REQUESTING THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO CONSIDER RENAMING THE HONOULIULI WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT TO A NON-HAWAIIAN NAME.

SR135

THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

135

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

REQUESTING THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO CONSIDER
RENAMING THE HONOULIULI WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT TO A NON-HAWAIIAN NAME
.

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WHEREAS, the
Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant is a critical municipal facility serving
the residents of the City and County of Honolulu; and

WHEREAS, the
name Honouliuli
,
which translates roughly to �dark
bay� or �deep bay,� is a traditional Native Hawaiian place name in
the ʻEwa District of Oʻahu and reflects the deep
cultural and geographic knowledge embedded in the Hawaiian language; and

WHEREAS, Native Hawaiian
place names often carry layers of cultural meaning tied to history, genealogy,
and the natural environment, and many residents believe such names should be
used in ways that honor their significance and avoid unintended negative
associations; and

WHEREAS, the Honouliuli
Wastewater Treatment Plant provides essential wastewater treatment
services for the region, yet some community members have expressed concern that
associating the culturally significant name �Honouliuli� with a sewage
treatment facility may unintentionally diminish the dignity of the place name
and contribute to teasing or stigma directed at residents of the area;
and

WHEREAS, governmental
entities across the United States have periodically renamed wastewater
treatment facilities and other public infrastructure to address community
concerns, improve public perception, and avoid negative associations with
surrounding communities; and

WHEREAS, several
municipalities have renamed wastewater treatment plants to emphasize
environmental stewardship or reduce stigma associated with sewage
infrastructure, reflecting the principle that the naming of public facilities
can influence public perception and community identity; and

WHEREAS, reviewing and
renaming public facilities can be a respectful way for governments to respond
to community concerns and ensure that culturally meaningful place names are
treated with appropriate consideration; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate
of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session
of 2026, respectfully requests the City and County of Honolulu to
consider selecting a new name for the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant
that is not of Native Hawaiian origin; and

BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the City and County of Honolulu is encouraged to consult
with community stakeholders, including Native Hawaiian organizations
and local residents, during the renaming process; and

BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that a report on the progress of this renaming effort, including
any proposed new names and community feedback, be submitted to the
Legislature within one year of the adoption of this resolution; and

BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted
to the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, the Director of the City
and County of Honolulu's Department of Environmental Services, and to members
of the Honolulu City Council.

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:
�

Honouliuli
Wastewater Treatment Plant; Name Change