HI HB248

Establishes a new category of "civil celebrants" – members of secular or non-religious organizations authorized to solemnize marriages and civil unions, providing equal treatment with religious practitioners.

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 572-12 to add civil celebrants as a fourth category of persons authorized to perform marriage ceremonies, alongside clergy, judges, and religious societies.

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 572B-4 to authorize civil celebrants to solemnize civil unions under the same licensing requirements as other practitioners.

Requires all persons or societies licensed to solemnize marriages or civil unions to pay a $40 fee per ceremony performed within the State.

Takes effect upon approval.