Hawaii Governor Signs Gay Marriage Bill

Same sex couples will be able to marry in Hawaii from Dec. 2

HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie has signed a bill legalizing gay marriage in a state that kicked off a national discussion on the issue more than two decades ago.

Abercrombie signed the bill Wednesday at a ceremony at the Hawaii Convention Center, near the tourist hub of Waikiki.

Now, Hawaii is positioning itself for a bump in tourism. An estimate from a University of Hawaii researcher says gay marriage will boost tourism by $217 million over the next three years, as Hawaii becomes a destination for ceremonies and honeymoons for couples in other states.