hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Requires a new national cemetery in Hawaii for veterans' burials.
Rep. Case and Rep. Tokuda from Hawaii.
Introduced in the House, awaiting committee review.
Introduced by Representative Case and co-sponsored by Representative Tokuda, both from Hawaii, this bill mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a new national cemetery in Hawaii. It has been referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs for initial consideration. The bill aims to address the limited burial space for veterans in the state, particularly for casketed remains.
Introduced Dec 23, 2025
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on December 23, 2025. It has been referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, which will review the bill and decide whether to advance it. For the bill to become law, it must pass both the House and the Senate and then be signed by the President.
Currently, national cemetery burial options for veterans in Hawaii are severely limited, forcing families to transport remains over 2,500 miles for in-ground national cemetery services. This bill would create a new national cemetery, making it easier and more affordable for Hawaiian veterans and their eligible family members to access these benefits closer to home. The Department of Veterans Affairs would be required to provide regular updates to Congress on the progress of selecting a site, acquiring land, and constructing the new cemetery until it is fully operational.
Supporters Say
Supporters argue the bill ensures equitable national cemetery access for Hawaii's veterans, aligning with VA goals.
Critics Say
The bill text does not include specific arguments from critics against this legislation.
Proponents highlight that Hawaii's primary national cemetery (Punchbowl) is almost full, making it difficult for local veterans to receive in-ground burials in a national cemetery. They contend a new cemetery is vital to uphold the promise of burial benefits and provide options that avoid significant financial and logistical burdens for families, ensuring veterans in the Pacific receive tributes befitting their service.