Several wedding events are planned soon
after 12:01 AM on Monday in Hawaii as a gay marriage law takes
effect.
Three of the couples who first
legalized their relationships in civil unions in 2012 will be among
the six same-sex couples marrying at a midnight ceremony at the
Sheraton Waikiki hotel. It is one of several midnight wedding
ceremonies planned to inaugurate the law.
Hawaii Health Department spokeswoman
Janice Okubo told the AP that gay and lesbian couples can begin the
application process online at 12:01 AM.
Legalizing such unions is estimated to
add a $217 million tourism boost over the next three years to the
Hawaii economy.
“I think, overall, marriage and
weddings is a key part of what we do in Hawaii,” said Kelly
Sanders, area managing director for Starwood Hotels and Resorts,
which owns four Waikiki properties, including the Sheraton. “When
you look at the GLBT market, the biggest thing is they need to know
they're welcome. Hawaii is an all-inclusive destination.”