Hawaii Veteran Benefits Ultimate Guide

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If you’re a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or currently serving, a number of important Hawaii veteran benefits are available to support you and honor your service.

Hawaii veterans make up nearly 10 percent of the state’s total population (compared to 7.5% of the U.S. general population). And 13.7 percent of Hawaii’s homes are occupied by veterans! The unemployment rate for Hawaii veterans, at 3.2 percent, is lower than the Hawaii average of 4.3 percent. 

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The Top Hawaii Veteran Benefits

The top Hawaii veteran benefits include:

• Property tax exemptions
• Family assistance
• Education and training programs
• Help with employment
• Driver’s license discounts
• Active advocacy for Hawaii veterans and their families

A veteran’s (or service member’s) military branch, career status, disability status, and residence status can affect Hawaii veteran benefit eligibility.

The Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services (OVS) administers many Hawaii veteran benefits and programs. This is a great place to learn about state and national benefits or to get help with claims and applications.

Read on for the ultimate guide to the top Hawaii veteran benefits (including Hawaii disabled veteran benefits)!

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Hawaii Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption

100% Disabled Veteran Benefits Hawaii offers tax exemptions on real property owned and occupied as a home by a totally disabled veteran or widow(er). The exemption remains in effect as long as the veteran claiming it remains totally disabled or the widow(er) remains unmarried.

Tax exemptions on passenger cars owned by totally disabled veterans and subsidized by the VA are also available. This benefit varies by island.

Visit a local real property tax office for more information, or check out the following links:

• City and County of Honolulu: City and County of Honolulu Real Property Info
• Hawaii County: Hawaii County Real Property Tax Office
• Maui County: Maui County Real Property Assessment Division
• Kauai: Kauai Real Property Assessment

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Education Benefits

Do Hawaii veteran benefits include help with education?

Yes, they do! The state offers assistance to Hawaii veterans and service members (and their families) who seek tuition and education support. 

Resident Tuition for Veterans, Service Members, and Dependents

Nonresident veterans and military service members stationed in Hawaii (and their dependents) are eligible to attend colleges in Hawaii at the resident tuition rate.

Nonresidents may be allowed to pay resident tuition if they are:

• U.S. Armed Forces service members or authorized dependents stationed in Hawaii on active duty
• Members of the Hawaii National Guard or Hawaii-based Reserves
• Veterans eligible to use the post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) or Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) active-duty educational benefits who live in Hawaii and enroll at a university within three years of their discharge from a period of 90+ days of active duty 
• Individuals eligible to use transferred post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill active-duty educational benefits who live in Hawaii and enroll at a university within three years of their discharge from a period of 90+ days of active duty
• Individuals who live in Hawaii and are eligible to use the post-9/11 GI Bill educational benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship
• Individuals who live in Hawaii who are eligible to use transferred post-9/11 GI Bill educational benefits when the transferral is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty.

Learn more about Hawaii residency (veterans, service members, and dependents) for tuition purposes

Hawaii Kupono Diploma Program for Wartime Veterans

The Hawaii State Department of Education (DOE) Kupono Diploma Program grants honorary high school diplomas to World War II, Korean, and Vietnam War veterans and individuals whose schooling was interrupted due to internment in relocation camps during World War II.

Veterans applying for this program must:

• Have been enrolled in a Hawaii public high school prior to enlistment in military service
• Include evidence of military-status eligibility with the program application (DD214 or enlisted record with proof of honorable discharge)
• Have served during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War
• Have been enrolled in a Hawaii public school prior to internment and provide evidence of being interned in a relocation camp

Under this program, qualified veterans or internees who successfully completed a General Education Diploma (GED) program will also be granted an honorary high school diploma. 

Diplomas may also be awarded posthumously and awarded to family members. There is no fee to participate in the Kupono Diploma Program.

To apply for the Kupono Diploma Program:

• Email application requests to [email protected] or
• Mail to Hawaii State Department of Education, Kupono Diploma Program, P.O. Box 2360, Honolulu, Hawaii 96804

Applications may be submitted anytime, but no later than January 30, to participate in the current-year graduation ceremony. Application processing takes 4-6 weeks. The Department of Education will contact all applicants regarding program eligibility.

