HCR 43 Summary

• Urges Hawaii's congressional delegation and the Governor to collaborate with the legislature to ensure expedited burials for veterans, deceased active duty members, and their spouses at veterans cemeteries throughout Hawaii.

• Directs the Governor to order the Hawaii Office of Veterans' Services to implement all necessary measures to expedite burials at all veterans cemeteries statewide.

• Recognizes expedited burial as important to Native Hawaiian culture and cites the case of Viola Lewis, spouse of a predeceased veteran, who experienced a five-week burial delay at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe, Oahu in 2018.

• Requires transmission of certified copies to Hawaii's congressional delegation, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, Governor, Office of Veterans' Services, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and county mayors.