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars line up to break ground at the State Capitol, July 27.Memorial ground broken page 3(Pictures from the 1993 July – August Pūpūkahi)
A light rain let up just in time for a ground breaking ceremony beginning construction of the State Memorials for Veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts, July 27.
As the sun broke through the clouds, more than 150 veterans, families and friends gathered on the Ewa Lawn of the State Capitol for the long anticipated ceremony.
Master of ceremonies was Larry Lee, director, Office of Veterans Services.
Gov. John Waihee provided the keynote address, expressing the hope that the memorials would provide a sanctuary for veterans and “a place where we can come to know the real meaning of patriotism and courage.”
The crowd also heard from Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson, state adjutant general, Robert P. Takushi, director, Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), and Kenneth Kupchak, chairman of the Commission on Memorials for Veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts which was charged with se lecting the design for the memorials.
That design was selected in October of 1992 after months of public debate. Created by architect Paul Medley, it consists of two winding walls — one for each war– of terraced granite blocks inscribed with the names of those missing or killed in action.
The state Department of Defense, under Richardson, was charged with assisting the Memorials Commission in its design selection process. DAGS, under Takushi, is now responsible for construction of the memorials.
Before the ground break ing took place, Rev. William Kaina, pastor of Kawaiahao Church, blessed the memorial site.
Using gold-painted shovels provided by contractor Ralph Inouye Co. Ltd., ground-breakers included Lee; Waihee; Richardson; Takushi; Kupchak; Medley; Lester Higa, former chairman of the Memorials Commission; Michael J. Leineweber, chairman,Memorials Review Board; Judith Worobe, member, Advisory Board on Veterans Services; Elynore Hambleton, mother of Staff Sgt. Mark Hambleton who was killed in Vietnam; and Ralph Inouye.
In July, we saw groundbreaking for the Korean-Vietnam memorial. The memorial, which our department helped make a reality, will provide a fitting reminder of the sacrifices made by Hawaii’s veterans in Korea and Vietnam.
Time Capsule dedicated at Korean-Vietnam Memorials
By 1st Lt. Charles J. Anthony
HEAVY DUTY — (Left to right) Randy Choy Foo and Patrick Tangonan of the State DOD Maintenance staff, lower the aluminum and lead time capsule into a burial area. Also pictured are veterans Herbert Kondo, John Ching and Medal of Honor recipient Allan Kellogg Jr. (Picture from the 1994 April – May Pūpūkahi)
Slightly overcast skies held off the rain long enough for the dedication of a time capsule at the Korean-Vietnam Memorials project site on the State Capitol grounds, April 14.
Memorabilia from the two wars was placed in an aluminum and lead casing by Hawaii veterans. Items such as photographs, writings, poetry, unit patches, dog tags, awards and decorations were buried between the two memorials. Retired combat photographer Al Chang donated more than 400 photographs from both wars to the time capsule. Veterans Herbert Kondo and John Chang also contributed significant amounts of time and resources to the project.
After a brief ceremony, the time capsule was set in its resting place and covered with a cement block. The capsule will be opened on significant anniversaries of both wars to add items. Aside from those occasions, it will lay idle for another 100 years.
Completion of the memorials is scheduled for late June and the dedication will be held on Sunday, July 24th.
A dedication committee chaired by retired Brig. Gen. Irwin Cockett, a veteran of both the Korea and Vietnam wars, first convened, May 9. The Department of Accounting and General Services and the State Department of Defense, which includes the Office ofVeterans Services, are spearheading the dedication plans.
The dedication committee wants to invite the next of kin of Hawaii service personnel who gave their lives during the Korea and Vietnam wars and whose names will be inscribed on the memorials. If you can assist in contacting family members, please call the Office of Veterans Services at 587-3005.
QUIET MOMENT — Family and friends search out their loved one’s names and spend a moment to reflect at the newly completed Korean and Vietnam War Memorials. D-DAY REMEMBERED Alfred Los Banos, a member of President Clinton’s American Battle Monuments Commission, meets the President during ceremonies marking the 50th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, June 6. Los Banos was in Europe to tour American military cemeteries in Rome, Anzio, Florence, Paris, and Normandy. (Pictures from the 1994 Annual Report)
Command Notes
I first want to congratulate everyone who worked so diligently to make the dedication of the Korean-Vietnam War Memorials an overwhelming success. On July 24th the State Department of Defense performed a great service to the veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Wars and to the families of those whose names are inscribed in the pedestals of the memorials. The dedication was a very special, very moving experience for those in attendance and I believe our determination and persistence really made a difference.
