Hawaii offers various benefits for veterans. On this page, you’ll find a concise overview of each of these benefits.
Housing Benefits
Hawaii State Veterans Home
The Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo serves as a state nursing home for honorably discharged Hawaii resident veterans aged over 55, who are in need of skilled nursing care and meet the VA criteria for an “eligible veteran”. While the veteran is accountable for any expenses not covered by the VA or Medicare, admission eligibility for spouses depends on the availability of space.
Special Housing for Disabled Veterans
The state offers payment of up to $5,000 to each eligible, completely disabled veteran for the purpose of acquiring or renovating a home to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Hawaii Veteran Financial Benefits
Income Tax
Retired pay and SBP (Survivor Benefit Plan) payments are exempt from taxes.
Hawaii National Guard and Reserve drill pay are also tax-exempt, up to the amount received by an E-5 with eight years of service for forty-eight drills (equivalent to twelve weekends) and fifteen days of annual training duty.
Property Tax Exemptions
Real property that is owned and inhabited as a primary residence by a completely disabled veteran or their surviving spouse is completely exempt from all property taxes.
Vehicles
Vehicle Registration Fee Waiver
Permanently disabled veterans who have a 100% service-connected VA disability rating can receive a $45.00 discount on the state registration fee. To qualify, individuals must be residents of Hawaii and have received an honorable discharge.
Weight Tax Exemption for Non-Resident Military Service Members
Active duty members stationed in Hawaii who are residents of another state are not required to pay Hawaii’s motor vehicle weight taxes for one vehicle registered in their name.
Hawaii State Education Benefits
The Hawaii Army National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (STAP) provides tuition waivers for qualifying members who have finished Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training. The waiver covers 100% of tuition for community college students and 50% for four-year university students. To qualify for STAP, you must:
- Be pursuing an undergraduate degree
- Be enrolled in courses related to that undergraduate degree
- Maintain satisfactory performance in your assigned Hawaii National Guard unit
STAP can be utilized alongside your G.I. Bill and Federal Tuition Assistance benefits.
Hawaii State Employment Veterans Preference
Non-disabled veterans are granted 5 preference points, while disabled veterans receive 10 points. These preference points are added to the examination scores of applicants for open competitive state employment positions.
Additionally, certain spouses and surviving spouses of disabled veterans may qualify for the 10-point award.
Hawaii Veteran Recreation Benefits
Hunting Licenses
Active duty military personnel and their dependents stationed in Hawaii are recognized as residents for the purpose of acquiring a hunting license.
Hawaii State Veterans Cemeteries
Hawaii hosts 7 state veterans cemeteries situated in:
- Hilo
- Hoolehua
- Kailua-Kona
- Kaneohe
- Kauna Kakai
- Lanai City
- Lihue
Veterans, spouses, and select dependents are eligible for interment. A nominal burial fee may apply.
