Hawaii Civil Unions - The Department of Health

The Department of Health updated their website to include information on the civil unions process.  Applications for a civil union license will be available on-line starting January 1, 2012 at 12:00 a.m. 

The DOH website:  http://hawaii.gov/health/vital-records/vital-records/civilunion/index.html.

Civil Union Frequently Asked Questions...

As we move closer to equality, we wanted to provide our members with answers to frequently asked questions regarding Hawaii civil unions. Partnering with Lambda Legal and the ACLU of Hawaii, we now have a fact sheet that addresses many questions. To download this resource, click here. to view it via a Web page, click here or through any of the links below.

• When Do The Rights & Responsibilities For Civil Union Partners Take Effect? The Hawaii civil union law will take effect Jan. 1, 2012, and civil union partners will have access to the full range of state law rights and responsibilities when they enter...  Read More
• Who Will Be Able To Enter A Civil Union? A same-sex or different-sex couple will be able to enter a civil union if both partners are at least 18 years old... Read More
• Will A Same-Sex Couple's Marriage, Civil Union Or Registered Domestic Partnership From Another State Be Recognized As A Civil Union In Hawaii? The law provides that "all unions" couples have entered in other jurisdictions that are not recognized as marriages in Hawaii shall be treated as civil unions, as long as those unions were validly entered... Read More
• How Do Couples Enter A Civil Union? The Department of Health will make available an online registration system after midnight on Jan. 1, 2012... Read More
• How Do Couples Terminate Their Hawaii Reciprocal Beneficiary Relationship? To view the Hawai'i Department of Health's guidelines on how to terminate your Reciprocal Beneficiary Relationship (RB)... Read More
• What Rights & Obligations Will Civil Union Partners Have In Hawaii? Family Law Rights and Responsibilities... Read More
• What Rights & Responsibilities Of Marriage Will NOT Be Given To Civil Union Partners? All federal rights and responsibilities, including the ability to file joint federal income tax returns; exemption... Read More
• When Might A Couple Be Advised NOT To Enter A Civil Union? If they wish to adopt from a state or country that may not approve adoptions by lesbians, gay men, same-sex couples or... Read More
• Will Couples Get These New Rights If They Just Register As Domestic Partners With An Employer Or As Reciprocal Beneficiaries With The State? No. Couples who have registered with an employer for domestic partner benefits and/or reciprocal beneficiaries with the State of Hawaii... Read More

To view our most recent media alert regarding civil unions, click here.