A senate committee must act next: committee consideration.
Legislative Progress
Senate
House
President
Law
Unlikely to pass
While the bill addresses a clear need for veterans in Hawaii, it currently lacks broad bipartisan support and a companion bill in the House.
Key Points
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to build a new national cemetery in Hawaii. The state's only current national cemetery has been closed to casket burials since 1991 and is expected to run out of space for cremated remains by 2036.
Currently, Hawaii veterans who want an in-ground burial in a national cemetery must choose a location at least 2,500 miles away. This creates a heavy financial burden for families who must pay for expensive air travel and casket transportation to the mainland.
The new cemetery would be placed near population centers and existing transportation routes. The Department of Veterans Affairs must consult with the Governor of Hawaii and local veterans groups to select the best location while minimizing environmental impact.
Because building a new national cemetery can take more than eight years, the bill requires the government to start the planning process immediately. This includes identifying potential sites within one year and providing annual progress reports until the cemetery opens.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
2 milestones2 actions
Jan 12, 2026Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Jan 12, 2026
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
