Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR139

Introduced
3/16/26  

Caption

Requesting The Comptroller To Establish A Working Group To Discuss And Draft Plans For A Global War On Terror Memorial On The Grounds Of The Hawaii State Capitol.

Summary

H.R. 139 is a House Resolution requesting that the Hawaii Comptroller establish a working group to discuss and draft plans for a Global War on Terror memorial on the grounds of the Hawaii State Capitol. The resolution frames the memorial as a way to honor Hawaii servicemembers who served after September 11, 2001, including members of the Hawaii National Guard, active-duty personnel, reservists, veterans, and military families affected by post-9/11 conflicts such as operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The working group would include state officials, military leaders, veterans’ representatives, architects or planners with memorial experience, and family members of servicemembers. Its tasks would be to consider themes, location, design principles, and estimated costs; consult with stakeholders; develop a timeline for design and construction; and submit a final report with recommendations. The Department of Accounting and General Services would provide administrative support, and the plan could include fundraising or future appropriations if needed.

Impact

Because this is a resolution rather than a bill creating or amending statutes, it does not directly change Hawaii law. Its practical effect is to direct a state-led planning process for a potential memorial on state capitol grounds and to involve multiple agencies and stakeholder groups in developing recommendations. If the memorial advances, later legislative action or appropriations would likely be needed for design, construction, and maintenance.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment reflected in the resolution is strongly supportive and commemorative. The measure presents the memorial as a fitting tribute to Hawaii’s veterans, military personnel, and families who contributed to the Global War on Terror, and it emphasizes respect, recognition, and community input. No committee testimony or vote record is provided, so there is no documented opposition or divided sentiment in the available materials.

Contention

The main potential points of contention are not expressed in the available transcripts, but the resolution itself suggests likely issues: the appropriate use of the Hawaii State Capitol grounds, the scope and design of the memorial, estimated costs, and whether state funding or fundraising should be used. Another possible area of debate is how to define and commemorate the Global War on Terror in a way that is inclusive of veterans, active-duty service members, and families while fitting the public space and historical context of the Capitol.

Companion Bills

HI HCR147

Same As Requesting The Comptroller To Establish A Working Group To Discuss And Draft Plans For A Global War On Terror Memorial On The Grounds Of The Hawaii State Capitol.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR192

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Establish A Native Hawaiian Economic Development Working Group.

HI HR176

Requesting That The Hawaii State Office Of Elections Convene A Working Group On Automatic Voter Registration.

HI HR186

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI HR135

Requesting The Establishment Of A Working Group To Study The Feasibility Of Creating A Hawaii Cultural Trust To Preserve And Promote Hawaii's Cultural Resources.

HI HCR193

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI SCR161

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI SR130

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI HR103

Requesting The Hawaii State Commission On The Status Of Women To Convene A Working Group To Develop Measures To Strengthen Protections Under Title Ix.

HI HCR181

Requesting That The Hawaii State Office Of Elections Convene A Working Group On Automatic Voter Registration.

HI SCR167

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Assess Its Readiness And Ability To Assume Stewardship Of The Sacred Hawaiian Grounds Of Mauna Ala.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.