HCR147

WHEREAS, since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, members of the United States Armed Forces have participated in the Global War on Terror, including operations such as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, in defense of the United States and to promote global security; and

WHEREAS, the people of Hawaii have a long tradition of military service, and the military remains a significant part of the State's communities, with tens of thousands of active-duty personnel, National Guard members, and veterans residing in Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, according to estimates, more than three thousand five hundred members of the Hawaii National Guard alone have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of the Global War on Terror, with a high percentage of these Guard personnel mobilized for overseas service since 2001; and

WHEREAS, Hawaii is home to a substantial veteran population -- approximately 21.8 percent of Hawaii's living veterans reported having enlisted in or after September 2001, indicating service during the Global War on Terror era -- reflecting the contribution of Hawaii's servicemembers to post-9/11 conflicts worldwide; and

WHEREAS, the sacrifices made by these servicemembers include years of overseas duty; separation from family and friends; the inherent risks of combat; and in many cases, long-term effects on health and well-being; and

WHEREAS, while other conflicts are commemorated by memorials and monuments across the nation, the service and sacrifices of Hawaii's veterans of the Global War on Terror are not yet recognized by a dedicated memorial on the grounds of the Hawaii State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and appropriate for the State to honor those who served, along with their families and the broader community affected by this extended period of military commitment; and

WHEREAS, the establishment of a working group with representatives from veterans' organizations, military entities, state agencies, families of servicemembers, and other stakeholders would ensure thoughtful planning and community input for an appropriately designed memorial to commemorate the Global War on Terror; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the Senate concurring, that the Comptroller is requested 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; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group consist of:

(1) The Comptroller, or the Comptroller's designee;

(2) The Adjutant General, or the Adjutant General's designee;

(3) The Commander of the Hawaii Army National Guard, or the Commander's designee;

(4) The Commander of the Hawaii Air National Guard, or the Commander's designee;

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

(6) Representatives of active-duty members and the reserve components of the United States Armed Forces;

(7) Representatives from veterans' organizations;

(8) Architects, planners, and designers with experience in the construction of memorials; and

(9) Family members of servicemembers; and

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

(1) Discuss and draft plans for the creation of a Global War on Terror memorial on the grounds of the Hawaii State Capitol, including potential themes, locations, design principles, and estimated costs;

(2) Consult with veterans, active-duty service members, military family organizations, and community groups to gather input and recommendations;

(3) Develop a plan and timeline for the design and construction of the Global War on Terror memorial, including, if appropriate, fundraising or requests for appropriations from the State; and

(4) Submit to the Legislature and Governor a final report with recommendations and proposed plans by a date to be determined by the working group; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Accounting and General Services shall provide any necessary administrative support to the working group, including the preparation and drafting of the final report; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Comptroller; Adjutant General; Commander of the Hawaii Army National Guard; Commander of the Hawaii Air National Guard; and Director of the Office of Veterans' Services.

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.C.R. NO.	147
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII