Veterans

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Apr 20, 2026

GM 731: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Advisory Board on Veteran's Services, Gubernatorial Nominee, JASON SEAL, for a term to expire 06-30-2030.

This bill nominates Jason Seal to serve on the Advisory Board on Veteran's Services in Hawaii until June 30, 2030. The nomination is submitted by Governor Josh Green and requires confirmation by the state Senate before the appointment becomes official. This action directly affects the composition of the advisory board that provides guidance to the state on veteran-related services. The bill does not create new programs or change existing policies, but rather fills a specific advisory role within the state government.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill appoints nominee to Advisory Board on Veteran's Services, strengthening state oversight and guidance for veteran services without restricting or defunding existing programs.75% confidence

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 129: URGING THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO REASSESS PRIOR DETERMINATIONS AND CLOSURE DECISIONS UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION, AND LIABILITY ACT IN LIGHT OF EVOLVING SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING OF PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES AND RECENT FEDERAL HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE DESIGNATIONS.

This Senate Resolution urges the U.S. Department of Defense to reevaluate past environmental cleanup decisions at military installations in Hawaii regarding PFAS contamination. The bill calls for expanded investigations beyond just areas where firefighting foam was used, to include all potential sources of PFAS chemicals across various facilities and operational areas. It requests that the Defense Department use comprehensive testing methods capable of detecting all 40 known PFAS compounds rather than just a limited subset, and reassess sites previously closed due to limited sampling. This resolution directly affects federal military operations in Hawaii and seeks to ensure more thorough environmental assessments in light of new scientific data and federal hazardous substance designations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill urges DoD to reassess PFAS contamination cleanup decisions and expand testing, strengthening environmental protection and pollution control measures.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill addresses PFAS contamination at military installations, which directly impacts veteran health and environmental safety, potentially improving healthcare access and compensation for affected veterans.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HCR 40: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO DEVELOP RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A STATE OF HAWAII COMMEMORATIVE VIETNAM VETERANS MEDAL.

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.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill creates commemorative medal for Vietnam veterans, recognizing their service and establishing working group to honor veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 955: RELATING TO THE GENERAL EXCISE TAX.

Exempts from the general excise tax amounts received by a nurse entrepreneur for health care-related goods and services purchased under Medicaid, Medicare, or TRICARE.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesExempts healthcare providers from general excise tax, reducing state tax revenue and weakening tax collection.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExempts nurse entrepreneurs from tax on Medicaid/Medicare/TRICARE payments, reducing costs for healthcare providers serving public programs.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransTRICARE is the military/veterans healthcare program; exempting tax on TRICARE-related services supports veterans' healthcare access.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Healthcare Workforce Medicaid Medicare

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 389: RELATING TO THE GENERAL EXCISE TAX.

Expands the general excise tax exemption established by Act 47, Session Laws of Hawaii 2024, to include amounts received by optometrists, audiologists, and chiropractors, for healthcare-related goods or services purchased under the Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands general excise tax exemption for healthcare providers under Medicare/Medicaid, providing tax relief to covered professions per Act 47 (2024)92% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands tax exemption for healthcare providers (optometrists, etc.) under Medicare/Medicaid, reducing costs and improving access to covered services.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands tax exemption for TRICARE-related healthcare services, directly improving veterans' access to care under their existing benefits.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Tax Incentives Medicaid Medicare

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 1058: RELATING TO VETERANS CEMETERIES.

Establishes the Veterans Cemeteries Board within the Office of Veterans Services of the Department of Defense to provide veterans cemeteries in the State with guidance, education, technical assistance, and other support to ensure compliance with standards set by the National Cemetery Administration of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransEstablishes Veterans Cemeteries Board to provide guidance, education, and technical assistance for state veteran cemeteries, ensuring VA compliance and strengthening veterans' services infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Education Veteran Housing

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 656: RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF VETERANS' SERVICES.

Appropriates moneys to the Office of Veterans' Services to perform its statutory duties, including maintaining a center that provides information, counsel, aid, and assistance to veterans, their families, and their dependents; and cooperating with federal agencies responsible for the administration of rights and benefits granted to veterans, their families, and their dependents.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates funds to Veterans' Services for essential programs, directly supporting state budget allocation for public services.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill appropriates funds to Office of Veterans' Services for maintaining centers providing aid, counsel, and assistance to veterans and families, directly funding veteran support services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 674: RELATING TO THE HAWAII NATIONAL GUARD.

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)

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAuthorizes TRICARE, dental, and vision coverage for National Guard members on active duty, directly expanding healthcare benefits for military personnel who transition to veteran status.92% confidence

Sub-Topics National Guard & Reserve

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passed · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 1096: RELATING TO TENANT SELECTION.

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)

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingRepeals tenant preferences for disabled veterans in low-income housing, weakening targeted protections and reducing access for a vulnerable group in housing programs.95% confidence ✗ VeteransOpposes VeteransRepeals tenant selection preferences for disabled veterans and spouses of deceased veterans in housing program, removing a benefit.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Veteran Housing

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 609: RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF VETERANS' SERVICES.

Appropriates moneys to the Office of Veterans' Services to perform its statutory duties, including maintaining a center that provides information, counsel, aid, and assistance to veterans, their families, and their dependents; and cooperating with federal agencies responsible for the administration of rights and benefits granted to veterans, their families, and their dependents. Effective 7/1/2077. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates funds to Office of Veterans' Services for essential veteran support services, directly advancing state budget allocation for public programs.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAppropriates funds to Office of Veterans' Services for center providing aid/counsel to veterans, families, and dependents, strengthening support services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Housing

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