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Healthcare & Housing Benefits

Hawaii Veteran’s Health Administration Centers

Facility	Address	Phone
VA Pacific Islands Health Care System	459 Patterson Road   Honolulu, HI 96819-1522	808-433-0600 / 800-214-1306
VA Lanai Outreach Clinic	628-B Seventh Street   Lanai City, HI 96783	808-565-6423
VA Molokai Outreach Clinic	280 Home Olu Place   Kaunakakai, HI 96748	808-553-3191
VA Hilo Community-Based Outpatient Clinic	1285 Waianuenue Avenue, Suite 211   Hilo, HI 96720	808-935-3781
VA Kauai Community-Based Outpatient Clinic	4485 Pahe’e Street, Suite 150   Lihue, HI 96766	808-246-0497
VA Kona Community-Based Outpatient Clinic	203 Ho’ohana Street, Suite 303   Kahului, HI 96732	808-329-0774
VA Leeward Community-Based Outpatient Clinic	91-2135 Fort Weaver Road   Ewa Beach, HI 96706	800-214-1306
VA Maui Community Based Outpatient Clinic	203 Ho’ohana Street, Suite 303   Kahului, HI 96732	808-871-2454
Hilo Vet Center	70 Lanihuli Street, Suite 102   Hilo, HI 96720	808-969-3833
Honolulu Vet Center	1680 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite F-3   Honolulu, HI 96814	808-973-8387
Kailua-Kona Vet Center	73-4976 Kamanu St   Kailua-Kona, HI 96740	808-329-0574
Kauai Vet Center	4485 Pahe’e St., Suite 101   Lihue, HI 96766	808-246-1163
Maui Vet Center	157 Ma’a Street   Kahului, HI 96732	808-242-8557
Western Oahu Vet Center	885 Kamokila Boulevard, Suite 105   Kapolei, HI 96707	808-674-2414

Veterans Benefits Administration – Pacific District

Facility	Address	Phone
Honolulu Regional Office	459 Patterson Road, E-Wing, Honolulu, HI 96819-1522	800-827-1000
Intake Site At Camp Smith	Department of Veterans Affairs 459 Patterson rd 1st floor (E-Wing) Honolulu, HI 96819
Intake Site At Fort Shafter	Department of Veterans Affairs 459 Patterson Rd 1st floor (E-Wing) Honolulu, HI 96819
Intake Site At Hickam Air Force Base	Department of Veterans Affairs 459 Patterson Rd 1st floor (E-Wing) Honolulu, HI 96819
Intake Site At Marine Corps Base Hawaii	Department of Veterans Affairs 459 Patterson Rd 1st floor (E-Wing) Honolulu, HI 96819
Intake Site At Pearl Harbor Naval Base	Department of Veterans Affairs 459 Patterson Rd 1st floor (E-Wing) Honolulu, HI 96819
Intake Site At Sand Island Coast Guard	Department of Veterans Affairs 459 Patterson Rd 1st floor (E-Wing) Honolulu, HI 96819
Intake Site At Schofield Barracks	Department of Veterans Affairs 459 Patterson Rd 1st floor (E-Wing) Honolulu, HI 96819
Intake Site At Tripler Army Medical Center (First Floor/E-Wing)	Department of Veterans Affairs 459 Patterson Rd 1st floor (E-Wing) Honolulu, HI 96819
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific	2177 Puowaina Drive, Honolulu, HI 96813	808-532-3720

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Employment

There are several Hawaii veteran benefits that support veterans and their families with employment.

Advocacy is the primary service offered by the Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services. The OVS may take action on behalf of veterans, their families, and survivors to secure appropriate rights, benefits, and services, including efforts to facilitate employment and re-employment.

Hiring Preferences for Hawaii Veterans in Public Employment 

The Hawaii Department of Human Resources Development manages the Hawaii Veterans Preference Program for public employment. Nondisabled veterans receive 5 veterans preference points; disabled veterans receive 10 points. Preference points are added to examination scores completed by applicants for open competitive recruitments only.

The 5-point veterans preference may be awarded to honorably separated veterans who served active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces:

• From December 7, 1941, to July 1, 1955
• For more than 180 consecutive days from January 31, 1955 through October 14, 1976 (not including initial active duty for training under Reserve or National Guard programs)
• In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge or service medal was authorized

A 10-point veterans preference may be awarded to:

• Honorably separated veterans with service-connected disability, as well as Purple Heart recipients
• The spouse of an honorably separated veteran with a service-connected disability that disqualifies the veteran from state positions in their usual occupation
• An un-remarried, surviving spouse of a person who died while on active duty or of an honorably separated veteran who served during the periods cited above

To receive 5 points, submit a copy of DD214 showing the dates of honorable service with the application. To receive 10 points, submit an official statement from the VA or the service branch dated within the past 12 months that confirms qualification to receive 10 points. Spouses or surviving spouses must also submit evidence of marriage or the veteran’s death.

An application form and additional information regarding veteran’s preference points can be found here.

Learn more about Hawaii Veterans and Hawaii Disabled Veterans Hiring Preferences for Public Employment

Employment Services for Hawaii Veterans

The Workforce Development Division (WDD) and its network of American Job Centers (also called One-Stop Centers) offer an array of employment and training services to Hawaii veterans and relevant applicant recruiting assistance tailored to the business community’s needs.

Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVERs) are employed at the centers to help connect employers to veterans with specific skills and experiences. The LVER staff members are veterans themselves and have received special training at the National Veterans Training Institute (NVTI).

Jobseekers can access employment search engines at HireNet Hawaii or by visiting any WDD office or One-Stop Career Center.

Additional veteran service and program information can be found in the Hawaii Workforce Development Division brochure.

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Hawaii National Guard State Family Program

The Hawaii National Guard State Family Program serves service members, retired service members, veterans, and their families to promote resiliency and growth by providing education, resources, and assistance for the unique environment of today’s military life.

Any service member, retired service member, veteran, or their family members may find useful links, resources, and information on the Family Program website—including child and youth activities, psychological health services, suicide prevention, personal finance counselors, transition assistance, employment programs, and more.

Visit the Hawaii National Guard State Family Program

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Medical Coverage for Hawaii National Guard

If a member of the Hawaii National Guard or Hawaii State Defense Force suffers a personal injury arising out of and in the performance of duty, the State of Hawaii compensates the member or the member’s dependents.

In any case arising after May 10, 1951, any compensation from the federal government is deducted from the amount paid by the State of Hawaii. 

National Guard members who suffer an injury or illness in the line of active duty are eligible for coverage.

Learn more about Hawaii National Guard medical coverage under Worker’s Compensation laws

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Hawaii State Employee Military Caregiver Leave

A state employee is eligible for up to 26 weeks of unpaid leave in a single 12-month period to care for a military relative (spouse, child, parent, or next of kin) if they have a qualifying serious illness or injury incurred in the line of duty on active duty.

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Vehicles, Licenses, and Special Plates

Hawaii does not have a statewide Department of Motor Vehicles. Each county government manages vehicle registration.

Hawaii veterans’ benefits and Hawaii disabled veterans’ benefits include special privileges, discounted rates, and some fee exemptions.

Hawaii Disabled Veteran Benefits for Motor Vehicle Registration

Hawaii disabled veterans are entitled to a $45 state registration fee discount (they must pay the balance due). For example, if the registration fee is $245, the cost to the disabled veteran will be $200.

The veteran must meet all three eligibility requirements:

• Resident of Hawaii
• Other than dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces
• Determined by VA or its predecessor to have a 100% service-connected disability rating

To prove eligibility requirements, fax (808) 433-0385 or email [email protected] to submit:

• Copy of driver’s license (to prove residency)
• Copy of current car registration (one vehicle only)
• Copy of current VA 100% disability letter
• Current mailing address, if different from the license

The OVS will send Hawaii disabled veterans the original letter along with a copy for the records to the veteran’s mailing address; only the original letter will be accepted for registration.

There is also a tax exemption for passenger cars subsidized by VA.

For questions, contact the county driver’s license/state ID office:

Veteran Designation for Hawaii Driver Licenses and State Identification Cards

A “Veteran” designation for driver’s licenses and state ID cards is available to eligible Hawaii veterans and Hawaii disabled veterans.

All veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable are eligible. Applicants must provide a completed Hawaii driver’s license application or Hawaii ID card application and proof of qualification.

Acceptable documents include:

• DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
• NGB 22 (National Guard Report of Separation from Active Duty)
• Before January 1, 1950:  WD AGO 53, WD AGO 55, WD AGO, 53-55, NAVPERS 553, NAVMC 78PD, NAVCG 553, DD Form 217
• Discharge certificate reflecting characterization of discharge
• Verification letter issued by VA
• Verification letter issued by the Office of Veteran Services
• Military Retired ID Card (DD2, Retired)
• Official Military Orders
• Veterans Health ID Card (VHIC)

Applicants whose driver’s license, permit, or state ID is not within the renewal period may add the veteran designation by applying for a duplicate or by presenting one of the documents listed above at a driver-license issuing facility. Regular duplicate fees apply.

Applicants for new or renewal driver’s licenses, instructional permits, and state IDs are required to provide the necessary documents for proof of name, date of birth, Social Security number, principal residence, and legal presence status.

Follow these links for more details:

With specific questions, call the county driver’s license/state ID office:

Learn more about veteran designation for Hawaii driver licenses/state ID cards

Hawaii Disabled Veteran License Plates and other Special License Plates

Hawaii offers specialty license plates to Hawaii veterans and Hawaii disabled veterans.

For the same cost as a regular license plate, qualified Hawaii veterans may choose auto license plates designated:

• Veteran
• Combat or Combat Wounded
• Pearl Harbor Survivor
• Former POW
• World War II Veteran
• Korea Veteran
• Vietnam Veteran
• Persian Gulf Veteran
• Gold Star Family

These options are also available for motorcycle plates.

