We’ve been tracking this important issue over the past few months and it looks like there’s progress through the Hawaii Department of Health’s website:
The State Legislature approved Senate Bill 232 in February 2011 to recognize and establish the status of civil unions in Hawaii. Senate Bill 232 was signed into law by Governor Neil Abercrombie on February 23, 2011 and became Act 1. The Act makes same-sex and opposite-sex couples eligible for civil union recognition beginning January 1, 2012, and grants civil union couples many of the same rights as married couples in Hawaii.
The new law establishes all unions entered into in other jurisdictions between two individuals not recognized under Hawaii’s marriage law shall be recognized as civil unions beginning January 1, 2012, provided that the relationship meets the eligibility requirement of Hawaii’s civil unions chapter, has been entered into in accordance with the laws of that jurisdiction, and can be documented.
For more information:
http://hawaii.gov/health/vital-records/vital-records/civilunion/index.html
This is exciting news for couples who are looking forward to getting married in the islands.
As one of Oahu’s wedding coordinators specializing in civil unions, we’re inviting you to take a look at our Oahu wedding packages.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
