Appropriates funds for the care, maintenance, irrigation, and columbariums for veterans cemeteries statewide.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that veterans cemeteries serve to honor qualified veterans and their dependents who have so admirably served their country in the armed forces of the United States. However, the intended tribute to these individuals is diminished by the lack of care and adequate funding provided to veterans cemeteries statewide, evidenced by the fact that repair and maintenance costs exceed current funding levels.

The purpose of this Act is to provide adequate funding for the care, maintenance, irrigation, and columbariums for veterans cemeteries statewide: Hawaii State veterans cemetery, East Hawaii veterans cemetery – no. 1, East Hawaii veterans cemetery – no. 2, Kauai veterans cemetery, Maui veterans cemetery, Hoolehua veterans cemetery, West Hawaii State veterans cemetery, and Lanai veterans cemetery.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $          , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2005-2006, for the care, maintenance, irrigation, and columbariums for veterans cemeteries statewide.

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of defense for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2005.