Home › Hawaii › Hawaiʻi County

Hawaiʻi County, Hawaii (Big Island)

Where and when to file locally, plus every Hawaii and federal benefit that applies here.

How to file locally

  1. Each Hawaii county sets its own disabled veteran exemption; the rules here are this county’s.
  2. Have your VA rating letter ready.
  3. File the form listed below with the county office by its deadline.

Local offices

Hawaiʻi County Real Property Tax Office, Hilo

Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 4, Hilo, HI 96720
Office: (808) 961-8201  
Website · Source

Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services: Hilo (free help)

1304 Kekuanaoa St., #L-102, Hilo, HI 96720
Hilo: (808) 369-3538   Kona (Kealakekua): (808) 844-6664  
Website · Source

Hawaiʻi County filings

1 benefits

Totally disabled veteran home exemption (Form 19-73)

100%+Property tax

The principal residence of a totally disabled veteran is exempt from real property tax, except special assessments and the minimum tax. Any commercially used part doesn’t qualify.

Who qualifies
Totally disabled veteran (service-connected); principal residence.
How to apply
File Form 19-73 with the Real Property Tax Office.
Deadline
File by June 30 for the first-half payment, or by Dec 31 for the second-half payment.
Law
Hawaiʻi County Code ch. 19

Also applies here: Hawaii statewide

15 benefits

Hawaii Real Property Tax Exemptions

Check eligibilityProperty taxSource-checked

Each Hawaii county has a variation of a property tax exemption for disabled Veterans and their surviving spouse. Each county has their own assessment rate, eligibility requirements and forms for their exemption. Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption Information for Counties in Hawaii: For more information and to apply disabled Veterans or their unremarried surviving spouse should contact the tax assessment office in the county where the property is located.

Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption Information for Counties in Hawaii: For more information and to apply disabled Veterans or their unremarried surviving spouse should contact the tax assessment office in the county where the property is located.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.

Honolulu: home exemption for totally disabled veterans

100%+Property tax

In the City & County of Honolulu, a home owned and occupied by a veteran totally disabled from service is exempt from property tax (except the minimum tax and special assessments). Other counties have their own versions.

Who qualifies
Totally disabled from injuries received in service.
How to apply
File form E-8-10.5 with Honolulu RPAD.
Deadline
Takes effect at the next tax payment date.
Law
ROH § 8-10.5
Source: Honolulu RPAD: Totally Disabled VeteransLast verified: 2026-10-16

Hawaii Income Taxes on Military Retired Pay

Any veteranTaxes & paySource-checked

Military retired pay is exempt from Hawaii Income taxes. Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) does not withhold taxes for state or local income tax, but it is reported annually on IRS Form 1099-R. All TSP distributions are subject to state taxes and early distributions may incur higher taxes. Hawaii Income Exemption for Nonresident Military Spouses: A nonresident s ervice member’s s pouse may be exempt from paying Hawaii taxes on income earned while stationed in Hawaii .

Who qualifies
A nonresident military s pouse must meet the following requirements to be exempt from Hawaii income tax : Service member is in Hawaii in compliance with military orders ; Military s pouse is in Hawaii only to be with the s ervice member ; Military s pouse and s ervice member are resident s of a state or territory other tha n Hawaii
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.

Hawaii State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Military Disability Retirement Pay

Check eligibilityTaxes & payAuto-imported · verify (low confidence)

Military disability retirement pay received as a pension, annuity or similar allowance for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service in the U.S. Armed Forces should not be included in taxable income. Some of the payments which are considered disability benefits include: Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid to Veterans or their families; Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living; Grants for motor vehicles for Veterans who lost their sight or the use of limbs, or; Benefits under a dependent-care assistance program; See for more information.

Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.

Hawaii State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

Check eligibilityTaxes & payAuto-imported · verify (low confidence)

DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected injury or disease.

Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.

Hawaii State Taxes on Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP), and Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Annuities

Any veteranTaxes & payFor survivorAuto-imported · verify

SBP, RCSBP and RSFPP annuities are not taxed in Hawaii.

Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.

Hawaii Passenger Vehicle Tax Exemption for Vehicles Given to Disabled Veterans

Check eligibilityVehiclesSource-checked

Specially adapted vehicles that have been provided to service-connected disabled Veterans by the VA are exempt from Hawaii county vehicular taxes. Hawaii State Tax Exemption for Social Security Benefits: Hawaii does not tax Social Security benefits.

Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.

