Act 006 (2014) Became Effective Today

There was press conference this morning to announce the implementation of Act 006 of the 2014 Legislature.  The act requires notation of veteran status on state driver’s licenses and identification cards if desired by the applicant and is effective October 1, 2014.

Representative K. Mark Takai introduced the measure (HB1770) in the 2014 legislative session as part of his Military Appreciation Package. The following representatives were co-sponsors: Karen Awana, Tom Brower, Rida Cabanilla, Romy Cachola, Ken Ito, Chris Lee, John Mizuno, Dee Morikawa, Calvin Say, Scott Nishimoto, Takashi Ohno, Richard Onishi, Gregg Takayama, Jessica Wooley, and Ryan Yamane.

Ron Han, Director of the State Office of Veterans Services provided testimony during the 2014 legislative session that explains the intent of the new law.  His testimony in part stated:

For the record, the legal definition as established in 38 United States Code (U.S.C.) says that “a veteran is defined as a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or re/eased there from under conditions other than dishonorable.” For federal Veterans Affairs benefits and entitlements, this definition remains in-tact.

However, forty seven States in the nation have passed some type of legislation to have “Veteran” notated on their driver’s license or on a separate card. Many of these states have reinterpreted the meaning of “Veteran” within their respective States to include those who served honorably in the National Guard and Reserves or those who served honorably in uniform but did not retire or go on active duty.

Highly recommend that the State of Hawaii support this “all-inclusive” concept so veterans will not need to carry their discharge or separation (i.e. DD Form 214 or NGB Form 22) papers to prove that they are veterans with this “all-inclusive” meaning. Many vendors across the United States give discounts to veterans with a legal ID proving that they are veterans.

Finally, some states who have had this legislation enacted, found that it helped law enforcement officers be alerted that they could be dealing with a veteran who may be suffering from a mental issue such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Officers were able to employ and to use the proper measures to prevent or de-escalate a potentially dangerous confrontation.

Veterans wanting to have “Veteran” placed on their driver’s license will pay the normal renewal fee (fee varies by age).