The ceremony made me reflect on the sacrifices made by Hawaii’s military personnel in general and by the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 29th Infantry Brigade in particular. 29 soldiers from the brigade and the Reserve’s 100th Battalion, 442nd Regiment gave their lives in Vietnam. They were among the finest citizen-soldiers our state ever produced and it is only fitting that the Hawaii Guard should have played such a major role in the ceremony
I have received numerous compliments on the way the HING conducted itself and I want to thank you all for a job well done. (A complete article on the memorials dedication will appear in the next edition of pupukahi).
Korean-Vietnam Memorials dedicated with helping hand from National Guard
By 1st Lt. Charles J. Anthony
LASTING RESPECT- Korean and Vietnam Memorials visitors leave flowers and various memorabilia to honor our fallen heroes.UNTYING A LEI OF HONOR • Family members of the first Korean War casualty Sgt. Jose Balalong and Vietnam War casualty Spec. 5 James Gabriel Jr., untie a Maile lei marking the official opening and dedication of Hawaii’s Korean and Vietnam Memorials, July 24. Assisting is Gov. John Waihee (fourth from left), Lt. Col. Don Arakaki (left) and Master Sgt. Timothy B. Galbiso (right)(Pictures from the 1994 August – September Pūpūkahi)
An estimated 3,500 invited guests, veterans, military support personnel and well-wishers packed the ewa side of the State Capitol grounds Sunday, July 24, to dedicate Hawaii’s Korean and Vietnam War Memorials.
It was an emotional event for the family members and the veterans who served with the 766 men whose names are inscribed in the black granite pedestals of the memorials.
The Hawaii State Department of Defense, under the direction of Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson, state adjutant general, played a vital role in the dedication ceremony. Most of the arrangements, as requested by the dedication committee, were carried out by the Hawaii Guard and DOD staff along with the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS).
Guard and DOD personnel laid out the podium and chairs, took care of the Invitations, helped with registration of guests, made parking arrangements, assisted with security and logistics, acted as ushers and escorts, served refreshments, helped with the presentation of wreaths, participated in the joint services color guard, generated publicity and staffed an emergency medical tent. The Hawaii Army Guard’s 111th Army Band provided music for the dedication, and four F-15s from the Hawaii Air formed a missing man flyover.
In his keynote speech, Gov. John Waihee told the family members that the memorials were dedicated to them as well as the fallen heroes who gave their lives.
“These memorials will forever be a source of pride, understanding, reconciliation, healing, peace and remembrance to all who come here to pause and contemplate,” he said.
In his welcoming remarks, Richardson touched on the theme of”ka ho’i ana mai” (the returning) and said it was heartwarming to see the state symbolically recognize those who served.
“I do not know how history will regard the Korean and Vietnam Wars in the distant future. But I do know that it was a sad moment when we, as a nation, did not welcome home our returning warriors with a parade,” said Richardson. “To all of those who gallantly served: welcome home. This is your parade.”
Twenty-nine soldiers from the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 29th Infantry Brigade and the U.S.Army Reserve’s 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry, died during the Vietnam activation.
Lt. Col. John Haowasa sergeant with the brigade when the unit was activated in 1968. Today, he is the head of Support Personnel Management Office and was selected to assist Gov. Waihee with the wreath presentation.
“The ceremony was really emotional for me, and I’m sure that’s true for a lot of the others called up in ’68,” said Hao. “It brought back a flood of memories to me. I could feel myself back in an APC (armored personnel carrier) and see us slogging through the mud. A lot of us had friends that died. I feel satisfied that they have now been appropriately recognized.”
The dedication of the Korean and Vietnam Memorials was held, July 24, 1994 Efforts to locate and invite survivors and family members to the dedication were rewarded by an impressive audience that was extremely moved by the event. Since May 11, 1995, volunteers from veteran organizations have assisted with the weekly cleaning and polishing of the memorials.
War Memorials in May 2013 A dedication and recognition ceremony for Albert Kalahana Kuewa, he was killed in action on Sept. 18, 1964, while launching mission operations on the U.S.S. Ranger. After 48 years, his name was finally accepted as a casualty of war and engraved on the Vietnam War Memorial.
A dedication and recognition ceremony was held for Frank Capra Rocha, who was killed in action on Aug. 10, 1951. Due to his extraordinary heroism in military operations against the armed enemy in the vicinity of Sang-To-Dong, Korea. Rocha was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart. Rocha’s name was engraved on the Korean War Memorial.
MEMORIALS RECOGNITION – Names of Albert K. Kuewa (Vietnam) and Frank C. Rocha (Korea) are added to the Korean-Vietnam Memorials at the State Capitol. OVS provided photos(Picture from the 2013 Annual Report)
