HONOLULU (KHON2) — It’s a tiny symbol, but it carries cultural weight — and now legal standing.
As of Jan. 1, all newly issued Hawaiʻi license plates must include the ʻokina, the Hawaiian diacritical mark, in the spelling of “Hawaiʻi.”
But while the law kicked in at the start of the year, not enough plates were available until now.
“So our manufacturer has to actually generate 50 different types of license plates. They use different materials and different manufacturing processes, and so it is a complex type of operation,” said Kimberly Hashiro, director of the Department of Customer Services. “So the passenger plates were one of many, ʻokina plates that we needed to bring in, and so they have enabled that now for us, and we’re that’s why we’re able to provide that service.”
As of July 28, all license plates issued now reflect the correct spelling.
“We have so many different types of license plates already. I think, well, my hope is, as long as they keep it culturally correct, the ʻokina is in the right place and the spelling’s all good, and I don’t see a problem,” said Jensen Wong, who was waiting at the licensing center.
But while some are embracing the change, others are bending the rules altogether.
The blacked out plate that was customized is just one example of tampering that is against the law.
Authorities want to remind others, license plates are considered government property, so obscuring, defacing or modifying plates in any way is a misdemeanor and comes with a fine up to $100.
“So the state in which it’s issued by us is how it’s supposed to remain on the vehicle. And so we just, you know it is not appropriate or proper for any registered owner to be modifying their license plate,” Hashiro said.
If you have an old plate, not to worry, they’re still legal. But if you want to swap your plate for a new one with the okina, just head to your local satellite city hall, no appointment necessary. But it’ll cost you $5.50.
“I want to reassure everyone that it’s not a requirement that their their vehicle is legally able to be driven on the roads, and it would be a choice, that is why there’s this fee to replace the plate,” said Hashiro.
For more information about the process visit the DCS website.