In memory’s embrace, Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery stands. What stories lie within this serene landscape? The mission here is clear. It ensures the final resting place honors the fallen. This beautiful setting reflects their sacrifice. Standards meet the National Cemetery Administration’s guidance. Cemeteries are maintained as shrines.
Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery is located at 45-349 Kamehameha Highway in Kaneohe. The phone number is 808-369-3575. Daniel Y.P. Chung is the Cemetery Operations Manager.
Visiting hours are from 7:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day including holidays. The Cemetery office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are 7:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. It is closed from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It reopens from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office is closed weekends and State holidays.
Visitors must maintain dignity and respect. Proper attire is always required. This includes a shirt or upper body dressing and footwear. No unbecoming conduct is allowed.
Littering is prohibited. Damaging trees or plants is forbidden. Sports and recreation are not allowed. These include jogging and skateboarding. Roller-skating and bicycling are also prohibited. Picnics and ball playing are not permitted. Loitering is not allowed unless authorized. Intoxicating beverages are prohibited. Illegal substances are not allowed. Loud music and demeaning activities are forbidden. Erecting tents is not permitted. Solicitation is prohibited. Washing cars is not allowed. Barbecuing and fireworks are not allowed. Pets are prohibited, except service animals. Feeding animals is not allowed. Violators will be prosecuted.
Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery contains about 11,000 graves. These graves belong to veterans of World War II, the Korea War, and later wars.
The graves of several soldiers who fought in the War in Iraq are here. Private First Class Joshua Kuile Titcomb is buried here. First Lieutenant Nainoa Kealiihokuhelelani Hoe rests here. Private Lewis T. D. Calapini is interred here. Lance Corporal Kristen K. Figueroa Marino is here. Staff Sergeant Metodio Amboni Bandonill is buried here. Sergeant Steve M. Sakoda rests here. Private Eugene D. M. Kanakaole is interred here. Staff Sergeant Randy Suyat Agno is also buried here.
Specialist Kyle Ka’Eo Fernandez is interred here. First Lieutenant Jonathan P. Brostrom rests here. They fought in the War in Afghanistan.
Only government-standard flat granite markers are permitted for ground burial. Bronze niche markers are allowed for columbarium internment. The flat granite grave marker is 24 inches long and 12 inches wide. It is 4 inches thick and weighs about 130 pounds. The niche marker is 8-1/2 inches long and 5-1/2 inches wide. It has a 7/16 inch rise and weighs about 3 pounds.
The speed limit is 15 miles per hour. Cemetery personnel maintain the grounds. Families cannot plant grass or permanent plantings. Personal maintenance is prohibited. Raising a plot above the terrain is also prohibited.
Fresh-cut flowers in vases are allowed. Adhesive tape is prohibited. Flowers are removed when withered. The religious placement of fruit is allowed. Artificial flowers are prohibited. Statues and vigil lights are not allowed. Glass objects are forbidden. Commemorative items are prohibited. Windmills and balloons are not allowed. Stuffed toys are not allowed. Hazardous items are removed. Fresh-cut flowers cannot exceed 2 feet.
Interment flags donated by the family form the Avenue of Flags. A brass nameplate honors the veteran. It is placed on a plaque in the administration building lobby. Families may place a plaque on the memorial wall. This is for those whose ashes were scattered or not recovered. All caskets are placed in a polyguard liner vault.
As we leave the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery remember. It is a testament to service and sacrifice. It is a place of honor and respect.