Hawaii Renovated Eight State-Owned Cemeteries

The state has begun a $2.3 million project to clean and secure historic burial grounds across 27 acres.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Landscaping

Screen-print poster illustration of a weathered basalt rock wall amidst lush tropical greenery, representing historic site restoration. — Hawaii has launched a $2.3 million initiative to clean and restore eight historic state-owned cemeteries, protecting sites that hold nearly 6,000 interments. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Hawaii has launched a major maintenance initiative for eight state-owned cemeteries established in the mid-1800s. The effort aims to restore dignity to grounds containing 5,900 internments, where nearly a quarter of grave sites are currently marked as unknown.

Why it matters

After years of neglect, the state is investing $2.3 million to address security and upkeep issues across these historic sites. This work is essential for preserving land integrity and honoring the families of those interred in these cemeteries.

The state recently completed a $200,000 renovation at the Waiʻanae Japanese Cemetery, which included removing five tons of trash and installing 2,000 feet of new fencing. This project represents the first of eight sites slated for similar maintenance.

The players

Hawaii Department of Accounting and General Services

The state agency responsible for the maintenance and management of public lands and historical state-owned cemetery infrastructure.

Hawaii State Legislature

The legislative body that provided the $2.3 million in funding over two fiscal years to address the neglect of historical burial grounds.

The details

The Department of Accounting and General Services initiated the project by conducting surveys of the boundaries for all eight state-owned cemeteries. Following the survey, crews began site-wide remediation, including removing overgrown trees and accumulated refuse to clear the landscape. Future phases will replicate the site-securing methods used in Waiʻanae to protect the perimeters of remaining grounds.

The cemeteries were established in the mid-1800s.
The Legislature allocated funding for the project in 2025.
The state completed boundary surveys in Spring 2026.
Improvements at the Waiʻanae Japanese Cemetery finished in September 2026.

The Home Front

This restoration effort marks a significant shift in how the state manages its historical land assets following years of documented neglect. It follows a legislative priority to bring state-owned infrastructure into alignment with modern standards for site security and maintenance.

Residents living near these cemeteries should anticipate increased groundskeeping activity as the state moves through the restoration of the seven remaining sites. Please note that for any genealogical inquiries regarding the unknown graves, you should contact the state for official documentation.

The takeaway

The state is prioritizing the long-term preservation of historic burial sites that have been neglected for decades. Families with relatives interred in these locations should monitor state announcements for updates regarding improved access and site security at specific cemeteries.

What happens next

The state has confirmed that similar improvement work will be conducted at the Hanapēpē Filipino Cemetery following the completion of the Waiʻanae project.