H.R. 43 Summary

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

• Directs the governor to instruct the Hawaii Office of Veterans' Services to implement all practicable measures necessary to expedite burials at veterans cemeteries throughout the state.

• Cites the case of Viola Lewis, spouse of a predeceased veteran, who experienced over five weeks of administrative delays before burial at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe, Oahu in February 2018.

• Recognizes expedited burial as important to Native Hawaiian cultural practices and supports the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs' position that all U.S. veterans and their spouses have earned the privilege of timely burial in veterans cemeteries.

• Requires transmission of certified copies of the resolution to Hawaii's congressional delegation, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the governor, Office of Veterans' Services director, and all county mayors.