Bill · S. 3613· Senate(119-S-3613)
Hawai‘i National Cemetery Act
- Introduced
- 1/12/2026
- Last activity
- 1/12/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Mazie Hirono
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the **Hawaii National Cemetery Act**. It requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a new national cemetery in the State of Hawaii. The text notes that Hawaii's current national cemetery has been closed to casketed burials since 1991 and will stop accepting cremated remains by 2036. Currently, veterans in Hawaii wanting an inground burial in a national cemetery must select one at least 2,500 miles away. The bill mandates that the Secretary give priority to locations near population centers, accessible by existing transportation, and with minimized environmental impact. Additionally, the Secretary must submit specific reports to congressional committees regarding potential sites and construction progress.
Yes· 3 of 8
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+9
Veterans and their dependents in Hawai`i directly benefit from restored access to local national cemetery burial options.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+9
The bill mandates the establishment of a new national cemetery in Hawai`i, directly enhancing burial benefits for veterans and their families.
Does this help veterans get medical care?+8
The bill improves veterans' benefits and services by requiring the establishment of a new national cemetery in Hawai`i.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Access to Burial Benefits: Section 3(a) requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a new national cemetery in the State of Hawai
i. This could benefit veterans, members of the Armed Forces, spouses, and dependents who currently face a situation where Hawaii's only national cemetery is essentially closed to casketed burials and will stop accepting cremated remains by 2036. -
Equitable Travel and Financial Relief: Section 2(4) points out that veterans in Hawai`i are currently forced to select a cemetery at least 2,500 miles away if they prefer an inground burial, requiring cost-prohibitive air travel for casket transportation and visitation. Establishing a new cemetery in the state aims to maintain equitable access to burial benefits and remove these burdens.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Negative Impacts Identified: Based strictly on the provided text, there are no specific sections or provisions that outline negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
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 Retirees+7Good For Seniors+7Good For Low Income Households+4Good For Middle Class Households+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+9
- Healthcare
- Improves Veterans Healthcare+8
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- 1/12/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Introduced in Senate
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.