Milton Bell wrote that a change from “Fissure 8” to something Hawaiian will be problematic for scientists, but he needn’t worry (“Don’t confuse research by renaming Fissure 8,” Letters, Star-Advertiser, Dec. 25).

Pu‘u ‘O‘o was originally Pu‘u o because it coincided with the letter ‘o’ in a label on a topographic map, but geologists have accepted Pu‘u ‘O‘o just fine. Kupaianaha was originally the “C-vent” because it was the third in a series of fissures downrift of Pu‘u ‘O‘o, but geologists have accepted Kupaianaha just fine as well.

We’ll do the same once Fissure 8 gets a proper name. Most importantly, a proper name chosen by proper protocol will show that it is possible for so-called “Western” science to treat Hawaiian culture with respect — something all aspects of modern society should do a better job of.

Scott Rowland

Waimanalo

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