STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3701

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    H.C.R. No. 23

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 23 entitled:

 

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING CONGRESS TO AMEND FEDERAL LAW TO ALLOW FUNDS FOR THE BURIAL OF QUALIFIED FILIPINO-AMERICAN VETERANS IN NATIONAL AND STATE VETERANS CEMETERIES TO COVER THE COSTS OF TRANSPORTING THE REMAINS OF FILIPINO-AMERICAN VETERANS OF WORLD WAR II TO THE PHILIPPINES AND FOR FUNERAL AND BURIAL SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to urge the United States Congress to amend federal law to allow funds for the burial of qualified Filipino-American veterans in national and state veterans cemeteries to cover the costs of transporting the remains of Filipino-American veterans of World War II to the Philippines and for funeral and burial services in the Philippines.

 

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the State Office of Veterans' Services and one individual.

 

     Your Committee finds that nearly one hundred thousand soldiers of the Philippine Commonwealth Army fought in some of the bloodiest battles alongside the United States and its allies during World War II to defend and reclaim the Philippine Islands.  As a condition of these soldiers' service, the United States promised the soldiers military pay and benefits.  However, upon the ending of the war, the United States Congress enacted legislation taking away these veteran's benefits and recognition.  Your Committee further finds that some Filipino-American veterans may wish to have their remains transported to the Philippines for burial, but the costs for the transportation of human remains can be significant.  Considering the service provided to our country, your Committee supports amendments to federal law that allow for the covering of costs for transporting veteran remains to the Philippines along with funeral and burial services in the Philippines.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 23, and recommends its adoption.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

 

 

 

________________________________

JILL N. TOKUDA, Chair