HRS §578-18

Gender-neutral reading of adoption law terms

Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗

This section says that when the adoption law uses words like wife, husband, mother, or father, those words apply to any gender. This rule also applies to rules made under this law. It makes sure everyone is treated the same.

everyone

The statute, as written — Interpretation of words to be gender-neutral

A copy, taken August 20, 2026. The version published by the Legislature is the one that governs, and it may have changed since. Check it before relying on anything here.

With regard to the rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities of persons set forth in this chapter, all gender-specific terminology, such as "wife", "husband", "mother", "father", or similar terms, shall be construed in a gender-neutral manner. This rule of interpretation shall apply to all administrative rules adopted hereunder.

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.