H.B. 671 Summary

• Allow unmarried same-sex partners of deceased veterans to be interred at state veterans cemeteries if they provide written evidence the couple would have married but for pre-2013 state law prohibiting same-sex marriage.

• Acceptable evidence of intent to marry includes joint bank accounts, affidavits, rental agreements, or other documentation deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

• Grant the Secretary of Veterans Affairs authority to review waiver requests and adjudicate interment approval for eligible same-sex partners.

• Amend Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 363-5(b) to add waiver provisions while maintaining existing Veterans Affairs and National Cemeteries Administration Regulations for burial eligibility.

• Effective January 1, 2050, with surviving unmarried same-sex partners able to apply for interment at any time after the effective date.