Proposed Island Name Change Discussion: Opinions Sought on Renaming the Island of Hawai'i to Simply Hawai'i
Ready to dive into the Hawaiian name game? Let's chat about the buzz surrounding the largest island in the archipelago, known as the Island of Hawaii or, more commonly, the Big Island.
Soon, the Hawaii Board on Geographic Names may be shaking things up by renaming the Big Island to simply Hawaii—a move aimed to keep things consistent with the naming conventions of other islands such as Maui and Oahu. Buto, representing the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development on the board, revealed that the proposed change went live back in March 2024.
While the board consists of members from various stakeholders—from UH-Manoa to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands—the decision-making power lies with the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development.
The island's potential name change has sparked mixed feelings. Among the concern is potential negative effects on tourism as the Big Island and the state of Hawaii share the same name. Nevertheless, Buto echoes the sentiment that the name change won't encroach on common usage, as the majority of people refer to the Big Island as, well, the Big Island.
Interestingly, the Big Island also bears the traditional name Moku o Keawe. Some, like Angela Faanunu from UH-Hilo, argue that using the island's original name instead would be the ideal solution to all parties involved. Buto, however, doubts the proposal will evoke extensive discussions or veer from the planned vote in June 2025.
If you have thoughts on the matter, feel free to share them via [email protected]. Let's keep the aloha spirit flowing as we navigate through this naming adventure—after all, it's just a name, right? Well, not quite.
- The proposed change by the Hawaii Board on Geographic Names to rename the Big Island to simply Hawaii might be a move towards sustainable development.
- The common name for the Big Island, the Big Island, might not change despite the potential official name change, according to Buto from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development.
- General news outlets have probably reported on the mixed feelings regarding the island's potential name change, with concerns about tourism and the preservation of the traditional name Moku o Keawe.
- Politics seem to play a role in the decision-making process, as the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development holds the decision-making power in the Hawaii Board on Geographic Names.
