Hawaii disabled veteran benefits: tax, plates, education, and recreation.

Hawaii military retirement pay tax

Military retirement pay is exempt from Hawaii income tax.

Hawaii disabled veteran license plate

Eligibility: 100% SC VA disability rating, HI resident, other-than-dishonorable discharge (for the $46 fee exemption specifically).

How to apply: DD-214 (original/certified copy) + OVS eligibility certification for the plate. For the fee exemption: fax 808-433-0385 or email ovs@hawaii.gov with driver’s license + current registration — must be RENEWED EVERY YEAR.

Agency: County DMV — Hawaii has no centralized statewide DMV; each county manages registration independently. Policy support: Office of Veterans’ Services (OVS)

Registration, parking, and toll notes

$46 annual state registration fee exemption on one non-commercial vehicle (100% rated only, annual re-certification required).

No dedicated disabled-veteran toll program confirmed in Hawaii.

Hawaii property tax benefits

2026 review: county rules differ. Honolulu total-disability relief leaves a $300 minimum plus special assessments. Hawaii County includes 100% disability or 100% unemployability and leaves half the applicable minimum. Maui uses 70% or higher; Kauai uses 80% or higher for home relief subject to a $150 minimum, with separate up-to-$50,000 value relief below 80%. File with your county; no automatic zero bill.

Hawaii education benefits

Hawaii National Guard STAP lists 100% eligible UH undergraduate tuition reimbursement, subject to funds, grade requirements and a term application. UH resident-rate classification and VA enrollment certification are separate campus requests.

How to apply for Hawaii education benefits

Hawaii recreation benefits

September 2026 review: Hawaii residents' recreational ocean fishing differs from nonresident marine and freshwater licensing. Hunting requires education, a license and applicable stamps/tags; a VA ID is not a blanket waiver. Park entry, disability accommodations and camping reservations have separate requirements.

Educational disclaimer

VetOps is not VA, a VSO, DMV, DOT, a tax advisor, or a government agency. This guide is educational only, does not provide legal, financial, or tax advice, and does not guarantee benefits or tax outcomes.