` People have worked long and hard for this day , '' Abercrombie said at the bill-signing ceremony Wednesday . ` Abercrombie : ` ` People have worked long and hard for this day '' The bill will take effect January 1 , 2012 . It grants the same rights to gay couples that those in a marriage enjoy . In July , Hawaii 's then - governor vetoed a similar bill .
Abercrombie : ` ` People have worked long and hard for this day '' The bill will take effect January 1 , 2012 . It grants the same rights to gay couples that those in a marriage enjoy . In July , Hawaii 's then - governor vetoed a similar bill .