Maui Veterans Cemetery Expansion Proposed

The Hawai’i Army National Guard Funeral Honors Team, playing Taps at the Maui Veterans Cemetery in Makawao. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Expansion and improvements are proposed at the Maui Veterans Cemetery in Makawao as the facility nears capacity for interment.

There are currently more than 2,800 grave sites at the location but officials hope to expand the facility to meet future needs, according to a Draft Environmental Assessment filed by the state.

The proposal includes the development of an adjacent 10-acre parcel for new burials, and improvements at the existing 7-acre parcel.

According to the DEA, that cites historical maps and other documents, much of the area surrounding the project site was dominated by plantation fields in the mid- to late-19th century.

Public comments on the document filed by the state Department of Defense and the Department of Accounting and General Services are being accepted through May 23rd.

The document states that development of the expansion area includes grading, installation of a drainage basin for storm water, site preparations for in-ground burials, and construction of urn storage for cremated remains.

Development on the existing parcel includes installation of a driveway for access to the expansion area, installation of irrigation, flag relocation, and parking lot realignment.