Hawai‘i National Cemetery Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6921
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-25: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-27T08:06:08Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Hawai`i National Cemetery Act (H.R. 6921) aims to address limited burial options for veterans in Hawaii by mandating the creation of a new national cemetery. It seeks to ensure equitable access to national cemetery burials for Hawaii residents, aligning with the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) goals of providing burial benefits close to where veterans live, while recognizing the unique geographic challenges of the state.
Key Provisions
- Establishment of Cemetery: The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must create a new national cemetery in Hawaii, following existing federal laws on veterans' cemeteries (chapter 24 of title 38, U.S. Code) and environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA, which requires assessing potential environmental effects of federal projects).
- Site Selection Criteria: The VA must prioritize locations that are:
- Near population centers.
- Accessible by existing transportation.
- Designed to minimize environmental harm.
The Secretary must consult with the Governor of Hawaii, local veterans service organizations (groups that support veterans), and other relevant entities.
- Reporting Requirements:
- Within one year of the bill's enactment, submit a report to congressional committees identifying potential sites.
- Annually for up to eight years or until the cemetery is operational, provide progress updates on site selection, environmental assessments, land purchase, planning, construction, and operations.
- Definitions: "Appropriate congressional committees" refers to the Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a specific mandate for the VA to build and operate a new national cemetery in Hawaii, which is not currently required under existing veterans' burial laws. It builds on current VA strategic plans for cemetery access (e.g., ensuring 95% of veterans live within 75 miles of a cemetery) but adds urgency and detailed processes tailored to Hawaii's situation, where the existing National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is nearing capacity for burials and cremations. Previously, Hawaii veterans seeking national cemetery burials often had to transport remains over 2,500 miles to the mainland, with no such obligation for a local alternative.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The VA's National Cemetery Administration will face increased responsibilities, including multi-year construction (potentially over eight years across six phases), land acquisition, and environmental compliance, likely requiring additional federal funding through future budgets.
- On Citizens: Hawaii veterans, active-duty service members, spouses, and dependents eligible for national cemetery burials (under VA regulations) will gain local options, reducing costs and logistical challenges like expensive air transport for caskets or remains. This could improve access to benefits and memorialization, though it supplements rather than replaces state veterans' cemeteries.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the bill focuses on domestic veteran services; however, it may indirectly support U.S. military presence in the Pacific by honoring service members in a strategically important region.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans and Families in Hawaii: Primary beneficiaries, gaining closer access to national cemetery services amid the closure of existing options.
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Responsible for implementation, including the National Cemetery Administration, which must meet new planning and reporting duties.
- State and Local Government: The Governor of Hawaii and local entities will be consulted on site selection, potentially influencing land use and community planning.
- Veterans Service Organizations: Local groups will provide input, helping ensure the cemetery meets community needs.
- Congressional Committees: The Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees will oversee progress through required reports.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill enforces NEPA compliance, ensuring environmental protections are integrated into site selection and construction, which could delay timelines if challenges arise. It operates within the constitutional framework of Congress's authority over federal benefits for veterans (Article I, Section 8).
- Constitutional: No major conflicts; it upholds equal protection principles by addressing geographic disparities in federal benefits, promoting fairness for veterans in remote areas like Hawaii.
- Political: Highlights bipartisan support for veteran services (introduced by Representatives Case and Tokuda) and could set a precedent for expanding national cemeteries in other underserved regions, such as U.S. territories. It emphasizes accountability through reporting, potentially increasing public trust in VA operations, but may spark debates over federal spending priorities in a high-cost state like Hawaii.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-25: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2026-02-12: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
- 2025-12-23: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2025-12-23: Introduced in House
- 2025-12-23: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Hawai‘i National Cemetery Act — issued 2025-12-23 — PDF (6 pages)