Mazie Hirono (D-HI)· Introduced January 12, 2026

Hawai‘i National Cemetery Act

S. 3613 · Senate bill Armed Forces and National Security

A Democratic bill with no cosponsors

Last activity January 12, 2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

In committee

Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.

The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.

Its path through Congress

Introduced
In Committee

What this bill would do

This bill is known as the **Hawaii National Cemetery Act**. It requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a new national cemetery in the State of Hawaii. The text notes that Hawaii's current national cemetery has been closed to casketed burials since 1991 and will stop accepting cremated remains by 2036. Currently, veterans in Hawaii wanting an inground burial in a national cemetery must select one at least 2,500 miles away. The bill mandates that the Secretary give priority to locations near population centers, accessible by existing transportation, and with minimized environmental impact. Additionally, the Secretary must submit specific reports to congressional committees regarding potential sites and construction progress.

Yes· 3 of 8

Scored +9
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
Veterans and their dependents in Hawai`i directly benefit from restored access to local national cemetery burial options.
Scored +9
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?
The bill mandates the establishment of a new national cemetery in Hawai`i, directly enhancing burial benefits for veterans and their families.
Scored +8
Does this help veterans get medical care?
The bill improves veterans' benefits and services by requiring the establishment of a new national cemetery in Hawai`i.

The opposite

No question was scored the opposite.

Who it would affect, and how

Potential Positive Impacts for People

Increased Access to Burial Benefits: Section 3(a) requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a new national cemetery in the State of Hawaii. This could benefit veterans, members of the Armed Forces, spouses, and dependents who currently face a situation where Hawaii's only national cemetery is essentially closed to casketed burials and will stop accepting cremated remains by 2036.
Equitable Travel and Financial Relief: Section 2(4) points out that veterans in Hawai`i are currently forced to select a cemetery at least 2,500 miles away if they prefer an inground burial, requiring cost-prohibitive air travel for casket transportation and visitation. Establishing a new cemetery in the state aims to maintain equitable access to burial benefits and remove these burdens.

Potential Negative Impacts for People

No Negative Impacts Identified: Based strictly on the provided text, there are no specific sections or provisions that outline negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.

Groups and Interests Ranking

Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.

Demographic And Interest Groups: Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — Veterans and their dependents in Hawai`i directly benefit from restored access to local national cemetery burial options. Would retired people be better off under this? — Retired veterans in Hawai`i gain essential long-term planning security regarding burial and memorial benefits. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Many veterans and eligible family members who are seniors will benefit from having local access to a national cemetery. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Establishing a local cemetery removes the cost-prohibitive air travel burden previously required for burials and visitations outside of Hawai`i. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Middle-class veteran families will save significantly on travel and logistical expenses associated with out-of-state burials.
National Security And Foreign Policy: Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill mandates the establishment of a new national cemetery in Hawai`i, directly enhancing burial benefits for veterans and their families.
Healthcare: Does this help veterans get medical care? — The bill improves veterans' benefits and services by requiring the establishment of a new national cemetery in Hawai`i.
Governance And Ideology: Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires regular progress reports to congressional committees on the establishment of the national cemetery, improving governmental oversight.