Hawaii State Motor Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption

100%+Vehicles

Hawaii offers a partial motor vehicle registration fee exemption of $46 for one vehicle for disabled Veterans.

Who qualifies
Veterans must meet the following requirements to be eligible: Hawaii resident; Received a discharge other than dishonorable; Has a 100% service-connected disability rating; Veterans will be required to provide the following documentation to the Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services: Copy of driver’s license; Copy of current vehicle registration; Copy of current VA Disability Letter; Current mailing address if different from license; Veterans can submit documentation by email to ovs@hawaii.gov , or by fax to 808-433-0385. The Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services will verify the documentation and provide a letter that Veterans must use when registering their vehicle.
How to apply
Veterans must meet the following requirements to be eligible: Hawaii resident; Received a discharge other than dishonorable; Has a 100% service-connected disability rating; Veterans will be required to provide the following documentation to the Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services: Copy of driver’s license; Copy of current vehicle registration; Copy of current VA Disability Letter; Current mailing address if different from license; Veterans can submit documentation by email to ovs@hawaii.gov , or
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.
Source: Official source (dod.hawaii.gov)Last verified: 2026-10-16

"Veteran" Designation for Hawaii Driver’s Licenses, ID Cards and Instruction Permits

Any veteranVehiclesSource-checked

Hawaii offers a” Veteran" designation for Hawaii driver’s licenses, state ID cards and instruction permits for eligible Veterans.

Who qualifies
Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions are eligible. Veterans must provide a completed or and proof of eligibility. Acceptable documents for proof include: DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty); NGB 22 (National Guard Report of Separation from Active Duty); Prior to January 1, 1950 - WD AGO 53, WD AGO 55, WD AGO, 53-55, NAVPERS 553, NAVMC 78PD, NAVCG 553, DD Form 217; Discharge Certificate reflecting characterization of discharge; Verification letter issued by the VA; Verification letter issued by the Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services; All documents must be an original or a certified copy. For more information Veterans can contact their Hawaii county driver’s license/state ID office: County of Hawaii: 808-961-2222; City and County of Honolulu: 808-532-7730; County of Kauai: 808-241-4242; County of
How to apply
For more information Veterans can contact their Hawaii county driver’s license/state ID office: County of Hawaii: 808-961-2222; City and County of Honolulu: 808-532-7730; County of Kauai: 808-241-4242; County of Maui: 808-270-7363; Molokai: 808-553-9067; Lanai: 808-565-7878
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.

Hawaii Military and Veterans License Plates

Any veteranVehicles

Hawaii offers 10 distinctive license plates to honor the service and sacrifice of eligible service members, Veterans, retired service members, and certain family members. Specific eligibility and documentation requirements will apply. Hawaii Military and Veteran license plate designs available: Gold Star Family; Veteran; Combat Veteran; Combat Wounded (Purple Heart); Pearl Harbor Survivor; Former POW (prisoner of war); World War II Veteran; Korean War Veteran; Vietnam Veteran; Persian Gulf Veteran; These license plate may be used on noncommercial passenger motor vehicles, motorcycles and…

Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Specific eligibility and documentation requirements will apply.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.
Source: Official source (dod.hawaii.gov)Last verified: 2026-10-16

Vehicle registration fee exemption ($46 state fee)

Check eligibilityVehicles

Hawaii-resident veterans rated 100% service-connected are exempt from the $46 annual state registration fee. Other registration charges still apply, and a new exemption letter is needed each year.

Who qualifies
100% service-connected disability, Hawaii resident, other-than-dishonorable discharge
How to apply
Get the yearly exemption letter (see the Office of Veterans Services) and present it at county vehicle registration.
Deadline
Annual
Source: HRS 249-31.5Source: Hawaii Office of Veterans ServicesLast verified: 2026-10-16

Hawaii Residency for Tuition Purposes for Nonresident Veterans, Service Members and Dependents

Any veteranEducationFor family

Nonresident Veterans, service members who are stationed in Hawaii and their dependents are eligible to attend colleges in Hawaii at the resident tuition rate. In addition, students using VA educational benefits and the Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship are also eligible for resident rates.

