The Office of Veterans Services (OVS)

Many veterans confuse the Department of Veterans Affairs (the Federal agency) with the Office of Veterans Services (a State agency that is part of the State Department of Defense.) The following is a brief summary of the Office of Veterans Services.

The Mission. The Office of Veterans’ Services (OVS) is the principal state office responsible for the development and management of policies and programs related to veterans, their dependents, and/or survivors. The OVS acts as a liaison between the Governor and veterans’ organizations and also between the Department of Veterans Affairs and individual veterans. Our objectives are to assist veterans in obtaining State and federal entitlements, to supply the latest information on veterans’ issues and to provide advice and support to veterans making the transition back into civilian life.

OVS is the State’s primary advocate for veterans applying for and receiving benefits and services. The OVS may take action on behalf of veterans, their families and survivors to secure appropriate rights, benefits and services.

The OVS serves all eligible veterans, Reservists, National Guard members, active-duty military personnel and their dependents (including stepchildren).

List of Services and Benefits Offered by OVS

Contact OVS

OVS Newsletter Hawaiʻi Veteran

A quarterly newsletter of information for veterans in Hawaii

Subscribe to the Newsletter

View the Newsletter

Advisory Board on Veterans Services

The Advisory Board on Veterans Services advises the Director of the Office of Veterans Services on veterans’ issues – legislative proposals and program operations. The Board consists of eight voting members representing all of the state’s counties. Members of the Advisory Board, with the consent of the Senate, are appointed by the Governor and hold four-year terms of office. At least five of the board’s seven members must be veterans and three members must be women. Members serve for four-year terms.

The Board meets on the first Friday of each month at 9:00 am to discuss matters related to the state’s 120,000 veterans. Meetings are held through Microsoft Teams Meeting and are open to the public.

View the Board Members

View the Next Meeting

View the Advisory Board By-Laws

See the Past Meeting Minutes

Please contact your nearest OVS office or email [email protected] for more information if you would like to get involved.