Bill · H.R. 6921· House(119-HR-6921)
Hawai‘i National Cemetery Act
- Introduced
- 12/23/2025
- Last activity
- 6/25/2026 — Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Sponsored by
- Ed Case
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Hawaii National Cemetery Act requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a new national cemetery in the State of Hawaii. This legislation aims to address the lack of available inground burial options due to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific essentially closing to casketed burials and its upcoming closure to cremated remains. The bill directs the Secretary to select a site that prioritizes proximity to population centers, accessibility, and minimal environmental impact. Additionally, the Secretary must consult with the Governor of Hawai`i and local veteran service organizations during the selection process. The Act also mandates regular progress reports to congressional committees until the cemetery is operational.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+9
The bill directly addresses the lack of local inground burial options for veterans residing in Hawai'i.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+8
The bill establishes a new national cemetery in Hawai'i to provide more burial options and reduce logistical burdens for veterans.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+5
The new cemetery reduces the significant financial burden of long-distance travel and casket transportation for families.
The opposite
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-2
The development of a new cemetery requires land acquisition and environmental impact assessments that could affect local habitats.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Burial Options: The establishment of a new cemetery provides veterans who prefer inground burials a local option, as the current National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific has been essentially closed to casketed burials since 1991 (Section 2).
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Reduction of Financial and Logistical Burdens: By providing a local cemetery, the bill seeks to eliminate the need for veterans and families to travel at least 2,500 miles for burials, which currently requires costly air travel for casket transportation and visitation (Section 2).
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Alignment with Access Goals: The new cemetery would help align with the National Cemetery Administration's goal of ensuring 95 percent of veterans live within 75 miles of a national, State, or Tribal veterans cemetery (Section 2).
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Improved Access for Pacific Beneficiaries: The establishment of this cemetery increases options for veterans and other beneficiaries residing in the Pacific (Section 2).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Environmental Impact: The selection process must account for environmental impacts, implying that the development of a new cemetery could affect the local environment (Section 3).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+9Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Rural Residents+4
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+8
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections-2
- 6/25/2026
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2/12/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
- 12/23/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Jill TokudaDemocrat · Hawaii