Protecting Your ʻOhana: Estate Planning Lessons from Hawaiʻi’s Military Families

Each November, we pause to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who serve our country. But beyond ceremonies and flags, Veterans Day is also a reminder of something deeply personal — the need to protect the people who stand behind you.

In Hawaiʻi, where ʻohana means everything, proper estate planning is one of the most meaningful ways to honor your service and safeguard your family’s future.

Why Some Families Need a More Specialized Estate Plan

Military and civilian families alike face challenges that standard estate documents often overlook. Frequent relocations, unique benefits, and state-specific laws can make it difficult to keep everything coordinated.

For example, a family that created an estate plan while stationed in California might find that their documents don’t work as intended after moving back home to Honolulu. Without periodic updates, even a well-crafted plan can become outdated or invalid under Hawaiʻi law.

Similarly, beneficiary designations on life insurance or retirement accounts — like the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) or Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) — can override your trust or will. If they’re not kept current, benefits might go to the wrong person or be left to a minor child without any protections in place.

Making the Most of Your Benefits and Assets

Your benefits and savings are designed to provide stability — but only if your estate plan ensures they work together.

Start by reviewing beneficiary forms for accuracy and alignment with your trust or will. If you’ve listed an ex-spouse or an outdated contact, that designation could take precedence over your current plan.

In addition, make sure your essential documents — such as your DD-214, service records, and estate planning documents — are stored securely and accessible to those who’ll need them. I help my clients in Honolulu organize these details as part of the Life & Legacy Planning process so their loved ones can act quickly and confidently when the time comes.

Finally, if you qualify for burial or memorial honors, document your wishes. Whether you want to rest in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl or have a local family service, clarity now means peace later.

A Plan That Works Through Every Stage of Life

Life changes — and your plan should too. Whether you’re serving, retired, or raising keiki here in Hawaiʻi, your estate plan should evolve with you.

That means having:

• A durable power of attorney customized for your situation, ensuring your trusted person can manage finances, benefits, and communication with the VA or Tricare if you’re unable to.

• Health care directives that are valid in both military and civilian hospitals across Hawaiʻi.

• Instructions for personal memorabilia — such as medals, service awards, or family heirlooms — so they’re handled with care and respect.

When we work together, I don’t just create documents and disappear. I partner with you and your ʻohana, reviewing and updating your plan regularly so it continues to serve you through every move, deployment, and milestone.

Your Service Deserves More Than Paperwork

True estate planning is about more than forms — it’s about relationships, legacy, and peace of mind.

Through my Life & Legacy Planning Process, we’ll ensure that your plan reflects your values and provides the clarity your loved ones will need when the time comes. Your ʻohana will know:

• Where to find important documents

• How to access accounts and benefits

• Whom to contact for guidance

• What steps to take without delay

When the unexpected happens, your family won’t face it alone. They’ll have someone who already knows them — and who’s committed to protecting their story.

This Veterans Day — and Every Day — Protect the ʻOhana You Love

Whether you’ve served in uniform or simply serve your family every day, your loved ones deserve the protection of a plan built to last.

Take the time to ensure your Life & Legacy Plan is complete, current, and coordinated — because the greatest way to honor your service is to protect those you love most.

FAQs

1. Do I need a different plan if I move between states?

While estate planning laws vary by state, a plan made in one state is generally valid in another. However, reviewing your plan after relocation is a good idea, as local laws, such as tax laws, can affect the effectiveness of your plan.

2. What happens if my beneficiary designations don’t match my will or trust?

Beneficiary forms generally override wills or trusts. Keeping them consistent prevents confusion and unintended distributions.

3. Is estate planning only for military families?

Not at all. While service members have unique needs, every Hawaiʻi family benefits from a coordinated plan that protects assets, avoids probate, and ensures loved ones are cared for.

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This article is brought to you by the Law Office of Keoni Souza, a boutique estate planning firm located in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, proudly serving families on Oʻahu and across the Hawaiian Islands. At our firm, estate planning is about more than documents — it’s about creating lasting peace of mind for you and the people you love. Through our unique Life & Legacy Planning Process, we guide you to make informed, empowered decisions that protect your wealth, your wishes, and your family’s future. To get started, contact our Honolulu office today to schedule your Life & Legacy Planning Session.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For guidance tailored to your specific situation, please consult an estate planning attorney licensed in the State of Hawaiʻi. Use of this website or communication through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship with the Law Office of Keoni Souza, LLC.