Hawaii News Now:

A local couple is suing the state in order to get marriage rights. They say a civil union is not enough and they plan to fight the constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage.

In 1998 State voters passed a constitutional amendment keeping marriage between a man and a woman.

... The state recently emerged from a long debate over civil unions. That law goes into effect in January. But that's not good enough for the couple.

... Their attorney John D'Amato argues the state law reserving marriage to only heterosexual couples is discriminatory and violates the 14th amendment. He says it would not require another constitutional amendment to change the law.

... The couple filed the lawsuit in district court yesterday. Their first court appearance won't be until March.