HONOLULU – Gov. Linda Lingle has released $645,000 for various improvements to two veterans cemeteries – West Hawai'i Veterans Cemetery on the Big Island and Hawai'i State Veterans Cemetery on O'ahu – as well as to support the development of a veterans center on Moloka'i.

The West Hawaii'i Veterans Cemetery will receive an additional $200,000 to design and construct a sheltered area for interment services, columbaria, memorial walk, equipment storage facility, interior access road and restrooms. The design and bid for the project are needed to qualify for an estimated $4.35 million in construction funds from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) State Cemetery Grants Program. Costs for the design and construction of this phase are eligible for full reimbursement by the VA State Cemetery Grants Program, according to a news release from the governor's office.

The Hawai'i State Veterans Cemetery in Kane'ohe, O'ahu will receive an additional $195,000 for various improvements, including design and construction of approximately 2,036 additional columbarium niches, drainage improvements, repair of the eroded sloped area behind the columbarium and repair of road cracks, according to the news release.

"We have an obligation to ensure the final resting places of veterans, who served our nation with honor, are properly maintained and provide an eternal tribute to these brave men and women and their families," Lingle said.

A $250,000 grant-in-aid will go to the non-profit organization Moloka'i Veterans Caring for Veterans (MVCV) to support the design and construction of a prefabricated veterans center in Kaunakakai that will serve the approximately 600 veterans. The funding will allow the MVCV to develop plans for a 6,444-square-foot facility that will provide space to hold meetings, offer medical and counseling services and other support programs for veterans and their families, and hold social and recreational activities for members. The facility will also have a certified kitchen. The center's facilities can also be leased out to the public, high schools and community organizations for events and activities such as weddings and luau. In addition to the state grant, MVCV has received grants from Maui County and also raises funds through membership dues, fundraisers and private donations.