Dr. John Johnson, administrator of the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, will brief the Governor's East Hawai'i Community Advisory Council on the first nine months of operation and future of the home when the council meets at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, in the adult day care room of the home at 1180 Waianuenue Ave. in Hilo. The meeting is open to the public.

Dr. Johnson is the former director of state veteran homes for the state of Colorado and holds a Ph.D. in education. Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home opened in November 2007 and is the first and only state veterans home in Hawai'i.

Gov. Linda Lingle created community advisory councils to give the neighbor islands a stronger voice in state government. The East Hawai'i Community Advisory Council holds monthly public meetings to seek community input and advise the governor of important issues, public priorities, and recommendations for state boards and commissions.

The members of the Governor's East Hawaii Community Advisory Council are Ken Ah Lo, Andy Baclig, Julie Hugo, Alton Okinaka, Greg Ruhland, Norman Stahl, Carol VanCamp and Jennifer Zelko.

Anyone requiring special assistance or accommodations to participate at this meeting may call (808) 974-6262. For additional information on Neighbor Island Community Advisory Councils, including meeting minutes and agendas, visit the Governor's Web site at www.hawaii.gov/gov.