Proposal for state naming commission draws support and questions about commercialization and process

Senate Bill 372 would create an advisory naming commission in the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) to propose names or changes for state buildings, parks, facilities and events.

Winston Welch, executive director of the Outdoor Circle, testified in support but asked the committee to prohibit corporate or sponsor naming of public places. “We would also recommend that… we also prohibit, the naming of, entities after corporations or, sponsoring entities,” Welch said, explaining that Hawaii has a long history of resisting commercialization of public spaces.

DAGS Comptroller Keith Regan and Joe Earring, DAGS planning branch chief, described the department’s existing, limited policy and process for naming certain state office buildings in capital districts and Kapolei, where a small advisory committee has been formed for past naming actions. Earring said existing policy dates to the 1990s and that the department has handled naming for a handful of facilities, often selecting names tied to local Ali‘i and place history.

Senators asked about public involvement, travel costs for commission members, and whether a statutory process could lock in safeguards to prevent a future administration from making unilateral renaming decisions. The committee flagged the need for written standards and public-engagement procedures and discussed budgeting for staff support and possible per‑diem or travel costs for a commission that may meet statewide.

No vote was taken; the committee deferred action to Jan. 30, 2025 and asked DAGS and stakeholders to provide more detail on scope, proposed funding, and draft public‑involvement procedures.