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.

HCR147

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.C.R. NO.

147

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

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
.

����
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:

_____________________________

Report Title:
�

War on
Terror Memorial; Hawaii State Capitol; Working Group