Who qualifies
Nonresidents are authorized resident tuition if they meet one of the following requirements: Service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces Service and their authorized dependents while stationed in Hawaii; Hawaii National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserve service members serving in a unit based in Hawaii; Veterans who are using VA educational benefits; Students using the Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship; Students using transferred VA educational benefits from a transferor serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces; Veterans using educational assistance under the Veteran Readiness and Employment program (formerly Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment)
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.
Source: Official source (www.kapiolani.hawaii.edu)Last verified: 2026-10-16

Hawaii Workforce Development Division (WDD) Veteran Services

Any veteranJobs

The Hawaii WDD and American Job Centers offer a wide range of employment and training services for Veterans and service members transitioning to civilian employment. American Job Centers have staff who are Veterans themselves and have received special training to understand how to bridge the skills and experiences of Veterans with the job requirements in local industries. One-Stop Center staff offers the following services: Priority of services for job and training referrals; Assessment of skills and experience; Job fairs and job search workshops; Assistance with resume development;…

Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
One-Stop Center staff offers the following services: Priority of services for job and training referrals; Assessment of skills and experience; Job fairs and job search workshops; Assistance with resume development; Employer recruitments; Information and referrals to other resources; For more information Please contact the nearest Hawaii American Job Center.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.
Source: Official source (labor.hawaii.gov)Last verified: 2026-10-16

Yukio Okutsu, Hawaii State Veterans Home in Hilo

Check eligibilityOther

The Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo, provides high quality long term nursing and personal care, applied with courtesy and compassion for Veterans and their eligible family members. Services Provided: Skilled nursing care; Rehabilitation therapies; Long term care; Hospice care; Geriatric mental health care; Alzheimer’s care; Dementia care; Adult day care; Respite care; Amenities: 95 beds - Large private rooms with showers or spacious semi-private suites; Home-like atmosphere; Family dining room for special occasions; Landscaped grounds with lanai and strolling garden;

Who qualifies
To be eligible for care the Veteran must meet the following eligibility requirements: Require skilled or long-term nursing home care; Must be at least 55 years of age (admission under age 55 may be considered on a case by case basis); Received an honorable discharge; Resident of Hawaii prior to entry into the U.S. Armed Forces or for one year prior to application; Must be able to pay the resident’s portion of the cost of care; On a space available basis spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star Parents may be admitted; Admission priority is based on: First - Severity of disability; Second - Capacity to earn a living; Third - Length of military service; Fourth - Amount of combat experience; Fifth - Circumstances of immediate family; ; For questions and more information please call 808-961-1500.
How to apply
Armed Forces or for one year prior to application; Must be able to pay the resident’s portion of the cost of care; On a space available basis spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star Parents may be admitted; Admission priority is based on: First - Severity of disability; Second - Capacity to earn a living; Third - Length of military service; Fourth - Amount of combat experience; Fifth - Circumstances of immediate family; ; For questions and more information please call 808-961-1500.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.
Source: Official source (dod.hawaii.gov)Last verified: 2026-10-16

Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery (HSVC)

Check eligibilityOther

HSVC offers a dignified final resting place for Veterans and their eligible family members. HSVC will provide a gravesite, marker, grave liner, perpetual care of the gravesite, and will open and close the grave. Family members utilize a one grave concept with interments at 6', 8', and 10' depths. Cremated remains may be placed in a niche in the columbarium wall, or buried in a ground plot. When both spouses are Veterans, two gravesites and two headstones may be provided, if requested. Funeral honors are available through the Hawaii National Guard. A family member or authorized…

Who qualifies
Eligibility requirements for burial at HSVC are the same as for VA National Cemeteries. Exact eligibility requirements can viewed at the . The following are the general eligibility requirements: Discharged from active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces under conditions other than dishonorable, or; Died while serving on active duty, or; Served at least 20 years in the National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserves and is eligible for military retired pay (or would have been eligible except their death occurred before age 60), or; Reserve component service members if they were activated for federal service, (active duty for training does not qualify); Spouses and children (burial of dependent children is limited to unmarried children under 21 years old or 23 years old if a full-time student at an approved educational institution or a child who develops a lifelong disability prior to age 2
How to apply
The following information must also be provided: Veteran's full name, rank, branch of service, SSN/VA claim number; Date of entry and discharge of service; Date of birth and death; For more information or assistance, please contact: Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery 45-349 Kamehameha Highway Kaneohe, HI 96744 Phone: 808-369-3575 Fax: 808-233-3633 Email: HSVC@hawaii.gov Hawaii also has seven County Veterans Cemeteries that offer burials for Veterans and their eligible family members.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.

See federal benefits →

Get the P&T Brief

A free weekly email with rule changes and upcoming deadlines for your state. Unsubscribe in one click.

Opens our Beehiiv signup page, where you confirm. Or subscribe directly on Beehiiv. See our privacy policy.