HI HCR253

Urges the President of the United States and Congress to expedite processing and distribution of $198,000,000 in lump sum payments to Filipino World War II veterans authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Acknowledges that 250,000 Filipino soldiers volunteered in 1941 after being promised full veterans benefits, but were subsequently denied benefits through the 1946 Rescission Act until the 2009 stimulus bill partially restored compensation.

Notes that approximately 11,000 Filipino veterans remain alive to collect payments, with about 400 qualified veterans in Hawaii, of which 15 percent are still waiting for checks and 20 percent have pending claims.

Requests the Hawaii Office of Veterans Services to submit a report to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2012 Regular Session detailing progress on expediting these benefit payments.

Directs certified copies be transmitted to the President, Congressional leaders, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and various Filipino-American organizations and government officials.