This bill requests the Department of Defense to form a working group to create recommendations for a State of Hawaii commemorative medal honoring Vietnam veterans. The working group would include representatives from the Adjutant General, Hawaii National Guard, Office of Veterans' Services, and various veterans' organizations to develop eligibility criteria, application processes, and medal designs. The group must submit a report with findings, recommendations, and estimated costs to the Legislature by June 2027, with the working group dissolving by June 2028.
SB 608 regulates paid advisors who provide assistance with veterans' benefits applications or appeals. It directly affects veterans who hire such advisors, as well as the advisors themselves, by requiring them to meet specific standards when charging for their services. The bill establishes rules for how these advisors can operate, including transparency requirements and restrictions on certain fees. This aims to protect veterans from unscrupulous practices while ensuring they receive accurate guidance on accessing their benefits. The law takes effect on July 1, 2077.
Authorizes the Department of Education to award a high school diploma to qualified persons who did not receive a high school diploma as a result of compulsory or voluntary induction into the armed services of the United States or whose high school education was interrupted due to wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes within the Office of Veterans' Services a mental health coordinator position at Tripler Army Medical Center. Provides that the mental health coordinator is appointed by and reports directly to the Director of the Office of Veterans' Services. Appropriates moneys. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Authorizes the Adjutant General to expand the Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program to include graduate degrees at the University of Hawaii for qualified personnel in the Hawaii National Guard. Effective 1/1/3000. (HD1)
Exempts disabled veterans from the State's vehicle weight tax and repeals the exemption for disabled veterans from the State's annual vehicle registration fee. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Authorizes the Department of Education to award a high school diploma to qualified persons who did not receive a high school diploma as a result of compulsory or voluntary induction into the armed services of the United States or whose high school education was interrupted due to wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Authorizes the payment of allowances for TRICARE, TRICARE Dental Program, and vision coverage to all officers, warrant officers, and enlisted personnel of the Hawaii National Guard ordered to active duty for more than 30 days. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Repeals the tenant selection preferences for disabled veterans and the spouses of deceased veterans in the State Low-Income Housing Program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Authorizes the Department of Education to establish a program to award high school diplomas to persons who did not receive a diploma as a result of compulsory or voluntary induction into the armed services and persons whose high school education was interrupted due to wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
