Veterans who had their high school education cut short because of military duty are now able to receive their high school diplomas under a law signed by Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday.

The law directs the Department of Education to establish a high school diploma program for World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans who were drafted into military service.

The measure applies to Hawai'i residents drafted between Dec. 1, 1941 and Aug. 30, 1945; June 1, 1950 and July 31, 1953; or Aug. 1, 1964 and Jan. 31, 1973. It also applies to people sent to an internment camp during World War II.

Lingle yesterday also signed a law providing burial expense grants for World War II Filipino veterans.

Under the bill, the state Office of Veterans Services will provide grants of up to $2,000 to pay for the cost of funeral and burial services for WWII Filipino veterans who died after June 30, 1994. The grants are to be used to cover the cost of transporting the remains of a deceased veteran to the Philippines.

It is expected to benefit about 200 WWII Filipino veterans not eligible for internment in state and federal veterans cemeteries. The bill appropriates $20,000 for fiscal year 2007-2008 for the burial grants.