What's Being Discussed

The Hawaiʻi Board on Geographic Names (HBGN) is holding a regular meeting on Friday, October 16, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The board reviews and makes official decisions about place names across the Hawaiian Islands. Key topics include:

• Approval of minutes from the August 14, 2026 meeting
• Reviewing and researching feature names in the ahupuaʻa of Kaluakoʻi, Pālāʻau, and Hoʻolehua on the island of Molokaʻi
• Reviewing and researching feature names in the ahupuaʻa of Keauhou 2 on the island of Hawaiʻi
• Identifying kūpuna and cultural experts who can help the board with place name research
• Open discussion to identify place names and topics for the next meeting on December 11, 2026

Decisions Expected

• Vote to approve the previous meeting's minutes
• Possible naming decisions for geographic features on Molokaʻi and the island of Hawaiʻi

Who Should Pay Attention

• Residents of Molokaʻi, especially those with ties to Kaluakoʻi, Pālāʻau, and Hoʻolehua
• Residents of the island of Hawaiʻi connected to the Keauhou area
• Kūpuna, historians, and cultural practitioners with knowledge of traditional Hawaiian place names
• Anyone interested in the preservation of Hawaiian place names statewide

The meeting is open to the public in person at 235 S. Beretania Street, 6th Floor, Honolulu, or online via Zoom. Written testimony is due by Monday, October 12, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.