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Panel calls for Iao Stream to return to former name

STAR-ADVERTISER, 2009
John Duey shows a dry portion of Maui's Iao Stream.

WAILUKU >> Iao Stream may return to its century-old name after the state Board on Geographic Names voted in favor of the change.

The Maui News reports that the board voted unanimously to return to the name "Wailuku River," which is more than a century old.

The decision will be forwarded to the U.S. Board of Geographic Names, which would officially recognize the stream’s name.

The change was requested by the president of a Maui-based organization called Na Wai Eha.

President John Duey says he’s excited to have "wai," which means "fresh water," back in the stream name.

Board officials say comprehensive historical evidence submitted by Duey and community support for the proposal convinced them to restore the Wailuku River moniker.

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