Hawaii’s New Gay Marriage Law Expected to Boost Tourism by $217 Million

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie plans to sign a gay marriage bill into law during an invitation-only ceremony at the Hawaii Convention Center.

Abercrombie’s office said he would sign the bill Wednesday morning in a theater in the convention hall near Waikiki.

The signing comes the day after the state Senate passed the bill on Tuesday.

The measure will allow thousands of gay couples living in Hawaii and even more tourists to marry in the state starting Dec. 2.

Senators passed the bill 19-4 with two lawmakers excused.

An estimate from a University of Hawaii researcher says gay marriage will boost tourism by $217 million over the next three years.

The measure is the culmination of more than two decades of debate in the state.

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