Hawai‘i National Cemetery Act
- Bill Number
- S. 3613
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-12: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-11T13:31:12Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Hawai`i National Cemetery Act 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 to provide burial benefits close to where veterans live, while reducing financial and logistical challenges due to the state's isolation.
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, a law requiring assessment of a project's environmental effects).
- Site Selection Criteria: The VA must prioritize locations that are:
- Near population centers.
- Accessible by roads or other transport.
- Low in environmental harm.
The Secretary must consult the Governor of Hawaii, local veterans service organizations (groups that support veterans), and other relevant parties.
- Reporting Requirements:
- Within one year of the bill's enactment, submit a report to Congress identifying potential sites.
- Annually for at least two years (and until the cemetery opens), provide progress updates on site selection, environmental assessments, land purchase, planning, construction, and operations 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 second national cemetery in Hawaii, supplementing the existing National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (which stopped most casket burials in 1991 and will end cremation placements by 2036). Previously, Hawaii veterans seeking national cemetery burials had no local options for in-ground services, forcing reliance on distant mainland sites over 2,500 miles away. It builds on VA's broader strategic plans but targets Hawaii's unique geographic challenges without altering eligibility rules for burials.
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 budgeting, which may require additional federal funding. It also involves coordination with state officials and environmental regulators.
- On Citizens: Hawaii veterans, active-duty service members, spouses, and dependents gain better access to free national cemetery burials closer to home, reducing costs for air transport of remains (often thousands of dollars) and family visitations. This promotes equity compared to mainland veterans, though state-run cemeteries remain an option.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but it could indirectly support U.S. military presence in the Pacific by honoring service members stationed in Hawaii, a key strategic hub.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans and Families in Hawaii: Primary beneficiaries, especially those preferring national over state cemeteries for prestige or benefits.
- Department of Veterans Affairs: Responsible for planning, funding, and operating the new cemetery.
- State of Hawaii: Involved through the Governor's consultation; may benefit from economic activity during construction and enhanced veteran support.
- Veterans Service Organizations: Local groups consulted on site selection and operations.
- Congressional Committees: Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees receive reports and oversee progress.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Requires compliance with NEPA for environmental impact studies, ensuring the project avoids harming ecosystems. It leverages existing VA burial eligibility laws without expanding them, focusing on access.
- Constitutional: No major issues; it supports Congress's authority to provide for veterans' benefits under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution (power to raise armies and make rules for them).
- Political: Highlights bipartisan interest in veteran equity for isolated regions like Hawaii, potentially setting a precedent for similar mandates in other states or territories (e.g., Alaska or Puerto Rico). It emphasizes VA accountability through reporting, addressing criticisms of uneven burial access nationwide.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-12: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2026-01-12: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Hawai‘i National Cemetery Act — issued 2026-01-12 — PDF (6 pages)