Proposal for Name Change: Hawai'i Island to Simplify Official Reference
Rewritten Article:
Is there power in a moniker? That's still a potent question, over four centuries after ol' Willie Shakey asked it.
In the tropical paradise of Hawai'i, the Board on Geographic Names is all set to vote on a proposition, first presented in March 2024, to rename the island of Hawai'i — the largest pearl in the Hawaiian Archipelago's strand — to simply Hawai'i.
"That's the plan, mate. If there's extended discussion, the decision might get pushed to the next meeting," Arthur Buto, representing the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development on the board, told the Tribune-Herald on Wednesday.
The idea of a name change was initiated by Kapa Oliveira, who represents the University of Hawai'i at Manoa on the board, in March 2024.
"From what I gather, it's about consistency with the names of the other islands," Buto explained.
The board consists of members representing various stakeholders, including UH-Manoa, Bishop Museum, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Land Survey Division. Notably, the board falls under the legal jurisdiction of the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development.
An explanation of the proposed name change, posted online at https://planning.hawaii.gov/gis/hbgn/, states: In March 2024, members of the Hawai'i Board on Geographic Names ("HBGN") expressed a desire to discuss the official name of the largest island in the Hawaiian Archipelago, the "Island of Hawai'i." Members proposed a review of the name, as it's the only island in the Hawaiian Archipelago whose name includes "Island of." Essentially, they wanted to consider switching the Primary Name to "Hawai'i," in line with the naming convention of the other islands, such as Maui, O'ahu, etc. However, a name change discussion hinges on the name being on the Board's agenda for a future meeting. Therefore, in the April 2024 Notice of Meeting and Agenda for the HBGN, Agenda Item 5 called for "Discussion and decision on Island of Hawai'i."
"We're excited for a thoughtful, respectful debate on this crucial topic," HBGN announced on their website to notify the public of the agenda item for the upcoming meeting, the date for which hasn't been posted yet.
Has the proposed name change caused issues, particularly among those worried that an exact name match between the island and the state might harm Big Island tourism? Buto replied, "Yeah, sure, there's been some dust kicked up, all right."
"It's important to clarify that the Hawaii Board on Geographic Names' role is to designate the official names state agencies are to use, preferably on maps and documents," he continued. "Ninety percent of the complaints I've received on the issue were folks saying 'the Big Island.' Most of them said 'the Big Island'... Not a single soul said 'Island of Hawai'i.' It's just vacationers calling it 'Hawaii' or 'Hawai'i Island,' but that's not what this change is aiming to do. That said, it's definitely a source of confusion."
One individual, James Tacker of Kealakekua, did express his concerns about the name change in an email, stating, "Aloha, I've lived on the Island of Hawai'i for many years. Why do you think you can change the name? This is an undemocratic process. Residents of Hawai'i I've spoken to don't like this idea. Please don't change it."
Theresa Holderread of Kailua-Kona feels that if island residents had known about the name change proposal earlier, "the committee would've been bombarded with emails against it, thinking it's an April Fool's prank."
"Unfortunately, many of us found out about it on Easter instead," Holderread testified via email. "... It's already a bit confusing when someone asks you where you're going and you say 'Hawaii,' and folksthen ask, 'Which one in Hawaii?' Rechristening it would only cause more perplexity. Instead, popular nicknames such as Big Island or Hawaii Island are more effective and should remain, as a name change now would only lead to further puzzlement."
While UH-Manoa has a seat on the board, with its member proposing the change, the University of Hawai'i at Hilo, in the county seat of the island that would be affected, doesn't have representation.
Angela Faanunu, assistant professor of sustainable tourism at UH-Hilo, noted that the island also has another name, Moku O Keawe, which predates Western contact.
"I'm puzzled as to why the original name of the island hasn't been used, for that would resolve everyone's issues," Faanunu said. "When you're discussing a name, that's significant. I'd worry about or be concerned about the process they're using to decide the name. If they really care about representing what the people want, then the people should have a chance to express their thoughts."
Larry Kimura, professor of Hawaiian language and Hawaiian studies, pointed out that the name of Hawai'i for the archipelago stems from the Hawaiian conqueror who united the islands.
"Our good king, Kamehameha, when asked what his kingdom should be called, he said he'd name it after his island, the Island of Hawai'i," Kimura explained. "He, in reference to Kamehameha, named his kingdom after his island, where he was raised, the Island of Hawai'i. And it seems that that's probably the reason the state may be concerned about the confusion. Tourists come thinking the whole state — they land in Honolulu, go to Waikiki — thinking they're already in Hawai'i. That's technically correct, considering it's the official name. But then there's the Island of Hawai'i, and I guess that's why the state might want to distinguish between the two."
Those concerned may submit their testimonies via email at [email protected] or send postal mail to: Office of Planning and Sustainable Development ATTN: Hawai'i Board on Geographic Names, P.O. Box 2359, Honolulu, HI 96804-2359.
Email John Burnett at [email protected].
Additional Insight:If the name change is approved, it would signal a shift in Hawaii's naming conventions, aligning with the efforts to preserve the state's Hawaiian cultural heritage and promote cultural awareness of its indigenous people. A name change could also lead to improved consistency in addressing the island, potentially reducing confusion for tourists and locals alike.
The name change proposal for the island of Hawai'i could spark discussions in the realm of politics, as it might align with efforts to preserve Hawaiian cultural heritage and promote cultural awareness of the indigenous people. Furthermore, this general-news topic could have potential implications for tourism, as some worries exist about the possible confusion that might arise due to a name match between the island and the state.
