HONOLULU (KHON2) — As the federal government enters a partial shutdown, many services remain open while others pause.
In Hawai‘i, travel continues without immediate disruption. For veterans, essential services carry on, though some support programs will stop for now.
Here’s what we gleaned from information coming from the Department of Transportation and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Air travel in Hawai‘i continues without changes
Flights in and out of Hawai‘i are expected to operate normally. According to the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation, the shutdown is “not expected to have an immediate impact to Hawai‘i’s air and maritime transportation systems.”
DOT said essential federal workers remain on duty. These include air traffic controllers, TSA agents, Customs and Border Protection officers, Federal Aviation Administration staff and USDA inspectors.
These workers will continue to work at Hawai‘i airports to keep flights safe and on time.
Cargo and passenger operations at commercial ports are also moving forward. The U.S. Coast Guard and CBP officials will remain active to support maritime traffic.
Keep up to date with the DOT.
Most VA services still running
The Department of Veterans Affairs said medical care and benefit payments will continue. Hospitals, outpatient clinics and Vet Centers remain open.
Veterans can still get health care, which includes support for homelessness, suicide prevention and caregiver services.
Burials at VA national cemeteries will continue, and headstone and marker requests are still being processed. The Veterans Crisis Line and the main VA call center stay open 24/7.
“VA’s mission allows no exception to this standard even when operations are limited by the absence of appropriations,” the VA said in its shutdown guidance.
Benefits like disability, pension, education and housing payments are still being processed and delivered. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals continues making decisions on pending cases.
Some VA services paused
Not all services are running through the shutdown.
Career counseling and transition help are currently unavailable, and the GI Bill hotline and cemetery application support lines are closed. However, veterans can still access the main VA number for help.
Regional VA offices are closed for now. Outreach programs, including social media and press updates, have stopped.
No new Presidential Memorial Certificates are being printed, and pre-need burial applications are on hold. There will be no maintenance or headstone placement at VA cemeteries during the shutdown.
The VA will continue reviewing its plan if the shutdown lasts longer.
Where to go for help
Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors can call (800) 698-2411 any time for assistance.
The Veterans Crisis Line is always available by dialing 988, then pressing 1.
For updates, visit the VA website or the White House website.
Keep up to date on what is happening with these services as we continue through the federal government’s partial shutdown.