Veterans (Veteran Benefits)

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Apr 20, 2026

GM 730: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Advisory Board on Veteran's Services, Gubernatorial Nominee, JANET COVINGTON, for a term to expire 06-30-2030.

This bill nominates Janet Covington to serve on the Advisory Board on Veteran's Services in Hawaii, a role that directly impacts veterans' support and policy recommendations. The appointment is for a term ending on June 30, 2030, and requires Senate confirmation before taking effect. The nomination follows standard constitutional procedures for filling advisory board positions within the state government. This action does not create new laws or change existing veteran services but rather appoints an individual to an existing advisory role.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill appoints a member to the Advisory Board on Veteran's Services, strengthening institutional support and policy recommendations for veterans.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 656: RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF VETERANS' SERVICES.

Appropriates moneys to the Office of Veterans' Services to perform its statutory duties, including maintaining a center that provides information, counsel, aid, and assistance to veterans, their families, and their dependents; and cooperating with federal agencies responsible for the administration of rights and benefits granted to veterans, their families, and their dependents.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates funds to Veterans' Services for essential programs, directly supporting state budget allocation for public services.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill appropriates funds to Office of Veterans' Services for maintaining centers providing aid, counsel, and assistance to veterans and families, directly funding veteran support services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 609: RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF VETERANS' SERVICES.

Appropriates moneys to the Office of Veterans' Services to perform its statutory duties, including maintaining a center that provides information, counsel, aid, and assistance to veterans, their families, and their dependents; and cooperating with federal agencies responsible for the administration of rights and benefits granted to veterans, their families, and their dependents. Effective 7/1/2077. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates funds to Office of Veterans' Services for essential veteran support services, directly advancing state budget allocation for public programs.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAppropriates funds to Office of Veterans' Services for center providing aid/counsel to veterans, families, and dependents, strengthening support services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Housing

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 2467: RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION.

Exempts qualifying military veterans sixty-five years of age or older from payment of state annual motor vehicle registration fees for one noncommercial vehicle.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExempts elderly veterans from motor vehicle registration fees, providing direct financial benefit and recognition of service.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 20, 2026

SB 608: RELATING TO VETERANS RIGHTS AND BENEFITS.

SB 608 regulates paid advisors who provide assistance with veterans' benefits applications or appeals. It directly affects veterans who hire such advisors, as well as the advisors themselves, by requiring them to meet specific standards when charging for their services. The bill establishes rules for how these advisors can operate, including transparency requirements and restrictions on certain fees. This aims to protect veterans from unscrupulous practices while ensuring they receive accurate guidance on accessing their benefits. The law takes effect on July 1, 2077.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProtects veterans from predatory advisors in benefits applications, ensuring accurate assistance and preventing exploitation through regulatory standards.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 59: RELATING TO DISABLED VETERANS.

HB 59 would exempt qualifying disabled veterans from paying county vehicle registration fees, highway beautification fees, and vehicle weight taxes. The bill directly affects disabled veterans who meet specific eligibility criteria set by the state. It removes these three specific fees from their vehicle-related costs, providing financial relief for this group. The policy change focuses solely on eliminating these targeted fees without altering other vehicle tax structures.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts disabled veterans from specific vehicle taxes, providing targeted tax relief which aligns with support indicators for tax relief programs.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExempts disabled veterans from vehicle fees, providing direct financial relief and expanding benefits for this group.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 652: RELATING TO VETERANS RIGHTS AND BENEFITS.

HB 652 would regulate individuals or entities that charge fees for providing advice or assistance with veterans' benefits applications. It directly affects paid advisors (such as consultants or representatives) who help veterans navigate benefits systems. The bill would establish requirements for these advisors, likely including licensing, disclosure rules, or standards for their services. Currently, the bill is pending review after being referred to committees, with a recommendation to defer further action as of January 31, 2025. It has not yet become law.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransRegulates paid advisors assisting veterans with benefits to prevent exploitation, establishing licensing/disclosure rules that protect veterans' access to benefits and rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 2, 2026

HB 2527: RELATING TO MILITARY BENEFITS.

Repeals portions of the Hawaii Revised Statutes that confer special benefits, protections, privileges, or entitlements to members of the United States armed forces in the State in the event that the United States government or any agency or entity of the United States government commences condemnation proceedings of any land or interest in land owned or held by the State.

Topics ✗ VeteransOpposes VeteransRepeals Hawaii statutes granting military members special protections in land condemnation cases, reducing a specific entitlement related to veterans' benefits.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 603: RELATING TO VETERANS.

Establishes provisions governing any person who receives compensation for advising, assisting, or consulting another person with veterans benefits. Effective 7/1/2077. (SD1)

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransRegulates veterans' benefit advisors to prevent fraud, protecting veterans' access to benefits and ensuring reliable assistance.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 657: RELATING TO DISABLED VETERANS.

Exempts disabled veterans from the State's vehicle weight tax and repeals the exemption for disabled veterans from the State's annual vehicle registration fee. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill repeals tax exemption for vehicle registration fee, increasing state revenue by collecting previously waived fees.95% confidence ✗ VeteransOpposes VeteransRepeals disabled veterans' annual vehicle registration fee exemption, removing a financial benefit, while maintaining weight tax exemption. Reduces veteran relief.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Veteran Benefits

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