Hawai‘i National Cemetery Act
Summary
The Hawai‘i National Cemetery Act mandates the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a new national cemetery in Hawai‘i. This is in response to the limited burial options for veterans in Hawai‘i, particularly the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific nearing capacity. The Act outlines site selection criteria, requiring consideration of population centers, accessibility, and environmental impact, as well as consultation with the Governor of Hawai‘i and veterans' organizations.
Expected Effects
The primary effect will be increased access to national cemetery burial benefits for veterans residing in Hawai‘i. It will also lead to land acquisition and construction activities related to establishing the new cemetery. This will provide more options for veterans who prefer in-ground burial within a reasonable distance.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to burial benefits for veterans in Hawai`i.
- Honoring veterans' service and sacrifice through enhanced memorial options.
- Potential economic benefits from construction and maintenance jobs.
- Alignment with the National Cemetery Administration's strategic goals.
- Addresses the unique geographical challenges faced by veterans in Hawai`i.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential environmental impact from construction of a new cemetery.
- Costs associated with land acquisition, construction, and ongoing maintenance.
- Possible delays in project completion due to environmental assessments and regulatory processes.
- Potential for community concerns regarding the location of the cemetery.
- The act does not address the needs of veterans outside of Hawaii.
Constitutional Alignment
The Hawai‘i National Cemetery Act aligns with the Constitution's broad mandate to "provide for the common defence" and promote the "general Welfare" (Preamble). While the Constitution does not explicitly mention veterans' affairs, Congress has historically enacted legislation to support veterans under its implied powers. The establishment of a national cemetery can be seen as a way to honor and support those who have served in the Armed Forces.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).