A piece of legislation was introduced this month to establish a national veterans cemetery in Hawaii, as the state’s only other national cemetery is nearing capacity.
U.S. Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Reps. Ed Case (D-HI) and Jill Tokuda (D-HI) introduced the Hawaii National Cemetery Act due to the fact that the National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl has been closed for in-ground burials since 1991 and is expected to stop accepting cremated remains by 2036.
“Those who have served our country, many of whom have made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their life to defend our nation, deserve to have the option to be buried in a national cemetery in their home state,” said Hirono. “With less and less space remaining at the only national cemetery in Hawaii, I am proud to introduce this legislation to establish another national cemetery that will serve as a fitting final resting site for veterans in our state. These veterans bravely served our country and deserve to be buried in a place of recognition of their service and courage.”
The National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl is the burial site for around 53,000 veterans from World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
Because the cemetery is closed for in-ground burials, if a Hawaii veteran prefers an in-ground burial at a national cemetery, they are forced to select a cemetery at least 2,500 miles away.
"The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific has served as a sacred place of honor for Hawaii's veterans. But with the site nearing capacity, we must plan for a new resting place that continues to honor our veterans with the dignity and respect they deserve," said Tokuda. "That's why I'm proud to join my Hawaii colleagues on this legislation, which helps guarantee our veterans and their families have a deeply meaningful choice — one that reflects their service and sacrifice — here at home."
The National Cemetery Administration seeks to ensure that 95% of veterans live within 75 miles of a national, state or tribal veterans cemetery.
“The work should start immediately, as developing a new national cemetery involves many phases, including community consultation, which can take more than eight years to complete,” said Case.
The proposed legislation would require a study to determine a site within a year of its enactment. It would also require progress reports for an environmental impact assessment, land acquisition and master planning and design development, preparation of a construction document and the award of construction contracts within two years.