THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	28
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

requesting the Department of DEFENSE to convene a working group to develop recommendations for a state of hawaii commemorative vietnam veterans medal.

 

 

     WHEREAS, Hawaii had a proud history of military service to the United States even before achieving statehood, such as during the American Civil War in which over one hundred Native Hawaiian and Hawaii-born residents fought; and

 

     WHEREAS, Hawaii's proud history of military service went on to include the participation of Native Hawaiian and Hawaii-born residents in World War One, World War Two, the Korean War, and subsequent wars through the present; and

 

     WHEREAS, the State has a deep connection to the Vietnam War with over two hundred seventy-five local service members memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.; and

 

     WHEREAS, the State actively honors its veterans through traveling memorials, dedicated parades, and veteran-led organizations; and

 

     WHEREAS, The Wall That Heals, a traveling three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., visited the University of Hawaii West Oahu campus in January 2026; and

 

     WHEREAS, National Vietnam War Veterans Day is celebrated on March 29 of each year and often features a parade in Waikiki; and

 

     WHEREAS, local veterans are periodically honored with all expenses paid "Honor Flights" to Washington, D.C. through support from the Hawaiian Islands Honor Flight organization; and

 

     WHEREAS, the State is home to active chapters of the Vietnam Veterans of America, such as Oahu Chapter 858, that meet monthly at the Oahu Veterans Center and participate in ceremonies at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Department of Defense is requested to convene a working group to develop recommendations for a State of Hawaii commemorative Vietnam Veterans Medal; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to include the following:

 

     (1)  The Adjutant General, or the Adjutant General's designee, who is requested to serve as chairperson of the working group;

 

     (2)  The Director of the Joint Staff of the Hawaii National Guard, or the Director's designee;

 

     (3)  The Director of the Office of Veterans' Services, or the Director's designee;

 

     (4)  One member representing Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 858, to be invited by the chairperson;

 

     (5)  One member representing Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1139, to be invited by the chairperson;

 

     (6)  One member representing Vietnam Veterans of Maui County, to be invited by the chairperson;

 

     (7)  One member representing Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3830, to be invited by the chairperson; and

 

     (8)  Other members representing Hawaii veterans' organizations, retired military and defense leaders, and other interested participants, to be invited by the chairperson; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to develop eligibility criteria and verification steps, recommend an application process, and propose design recommendations for a State of Hawaii Commemorative Vietnam Veterans Medal to be awarded to Vietnam Veterans living in Hawaii; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group, with the assistance of the Department of Defense and based on data requested from State and federal defense agencies on Hawaii‑Specific Vietnam Veterans, is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the report is requested to include any estimated costs related to a State of Hawaii Commemorative Vietnam Veterans Medal, including but not limited to costs for:

 

     (1)  Informing veterans in the State;

 

     (2)  Design and production; and

 

     (3)  Award and implementation; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to be dissolved on June 30, 2028; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Adjutant General; Director of the Joint Staff of the Hawaii National Guard; Director of the Office of Veterans' Services; President of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 858; President of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 1139; President of Vietnam Veterans of Maui County; and Commander-in-Chief of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3830.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

 

Report Title: 

Vietnam Veterans; Commemorative Medal; Working Group