Got a license for that wedding?

It isn’t hard to get married in Hawai’i as long as you have a partner and pay the $50 for a wedding license, cash on the barrelhead only.

But finding out where to buy a license isn’t easy. It took several calls to state and county government offices Wednesday to learn that certain state-appointed businesses and individuals sell the licenses.

According to the governor’s liaison office on Kaua’i, the six approved licensers are chosen geographically, so that every section of the island is covered. The licenses are available by appointment only.

Lynn Kubota of Pono Market is one of the license agents and can be reached at 822-5122. Kubota and her family have been selling the licenses since 1980. She said February, because of Valentine’s Day, is usually the busiest month.

Kubota also said tourists outnumber locals in license requests.

Smith’s Motorboat Service in Wailua (821-6892) also sells marriage licenses, as does Joan Maeda, who can be reached at 823-0318.

Lovestruck couples in Lihu’e can obtain a license through the governor’s liaison office (274-3100) in the state building at the corner of Hardy and Eiwa streets.

On the North Shore, Dayna Santos will help you on your wedded way. Call 826-7742.

And in the Koloa area, license applicants may call Val Coyaso at 332-7076.

No blood test or proof of citizenship is required to get hitched on Kaua’i. But both parties must be present. And those who don’t look 18 or older may be asked to prove their age with a valid I.D.

Couples married on Kaua’i need the license before their ceremony is performed. The license is good for up to 30 days anywhere in the state.

Meanwhile, Governor Ben Cayetano has proposed raising the license fee to $90. The 80 percent bump has won the support of two committees in the Legislature and will require approval by the Senate and House of Representatives before it can become law.

Staff writer Dennis Wilken can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) and mailto:dwilken@pulitzer.net