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HRS §572B-10

Out-of-state unions treated as civil unions

If you formed a legal union in another state that is not a marriage but is very similar to a Hawaii civil union, Hawaii will treat it as a valid civil union here. This applies as long as the union met Hawaii's eligibility rules, followed the other state's laws, and can be proven with documents.

domestic partnersspouses

The statute, as written — Unions performed in other jurisdictions

A legal union of two persons that is not a marriage under chapter 572, which was validly formed in another jurisdiction, and which is substantially equivalent to a civil union under this chapter, shall be recognized as a valid civil union in this State and shall be treated the same as a civil union entered into in this State regardless of whether it bears the name civil union; provided that the relationship meets the eligibility requirements of this chapter, has been entered into in accordance with the laws of that jurisdiction, and can be documented.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.