This legislation aims to enhance cultural awareness and respect for Hawaiian heritage by replacing colonial-era names with traditional names. The successful implementation of this bill would not only necessitate administrative actions by the Department of Land and Natural Resources but may also encourage a broader recognition of cultural complexities in naming places within Hawaii. Report findings and recommendations are to be presented to the legislature ahead of the next regular session, highlighting the significance of this endeavor.
Summary
Senate Bill 1525 seeks to honor the history and culture of Hawaii by addressing the naming of a prominent geographical feature known as Diamond Head. This bill mandates the Department of Land and Natural Resources to take inventory of all state and county roads, landmarks, monuments, and public parks that currently bear the name Diamond Head. The intention behind this initiative is to identify locations that should be renamed to their traditional place name, Lēahi, thus acknowledging and preserving the indigenous cultural significance.
Contention
While the bill seems to have a unifying purpose regarding cultural recognition, there may be differing views on the implications of renaming established sites. Advocates for the bill suggest that this move represents a vital step in rectifying historical oversights and promoting local identity. Conversely, there may be opposition from individuals who feel attached to the current names, fearing that renaming could erase cultural history that is linked to the existing nomenclature. Additionally, practical concerns regarding the costs and logistics of changing signage and public materials may arise.
Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources And City And County Of Honolulu To Independently Identify The Roads, Monuments, Landmarks, And Public Parks Within Their Respective Jurisdictions That Use The Name "diamond Head" And Identify The Process For Renaming These Roads, Monuments, Landmarks, And Public Parks From "diamond Head" To "lahi".
Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources And City And County Of Honolulu To Independently Identify The Roads, Monuments, Landmarks, And Public Parks Within Their Respective Jurisdictions That Use The Name "diamond Head" And Identify The Process For Renaming These Roads, Monuments, Landmarks, And Public Parks From "diamond Head" To "lahi".