HI HB729

Raises the minimum age to enter into marriage in Hawaii from 16 to 18 years old, eliminating the previous exception allowing 15-year-olds to marry with family court approval

Repeals the requirement for parental or guardian consent for marriage of minors, as marriage will only be permitted for adults 18 and older

Removes the legal marriage exception from sexual assault statutes, meaning being married to a minor will no longer serve as a defense against sexual assault charges involving persons aged 14-16

Eliminates marriage as a pathway to emancipation for minors, leaving court-issued declarations as the only method for minors to become emancipated

Makes conforming amendments to guardianship statutes, family court jurisdiction, child protective services provisions, and annulment procedures to remove references to parental consent for minor marriage