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Council adopts resolution urging rename of Sand Island to Maui Ola
Summary
The council adopted Resolution 25-63 FD1 urging the Hawaii Board on Geographic Names to restore the historic Hawaiian name Maui Ola for the area commonly called Sand Island; paddling groups and community members testified in support.
The Honolulu City Council adopted Resolution 25-63 FD1 urging the Hawaiʻi Board on Geographic Names to restore the Hawaiian place name Maui Ola for the area currently known as Sand Island.
The measure was amended to an FD1 version that, according to members, adds reference to the business park area. Supporters told the council the rename is part of a broader movement to restore traditional place names that carry cultural meaning.
Council member Cordero, who sponsored the report, said the change would not alter street addresses but would formally recognize the land area as Maui Ola. She thanked organizations involved in the effort, including Mālama Maui Ola and the Sand Island Business Association, and said many businesses in the business park had expressed support.
Rhonda Burke, speaking for the Oʻahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association, said the site is a key practice area for canoe clubs and a preseason race site. “We are in strong support of resolution 25 dash 0 6 3,” she said, describing the rename as part of reclaiming traditional names that “carry mana, meaning, and memory.”
Deborah King, who also testified in person, said she stood by her written testimony “that I'm in strong support of returning the Hawaiian name to…Maliola.” Council members had no objections to amending the resolution to FD1 and then adopted CR 167 and Resolution 25-63 FD1.
The resolution asks the state board to consider the name change; it does not itself reassign legal property addresses or change land ownership. Council members and testifiers described the action as a symbolic and cultural restoration intended to uplift native place names.
