In Hawaii, it is legal for first cousins to marry. The state’s marriage laws do not explicitly prohibit cousin marriages, and first cousins are not included in the list of relationships that are restricted. According to the law, couples must apply for a marriage license, which may inquire about their blood relationship; however, being first cousins does not pose an impediment to obtaining this license.
Key Points Regarding Cousin Marriage in Hawaii
- Legal Status: First cousins can legally marry in Hawaii.
- Application Process: Couples must apply for a marriage license in person, where they may need to disclose their relationship as first cousins.
- Prohibited Relationships: Marriages between closer relatives, such as siblings (full or half-blood), uncles and nieces, or aunts and nephews, are prohibited under Hawaiian law.
- Recognition in Other States: While Hawaii allows first cousin marriages, couples should be aware that some states may not recognize such marriages if they have stricter laws against cousin unions.
In summary, marrying your first cousin is permissible in Hawaii, making it one of the states where such unions are legally accepted.
Sources:
https://legacy.lambdalegal.org/publications/hawaii-marriage-faq
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States