S. 3613, the Hawai'i National Cemetery Act, requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a new national cemetery in Hawaii to provide burial options for veterans and their eligible family members. The bill addresses a significant gap in access: Hawaii's only national cemetery has been essentially closed to traditional burials since 1991 and will stop accepting cremated remains by 2036, forcing Hawaii veterans who want in-ground burials to travel at least 2,500 miles to the mainland at substantial cost. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must select an appropriate site near population centers with good transportation access and minimal environmental impact, consulting with the Hawaii governor and veteran service organizations. The bill requires the Secretary to submit a report within one year identifying suitable sites and then provide annual progress reports on the cemetery's development through its operational opening, tracking eight key phases of construction including environmental assessment, land acquisition, design, and construction completion.
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