The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is awarding a grant of more than $2.7 million for improvements to the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery in Kailua, Kona.

A news release issued Monday by Hawai'i's Democratic Sens. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka said some of the grant money will be used to fund the cost of full casket and in-ground gravesites, columbaria and a storage facility with a fenced service yard.

There is also money for a road, landscaping, a memorial walk, an assembly area, a committal shelter and supporting infrastructure. In addition, the grant will fund development of three acres of the cemetery.

"I am pleased that the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery continues to receive federal grant money for improvements to its facilities and burial services," said Akaka, chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee. "Veterans who have served us honorably deserve an honorable burial, and a resting place that memorializes their service."

Inouye, a member of the Appropriations Committee and a World War II combat veteran, said he was pleased to have helped secure the grant.

"Our men and women in uniform serve with courage and honor," he said. "Many do not come home, and many come home injured. All of our veterans deserve a final resting place that properly respects their service and where they can be long remembered."

VA Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs William Tuerk testified at a Hawai'i field hearing last year that the state led the nation in development and operation of state veteran cemeteries. Hawai'i was the ninth busiest state in providing state burial services to veterans and their families, he said.

The Big Island cemetery is owned and operated by the state, which also controls state cemeteries in Hilo and on O'ahu, Kaua'i, Maui, Moloka'i and Lana'i.