WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, Hawaii (Sept. 14, 2012) -- The new garrison commander received a snapshot of what Soldiers, families and civilians believe are the most pressing issues and concerns within U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii's programs and services, Aug. 29.

Col. Daniel Whitney, commander, USAG-HI, hosted the fifth iteration of garrison's quarterly Facebook Town Hall, here.

"The Facebook Town Hall was an educational experience that helped me better understand the current issues facing Soldiers, families and civilians on post," said Whitney. "Not all the concerns raised can be addressed quickly or fixed locally, but garrison leaders are discussing the topics and issues that were raised and researching potential changes."

The commander, deputy commander and command sergeant major joined with subject matter experts from the Directorate of Emergency Services; the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation; the Directorate of Public Works; and Island Palms Communities to respond to queries and recommendations.

The USAG-HI Public Affairs Office received more than 85 initial questions, and more than 690 follow-ups were posted during the town hall.

The evening's most interactive posts focused on safety. Issues concerned children, speeding, parking lots and pedestrian crossings.

"Safety of Soldiers, family members and civilians is one of garrison's and Installation Management Command's core missions," said Command Sgt. Maj. Philip Brunwald, garrison's senior enlisted leader. "We take these concerns very seriously, as the garrison wants to promote and raise awareness for a safe working and living environment here in Hawaii."

Brunwald said violations of child safety, like children left unsupervised under the age of 10, should be reported to the Military Police at (808) 655-7114 or (808) 438-7114.

Another reoccurring topic during the evening was pets: policies, hunting, breed bans and feral animals. Deputy Garrison Commander Jim Duttweiler said, pet policies can be found at www.garrison.hawaii.army.mil/command/documents.htm, along with all other post policies, including the policies on "Discipline, Law and Order (Section F)," "Pet Policy for Privatized Housing," "Pit Bulls Prohibited on Army Installations on Oahu" and "Army Installation Microchip Program."

The Facebook Town Hall was held at the "Events" page. Participants can continue to use the archived event as a forum to discuss selected topics amongst themselves, but USAG-HI PAO is no longer monitoring the event site for new posts.

The interactive format of the online Facebook Town Hall has evolved from previously live, televised town halls. The successful virtual format will continue as a quarterly event.