Sunbathing on the beach at Waikiki Beach. O'ahu. Marriage between individuals of the same sex In 1997, the state of Hawaii passed a law under the Act reciprocal beneficiaries Hawaii that extended various rights and benefits for gay couples. Although unions between persons of the same sex are not yet recognized by the state, this law allows couples, even if they are not allowed to marry, be worthy of certain rights and benefits that were traditionally only available to married couples. In a monumental decision in the controversial court case Baehr v. Miike, Judge Kevin Chang passed the Hawaii State refusal to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples violated the state constitution of Hawaii. Chang also judge suspended the order granting licenses to gay couples until the Supreme Court to appeal the case. Although homosexual couples can not access legal marriage, can celebrate their spiritual union with an intimate ceremony of commitment. Same-sex couples can obtain a certificate from the Department of Health. They must: • Be at least 18 years of age. • Not have been previously married or have been certified previously. • being denied the right to marry his / her partner under the laws of the state of Hawaii. • Not accepting the beneficiary relationship by force, intimidation or fraud. • Complete and sign a notarized statement of the relationship with the State Department of Health. • Pay a small fee to register.