Bill
GM 1219
Creates a formal board to ensure Hawaii veterans cemeteries meet federal standards, standardize maintenance, share data, and coordinate resources across state and counties.
Status: Proclaimed by the Governor; Received May 29, 2025
- Bill: SB 1377, SD 2, HD 1, CD 1
- Act: 119
- Topic: Veterans cemeteries
Purpose
- Establish the Veterans Cemeteries Board to provide guidance, education, technical assistance, and other support to Hawaii’s veterans cemeteries.
- Align state practices with standards set by the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Key Provisions
- Creation of the Veterans Cemeteries Board within the Hawaii Department of Defense (for administrative purposes only).
- Board duties:
- Identify compliance issues faced by veterans cemeteries in the State, assess needed resources, and address challenges across involved agencies.
- Develop and implement solutions collaboratively with state and county partners.
- Seek resources, including funding and intergovernmental program support.
- Engage community organizations and citizens in board discussions and meetings.
- Develop strategies and make recommendations to meet NCA compliance standards; create a statewide framework for cemetery grounds and maintenance, and for data collection and information sharing.
- A statewide framework to include:
- Clear understanding of NCA compliance standards for cemetery grounds and maintenance.
- Standardized grounds maintenance best practices tailored to each cemetery location.
- A standardized data collection/information-sharing system to support intergovernmental efforts.
- Staffing and support:
- The Hawaii Office of the Governor's administration provides necessary staff and support to the board.
- Reporting:
- The board must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session.
- Membership:
- Chair: The director of the applicable department (or the director’s designee).
- A representative of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (by invitation).
- County-level cemetery directors (Hawaii, Kauai, Maui) or their designees.
- The Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery Operations Manager or designee.
- Compensation:
- Board members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses, including travel.
- Quorum and voting:
- A majority of board members constitutes a quorum; a majority vote of the members present is required for actions.
Affected Entities
- State: Hawaii Department of Defense (administrative body for the board).
- Counties: Hawaii County, Kauai County, Maui County (county cemetery directors or designees).
- Federal partner (by invitation): National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
- State Veterans Cemetery administration: Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery Operations Manager (or designee).
Effective Date
- Takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
Timeline and Process
- Signature and enactment: May 29, 2025 (Act 119).
- Reporting obligation: annual reporting cycle aligned to the regular legislative session (reports due 20 days before each regular session).
- Ongoing implementation: Establishment and operation of the board, development of standards, and intergovernmental coordination.
Impact
- Creates a formal, multi-governmental body to improve compliance with federal standards for veterans cemeteries.
- Promotes standardized maintenance practices and data sharing across state and county cemeteries.
- Enhances collaboration with community organizations and the federal cemetery system.
- Potentially improves fiscal planning and program alignment through targeted resource identification and intergovernmental support.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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