For more information and application forms, contact:

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Hunting Licenses for Nonresident Military at Resident Rates

Active-duty military personnel and their dependents stationed in Hawaii are considered residents for the purposes of obtaining a hunting license.

Learn more about hunting in Hawaii

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Hawaii Veterans Home

The Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo provides high-quality nursing and personal care with courtesy and compassion. Managed by Avalon Care Center, its dedicated staff caters to the individual. The home is a VA- and Medicare/Medicaid-certified healthcare community that strives to honor veterans.

To be eligible for care, the veteran must meet the following requirements:

• Is certified by a physician to require skilled or long-term nursing home care as defined by the VA, MedQuest, or Medicare 
• For adult day health services, must meet VA or MedQuest criteria as certified by a physician
• Is at least 55 old
• Honorably discharged
• Resided in Hawaii before induction in the military or has a one-year residency in Hawaii
• Able to pay the resident’s portion of the cost of care (if not covered by other payers such as Medicare, MedQuest, etc.)

The home may accept spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star parents on a space-available basis.

The admission team handles admissions of individuals under age 55 on a case-by-case basis, considering the home’s ability to meet the needs of the veterans.

In case of a waiting list, the admission team considers the following priorities:

• Severity of disability
• Capacity to earn a living
• Length of military service
• Amount of combat experience
• Circumstances of immediate family
• Satisfaction of all other patient clinical criteria for admissions, as outlined in clinical-related policies

Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home
1180 Waianuenue Ave.
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
(808) 961-1500

Additional information and application form

Best VA Home Loan Hawaii Lenders

There are good reasons why Hawaii is known as the Paradise of the Pacific—and many veterans who may have seen it briefly during deployment dream of returning and making a home there.

It’s not such a far-fetched dream, with crucial help from the VA. An article in U.S. News & World Report has listed Hawaii’s best mortgage lenders, mortgage rates in the state, a mortgage calculator, Hawaii home buyer programs, and the best VA home loan mortgage lenders.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do Hawaii disabled veteran benefits include property tax exemptions?

Yes, Hawaii veteran benefits include tax exemptions on real property owned and occupied as a home by a totally disabled veteran or widow(er). The exemption remains in effect as long as the veteran claiming it remains totally disabled or the widow(er) remains unmarried.

Tax exemptions are also available on passenger cars owned by Hawaii disabled veterans and subsidized by the VA. This benefit varies by island.

Do Hawaii veterans receive hiring preference for public employment?

Yes. The Hawaii Department of Human Resources Development manages the Hawaii Veterans Preference Program for public employment. Nondisabled veterans receive 5 preference points; disabled veterans receive 10 points. Preference points are added to examination scores completed by applicants for open competitive recruitments only.

Are there state resources for Hawaii veterans seeking employment?

The Workforce Development Division (WDD) and its network of American Job Centers (also called One-Stop Centers) offer an array of employment and training services to Hawaii veterans, as well as relevant applicant recruiting assistance tailored to the needs of the business community.

Are there family support services among Hawaii veterans’ benefits?

Without a doubt. Any service member, retired service member, veteran, or their family members may find useful links, resources, and information on the Hawaii National Guard Program website.

Resources include child and youth activities, psychological health services, suicide prevention, personal finance counselors, transition assistance, employment programs, and more.

Do Hawaii disabled veteran benefits include help with auto registration?

You bet! Hawaii disabled veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating are entitled to a $45 state registration fee discount (must pay the balance due). For example, if the registration fee is $245, the cost to the Hawaii disabled veteran will be $200.

Are there special license plates available to Hawaii veterans and their families?

Hawaii offers specialty license plates to veterans and disabled veterans. For the same cost as a regular license plate, qualified veterans may choose from 10 distinctive plates.

Does the VA help Hawaii veterans buy their own homes?

An article in U.S. News & World Report listed Hawaii’s best mortgage lenders, mortgage rates in the state, a mortgage calculator, Hawaii home buyer programs, and the best VA home loan mortgage lenders.

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MAKE SURE YOU GET ALL THE BENEFITS YOU DESERVE

Regardless of what state you live in,  it’s important that veterans pursue the monthly compensation payments due to them for disabilities connected to their military service.  

Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and, therefore, not getting the compensation they deserve. 

At VA Claims Insider, we help veterans understand and take control of the claims process, so you can increase your rating in less time!

If you’ve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low rating—or you’re not sure how to get started—reach out to us and schedule your FREE VA Claims Insider Discovery Call!

This short but powerful call will get you pointed in the direction of a winning claim.

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