Hawaii Senate Bill SCR109

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22
• Report Pass: 4/6/22
• Engrossed: 4/7/22
• Refer: 4/8/22

Caption

Requesting The Establishment Of A Task Force To Explore The Feasibility Of Restoring Or Changing Historical Placenames On Streets.

Impact

If enacted, SCR109 would prompt a thorough examination of street names that potentially honor figures with problematic historical backgrounds. The task force would use specific criteria to assess street names, including whether an individual owned slaves or engaged in acts of violence or efforts against democratic rights. This process would signal a shift in how historical context is evaluated relative to contemporary societal values, potentially leading to a reevaluation of which figures are honored in public spaces throughout Hawaii.

Summary

SCR109 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-first Legislature of Hawaii, seeking the establishment of a task force to explore the feasibility of restoring or changing historical placenames on streets. This initiative stems from a growing national conversation around addressing America's history of naming locations after controversial figures who have ties to racism and oppression. Specifically, while Hawaii may not have many streets directly named after Confederate figures, it does have streets named after individuals who played significant roles in the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and the suppression of Hawaiian culture and language. The bill reflects an intent to consider contemporary values in the naming of public spaces.

Contention

There are notable implications surrounding the establishment of this task force. Proponents of the measure see it as an important step towards reconciliation and recognizing the complexities of Hawaii's historical narrative. However, there may be contention regarding the criteria set forth for renaming, and who ultimately decides which names are deemed objectionable. Discussions could arise about balancing historical preservation with the need for societal advancement, challenging the perspectives of various stakeholders within the community.

Implementation

The task force is also tasked with compiling a list of potential streets for renaming and conducting a feasibility study on the process of renaming. It is required to submit a preliminary report to the Legislature by a specified date, ensuring that this initiative has defined objectives and a timeline for evaluation. The resolution highlights the importance of community input and collaboration, recognizing that the naming process cannot rest solely on a single entity due to jurisdictional and governance complexities.