Hawai‘i National Cemetery Act

This bill, titled the "Hawai`i National Cemetery Act," requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a new national cemetery in the State of Hawai'i . The primary purpose is to ensure equitable access to national cemetery burial benefits for veterans residing in Hawai'i, as the current National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific has been closed to casketed burials since 1991 and will cease accepting cremated remains by 2036. The legislation highlights that veterans in Hawai'i seeking inground national cemetery burials are currently forced to choose locations thousands of miles away, incurring significant financial and logistical burdens. To address this, the Secretary is directed to prioritize site selection based on proximity to population centers , accessibility by existing transportation, and minimal environmental impact. The Secretary must also consult with the Governor of Hawai'i, local veterans service organizations, and other relevant entities during this process. Furthermore, the bill mandates specific reporting requirements to Congress. Within one year of enactment, the Secretary must submit a report identifying appropriate potential sites for the new cemetery. Subsequently, annual progress reports are required until the cemetery becomes fully operational, detailing advancements in site selection, environmental assessment, land acquisition, design, construction, and the commencement of operations.