A computerized system for processing applications for civil unions will not be available to couples until Jan. 1, when the new civil unions law goes into effect.
The state Department of Health had planned to begin processing applications before the law’s official start date, so couples could partake in civil union ceremonies early on the morning of Jan. 1, a Sunday. But officials say because of the way the law is written, applications may not be submitted until after the law takes effect.
Alvin Onaka, state registrar, said the new online system will become active at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 1, so couples conceivably could have their ceremony "as quickly as people can enter their information."
Couples would be able to apply and pay for a license as soon as the site goes live, while civil union performers also would be able to apply for a solemnization license through the online site, Onaka said.
Couples also will be able to apply in person at the health department on any business day after Jan. 1.
The online system aims to cut down on paperwork and processing time for civil union applications, but it also will be able to process traditional marriage license applications, Onaka said.
Act 1 allows couples regardless of gender to enter into civil unions, gaining a legal status with all the rights, benefits, privileges, protections and responsibilities of traditional marriage.
Members of a legislative task force charged with studying implementation of the new law held their final meeting on Tuesday.
Some issues remain that would have to be addressed through legislation or changes in administrative rules.
Those issues include amending the law to eliminate a provision that couples in an existing reciprocal beneficiary relationship in Hawaii must first terminate that before entering into a civil union. The current language leads to a so-called "gap period" in which couples would not be covered under either status — putting some benefits such as health insurance at risk — while awaiting paperwork to be processed.
