SR 135: REQUESTING THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO CONSIDER RENAMING THE HONOULIULI WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT TO A NON-HAWAIIAN NAME.

SENATE RESOLUTION

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

     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. 

Report Title: 

Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant; Name Change