S. 3613: Hawai‘i National Cemetery Act

This bill, known as the Hawai‘i National Cemetery Act, seeks to establish a new national cemetery in the State of Hawai‘i for the burial of veterans, members of the Armed Forces, their spouses, and dependents. Currently, the only national cemetery in Hawai‘i, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, has severely limited burial capacity, being essentially closed to casketed burials since 1991 and will no longer accept cremated remains after 2036. This situation requires veterans in Hawai‘i who prefer to be buried in a national cemetery to travel over 2,500 miles to find such services, which poses significant financial and logistical burdens.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Establishment of a New Cemetery: The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to establish a new national cemetery in Hawai‘i, adhering to existing federal laws.
• Site Selection: The Secretary must prioritize locations near population centers, accessible by existing transportation, and that minimize environmental impact. Furthermore, consultations with state officials and local veteran organizations must take place during this selection process.
• Progress Reports: The Secretary must submit reports to congressional committees regarding the identification of potential sites within one year, and additional progress reports annually thereafter until the cemetery is operational. These reports will cover site selection, environmental assessments, land acquisition, design development, construction, and the start of operations.

Goals of the Bill

The motivation behind the bill is to enhance access to burial benefits for veterans in Hawai‘i, aligning with the National Cemetery Administration's strategic goals. Specifically, the act aims to:

• Improve access to burial benefits for veterans and their families in the Pacific region.
• Increase the number of veterans utilizing burial and memorial benefits.
• Ensure that veterans receive memorial tributes that honor their service.
• Enhance trust and accountability in the National Cemetery Administration.

Construction Timeline

The bill notes that establishing a new cemetery can take more than eight years due to the various phases that need to be completed, starting from site selection to construction. Therefore, immediate action is emphasized to alleviate the long-standing issues faced by veterans in Hawai‘i regarding burial options.

Conclusion on Impact

The implementation of this bill is intended to provide much-needed support and services to veterans residing in Hawai‘i, addressing the current lack of accessible national burial options.

Relevant Companies

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