Federal Court Confirms Hawaii’s Right to Regulate Beach Weddings

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The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals says Hawaii has the right to regulate commercial weddings on public beaches.

The state began requiring permits in 2008, prompting a group of Maui wedding planners to sue, claiming the requirements violate the First Amendment.

The AP reports: 

The court ruled Wednesday that beach wedding permits required by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources don’t violate the First Amendment, but the power to revoke or modify a permit at any time does.

The ruling says the Aloha State’s permitting requirement serves a significant governmental interest by protecting more than 200 public beaches in the islands.

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