S.B. 1377 Summary

• Establishes the Veterans Cemeteries Board within the Office of Veterans' Services in the Department of Defense to support state and county veterans cemeteries in meeting National Cemetery Administration standards.

• Board composition includes the Department of Defense director (chairperson), a National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific representative, and directors from Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui counties responsible for veterans cemeteries, plus the Hawaii state veterans cemetery operations manager.

• Board duties include identifying compliance issues faced by veterans cemeteries, devising collaborative solutions with state and county departments, seeking funding and resources, and engaging community stakeholders and veterans in discussions.

• Board must develop a statewide framework addressing National Cemetery Administration compliance standards, best practices for grounds and maintenance, and a standardized data collection and information-sharing system.

• Board shall submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the legislature no later than twenty days before each regular legislative session.