Hawaii Department of Veterans Affairs

Aloha State Appreciation: Hawaii's Top 10 Most Valuable Veterans Benefits

The State of Hawaii honors its veterans with a unique and valuable set of benefits designed to address the high cost of living and improve the quality of life for those who have served. Administered by the Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services (OVS), these programs provide significant financial relief, housing assistance, and long-term security. While the personal value of each benefit can differ, a clear top tier emerges based on monetary impact, broad applicability, and life-altering support in the Aloha State.

Here are the top ten, most valuable veterans benefits offered through the Hawaii Department of Veterans Affairs:

1. Full Property Tax Exemption for 100% Disabled Veterans: Arguably the most significant benefit for veterans in Hawaii's expensive housing market, counties across the state offer a complete exemption from property taxes for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating. This can save eligible homeowners thousands, or even tens of thousands, of dollars annually, providing immense financial stability.
2. No State Income Tax on Military Retirement Pay: In a major financial boon for career military members, Hawaii does not levy any state income tax on military retirement pay. This policy allows retired veterans to keep a much larger portion of their hard-earned pension, a crucial advantage given the state's high cost of living.
3. State Veterans Home: The Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo provides affordable, high-quality long-term care for Hawaii's veterans. The facility offers skilled nursing, intermediate care, and community-based services. Access to subsidized long-term care is a critical benefit for aging veterans and their families, offering peace of mind and essential support.
4. State Employment Preference: Veterans receive a hiring preference when applying for state and county civil service jobs. Five points are added to the examination scores of qualified veterans, and ten points are added for those with a service-connected disability. This preference provides a vital edge in securing stable and rewarding government employment.
5. Special Housing for Disabled Veterans: Hawaii's counties may provide special housing for veterans who are disabled due to paraplegia or quadriplegia and are unable to walk. This can include providing a specially adapted home, which is an invaluable benefit for veterans with severe mobility impairments.
6. Free License Plates and Parking Privileges for Disabled Veterans: Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability are exempt from paying vehicle registration fees and receive a special license plate. These plates also grant free parking in any state or county metered stall, a significant convenience and cost-saver.
7. Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (STAP): For those still serving, the state offers tuition assistance to members of the Hawaii National Guard. This can cover a significant portion of tuition costs at University of Hawaii system schools, helping service members advance their education while serving.
8. State Veterans Cemeteries: Hawaii operates several State Veterans Cemeteries across the islands, providing a dignified and honorable final resting place for veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents. The state provides the plot, interment, and perpetual care at no cost to the veteran's family, alleviating a significant financial and emotional burden.
9. In-State Tuition for Military Members and Dependents: While not exclusively a veterans benefit, active-duty members and their dependents stationed in Hawaii are granted resident status for tuition purposes at University of Hawaii schools. This allows for significant savings on higher education costs and eases the transition for families who may later become veterans residing in the state.
10. "VETERAN" Designation on Driver's Licenses and State IDs: Hawaii offers a "VETERAN" designation on driver's licenses and state identification cards. This simple but important benefit allows for easy verification of veteran status, ensuring access to the numerous retail and commercial discounts offered as a gesture of appreciation throughout the islands.

These premier benefits showcase Hawaii's strong commitment to its veteran community. For detailed eligibility requirements and to connect with a service officer for assistance, veterans are encouraged to visit the official website of the Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services.

Hawaii Office of Veterans Services 

Contact Information:

Address: 
459 Patterson Road
E-Wing, Room 1-A103

Phone: 808-433-0420

Return to the WeSalute State Veterans Benefits Directory