Hilo Veterans Cemetery Set for Major Restoration

State selects contractor to rehabilitate East Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. 2 with federal grant funding.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Military Jobs

Isometric editorial illustration of a stone monument base in an abstract, clean volcanic-inspired environment. — The state has contracted Alpha Inc. to perform a $6.1 million rehabilitation of the East Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. 2 in Hilo. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The state has contracted Alpha Inc. to perform a major restoration of East Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. 2 in Hilo. The project, funded by a $6.1 million federal grant awarded on Sept. 30, addresses long-standing maintenance deficiencies.

Why it matters

The initiative aims to bring the Hilo facility up to national standards for veteran cemeteries following audits that exposed improper marker installations and aging temporary sites. Improving the grounds ensures the resting place adequately honors local service members.

The $6,132,225 project grant includes $5.465 million dedicated to construction and $667,225 for other allowable costs. Work spans 5.5 acres and involves the realignment of nearly 4,500 grave markers.

The players

Alpha Inc.

This Maui-based contractor was selected by the state to lead the grave-site restoration project.

Department of Veterans Affairs

This federal agency provided the grant funding necessary to modernize the cemetery and meet national standards.

Department of Parks and Recreation

This county agency handles the ongoing daily maintenance of the Hilo cemetery facility.

The details

Alpha Inc. will conduct grading, soil, and turf rehabilitation across the Laimana Street site to correct issues identified in prior audits. The improvements also include installing new burial section markers and flower watering stations.

Sept. 30, 2026: Department of Veterans Affairs awarded the project grant.
Early January 2027: Construction is scheduled to begin.

Market Landscape

This project represents a broader effort by the Department of Veterans Affairs to standardize the quality of state-run cemeteries across the country. By utilizing dedicated federal funding, the state is addressing long-term operational gaps that have plagued local facilities.

Residents visiting the East Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. 2 should anticipate construction activity starting in early 2027. The project will lead to improved site accessibility and permanent marker installations at the cemetery over the next 3.5 years.

The takeaway

Completing this project will resolve issues that date back nearly two decades, such as the use of temporary markers. Maintaining official grave sites is essential for preserving the dignity of those interred at the facility.