Hawai'i National Cemetery Act (HR 6921)

Summary

This bill, introduced in the House on December 23, 2025, would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a new national cemetery in the state of Hawai'i. The key elements of the bill are:

Purpose and Intent

• Ensure that veterans residing in Hawai'i have equitable access to burial in a national cemetery, as the only existing national cemetery in Hawai'i (National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific) has been closed to casketed burials since 1991 and will stop accepting cremated remains by 2036.
• Align with the National Cemetery Administration's goals to increase burial access and benefits for veterans.

Key Provisions

• Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a new national cemetery in Hawai'i, in accordance with federal laws and regulations.
• Requires the Secretary to prioritize a location that is near population centers, accessible by transportation, and minimizes environmental impact.
• Mandates the Secretary to consult with the Governor of Hawai'i, local veterans service organizations, and other relevant entities in selecting the cemetery site.
• Calls for the Secretary to submit reports to Congress identifying potential sites within 1 year, and providing annual progress updates on site selection, environmental assessment, land acquisition, design, construction, and operational readiness.

Impact

• Provides veterans and eligible family members residing in Hawai'i with a local national cemetery option for burial, rather than having to travel over 2,500 miles to the nearest national cemetery.
• Addresses the impending closure of the only existing national cemetery in Hawai'i, ensuring continued access to this burial benefit for the state's veteran population.
• Aligns with the National Cemetery Administration's strategic goals to improve burial benefits and access for veterans nationwide.