HI SB279

Requires the child protective services unit of the department of human services to investigate and report to family court before approving any marriage where one party is a minor and the other party is more than five years older than the minor.

Applies to marriages where one party is under 16 years old (with family court approval) or between 16-17 years old and involves an adult more than five years older.

Addresses concerns that child marriage is a human rights violation, with data showing at least 800 children married in Hawaii since 2000, with 80% being girls marrying adult men.

Maintains existing Hawaii law allowing minors age 16+ to marry and allowing family court approval for minors age 15+ to marry, but adds protective investigation requirement for significant age-gap marriages.

Takes effect May 6, 2137.