Hawaii Senate Bill SCR28

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/26
• Refer: 3/19/26
• Report Pass: 4/6/26
• Engrossed: 4/7/26
• Refer: 4/10/26
• Report Pass: 4/17/26
• Refer: 4/17/26
• Report Pass: 4/27/26
• Passed: 4/28/26

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Defense To Convene A Working Group To Develop Recommendations For A State Of Hawaii Commemorative Vietnam Veterans Medal.

Impact

If adopted, the resolution will not directly amend existing laws but will initiate a new recognition program specifically for Vietnam veterans in the state. The working group created by the resolution is responsible for developing eligibility criteria, application processes, and design recommendations for the medal. Moreover, it will estimate the costs associated with design, production, and award implementation related to this initiative. This initiative signifies a broader commitment to recognizing the sacrifices of veterans and providing them with deserved accolades.

Summary

SCR28 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that seeks to honor Vietnam veterans by establishing a working group tasked with developing recommendations for a State of Hawaii commemorative Vietnam Veterans Medal. The resolution highlights the historical contributions of Native Hawaiian and Hawaii-born residents in various military conflicts, particularly during the Vietnam War, where over 275 local service members are memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. This initiative is a part of Hawaii's ongoing efforts to commemorate its veterans through events and organizations dedicated to their service.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SCR28 appears to be positive, with strong support for acknowledging and honoring Vietnam veterans within Hawaii. This sentiment is evident in the resolution's emphasis on the state's rich history of military service and the active participation of veterans' organizations in honoring local service members. The proposal has garnered bipartisan support, reflecting a collective appreciation for the sacrifices made by the Vietnam veterans and the desire to commemorate their service properly.

Contention

While there are no significant points of contention noted in the discussions surrounding SCR28, the resolution's success depends on the working group's ability to gather input from the various stakeholders, including veterans' organizations and military leaders. Providing a transparent process for eligibility and ensuring the medal's design reflects the values of the veterans it honors could be potential areas of concern as the group moves forward. Additionally, the estimated costs and funding for producing and administering the medals could prompt discussions on budget allocations in future legislative sessions.