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, as the existing National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is nearing capacity. The act also requires the Secretary to submit reports to Congress on the progress of the cemetery's establishment, including site selection and environmental impact assessments.
Expected Effects
This act will increase access to national cemetery burial benefits for veterans residing in Hawai'i. It will also alleviate the financial and logistical burdens associated with transporting remains to cemeteries on the continental United States. The new cemetery aims to provide equitable access to burial benefits for Hawaiian veterans.
Potential Benefits
- Provides increased access to burial benefits for veterans in Hawai'i.
- Reduces financial and logistical burdens for Hawaiian veterans seeking national cemetery burial.
- Aligns with the National Cemetery Administration's access goals.
- Honors the service and sacrifice of veterans in Hawai'i.
- Potentially stimulates local economic activity during the construction phase.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential environmental impact from construction and operation of a new cemetery.
- Requires allocation of federal funds for land acquisition, construction, and maintenance.
- Could face local opposition depending on the selected site.
- May take several years to become fully operational.
- Possible delays in the project due to environmental assessments and regulatory hurdles.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
This bill aligns with the Constitution's provision for providing for the common defense and promoting the general welfare. Specifically, it supports veterans, who have served in the armed forces, by ensuring access to burial benefits. This aligns with Congress's enumerated powers to raise and support armies (Article I, Section 8).
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).