What's Being Discussed

The Governor's State Advisory Board on Veterans Services is holding its regular meeting on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The meeting is open to the public, both in person at the Oahu Veterans Center and virtually via Microsoft Teams.

Representatives from more than a dozen agencies will give short updates on programs and services for Hawaii's veterans, including:

• VA Benefits and Healthcare — updates on benefit programs and medical services
• State Office of Veterans' Services (OVS) — operations and current projects
• Veterans Homes — staffing and resident numbers at the Yukio Okutsu Veterans Home (Hilo) and the Daniel Kahikina Akaka State Veterans Home
• War Memorials — maintenance and status updates
• National Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) — construction project updates
• Employment, health, and human services — programs available to veterans statewide

The board will also discuss its ongoing strategic goals, including maintaining veteran memorials, filling vacant board seats, supporting veteran-focused legislation, and strengthening connections among veteran service organizations across all islands.

Decisions Expected

• Approval of the meeting agenda and minutes from October 2, 2026
• Committee reports from Legislative, Bylaws, and other subcommittees
• Annual strategic planning session (closed executive session)

Who Should Pay Attention

• Hawaii veterans and their families seeking updates on benefits, healthcare, and housing
• Anyone interested in the upkeep of veteran memorials statewide
• Veteran service organizations (VSOs) across all islands
• Residents who want to provide public testimony on veterans' issues — written testimony is preferred 48 hours in advance; oral testimony is welcome during the meeting