Honolulu Couple Finalized Their Adoption Journey
After beginning their process in 2022, a Honolulu couple shares the steps taken to bring their daughter, Kody, home.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Child Care
Greg Harris and Randy Minas recently celebrated the first birthday of their daughter, Kody, after a multi-year adoption process that began in 2022. The couple traveled from Oahu to San Francisco to welcome her home following her time in the NICU.
Why it matters
The couple’s experience highlights the rigorous requirements involved in domestic adoption, including background checks and safety inspections. Navigating these systems involves significant financial and logistical planning, as evidenced by their $50,000 investment in the journey.
Nationwide, same-sex adoption has been legal since 2016, though 16 states currently allow adoption agencies to cite religious beliefs to deny services. For Harris and Minas, the process required fulfilling agency standards in Hawaii and California.
The players
Greg Harris
An adoptive parent living in Honolulu who completed the extensive vetting process required for domestic adoption.
Randy Minas
An adoptive parent who underwent fingerprinting and child-rearing seminars to finalize the adoption of their daughter.
The details
The adoption process involved comprehensive vetting, including fingerprinting, extensive background checks, and child-rearing seminars. To meet home inspection requirements, the couple installed a safety barrier around their swimming pool in Honolulu. The journey culminated in San Francisco, where they supported Kody during her recovery in the NICU after her birth.
Timeline
2016: Same-sex adoption became legal nationwide in the U.S.
2022: Harris and Minas began their adoption journey.
September 2025: The couple received a text regarding a potential adoption.
October 2026: The couple celebrated Kody's first birthday.
Health Landscape
The legal environment for adoption in the United States has evolved significantly since the 2016 nationwide legalization of same-sex adoption. Today, prospective parents must navigate a complex landscape that varies by state regarding agency policies and religious exemptions.
Families considering adoption should speak with their physician and a licensed social worker about the physical and emotional readiness required for the process. Prospective parents should also research specific state regulations that may impact their access to certain adoption agencies.
The takeaway
Navigating the adoption system requires significant preparation, including understanding both the legal landscape and the financial investment involved. If you are starting this journey, consider consulting with a family law expert to understand the specific requirements for your state.
Further reading
For more on the logistics of expanding your family, visit our section on Child Care.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hawaiinewsnow.
