Hawaii offers a variety of benefits to veterans, including housing assistance, financial benefits, education programs, employment preferences, recreational opportunities, and more.
Housing Benefits
- Hawaii State Veterans Home: Offers skilled nursing care for eligible veterans over 55. Costs not covered by VA or Medicare are the responsibility of the veteran.
- Special Housing for Disabled Veterans: Provides up to $5,000 for purchasing or remodeling a home to improve accessibility for totally disabled veterans.
Financial Benefits
- Income and Property Tax Exemptions: Retired pay and SBP payments are tax-free. Property owned and occupied by a totally disabled veteran or their surviving spouse may be exempt from all property taxes.
Employment Benefits
- Hiring Preferences: For public employment, non-disabled veterans receive 5 preference points, while disabled veterans receive 10. Preference points are added to examination scores for applicants in competitive recruitments.
Educational Benefits
- Resident Tuition Eligibility: For U.S. troops stationed in Hawaii, Hawaii National Guard and Hawaii-based Reserve members, and nonresident veterans within three years of discharge who live in Hawaii.
- Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (STAP): Offers tuition waivers for eligible service members, covering 100% of community college tuition and 50% of four-year university tuition.
Recreational Benefits
- Hunting Licenses: Active duty military personnel and their dependents stationed in Hawaii are considered residents for hunting license purposes.
Vehicle Registration and Special Licenses
- Vehicle Registration Fee Waiver: Available for permanently disabled veterans, offering a $45 discount on state registration fees.
- Veteran Designation for Driver Licenses and ID Cards: Eligible veterans can receive a “Veteran” designation on their driver’s license or ID card.
Additional Support Services
- Hawaii National Guard State Family Program: Offers resources and assistance to service members, veterans, and their families.
- Medical Coverage for Hawaii National Guard Members: Compensation is provided for personal injuries arising out of duty performance.