Miscellaneous Information

Various Identification Codes ...

GNIS Codes ...

The U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) was created to address the problems caused by spelling and naming variations. The BGN will usually recognize an existing name or, when necessary, chose a name for a geographic feature (such as a mountain, lake, river, stream, city, town, village, dam, bridge, etc).

The BGN names are kept in a database called the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and it is the official Federal repository. The GNIS is operated and maintained by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

A unique and permanent identification number has been assigned for each name in the GNIS database. These names and identifiers are definitive and it is intended that they are to be used by all departments of the Federal Government:

GNIS ID for Hawi: 359139

GNIS ID for Hawaii: 1779782

GPS Location - GNIS Coordinates ...

An important aspect of the GNIS code is that it assigns a GPS location (the latitude/longitude) to the geographic feature. This location is simply a point on the map and does not represent the size or shape of the feature. In the case of Hawi, it is a point within Hawi that might be a post office, the city hall or simply an intersection - the point should really be considered arbitrary and only indicating a general location.

For Hawi, the GNIS GPS location is given as:

Lat: 20° 14' 29" (or 20.24°)

Lon: -155° 49' 58" (or -155.83°)

Regional Codes ...

For statistical purposes, the US Census Bureau has divided the country into four Regions. Hawi is located in Region #4 (the West Region).

In turn, the US Census Bureau has further divided each Region into Divisions. Hawi is located in Division #9 (the Pacific Division).

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has created ten Federal Regions. Hawi is located in Region IX (Region 9).

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has created ten Management Regions. Hawi is located in Region IX (Region 9).

ZIP Codes ...

While some people have used a ZIP code to identify a community, the purpose of the ZIP code was to make mail delivery more efficient by grouping addresses together. Although the ZIP Code doesn't specifically identify a community like Hawi, it does identify addresses that are in (or near) Hawi. It's important to remember that the boundaries of a ZIP Code are defined by the needs of the USPS and can be changed, re-assigned or overlapped with other ZIP Codes.

The ZIP code for Hawi: 96719<1>

Referenced GNIS Records ...

GNIS ID #359138 (Name of Record: Hawi)

Class: civil

A political division formed for administrative purposes (such as a borough, county, incorporated place, parish, town or township).

A 'civil' record may have a corresponding 'census' or 'populated place' record. The information contained in the 'civil' record applies only to the class and should not be confused with either the 'census' and 'populated place' classes.

County: Hawaii

Map Name: Hawi OE N

Lat: 20.2533333 Lon: -155.8297222

Elev: 83 ft.

GNIS ID #359139 (Name of Record: Hawi)

Class: populated place

A place or area having clustered or scattered buildings and a permanent population (such as a city, settlement, town or village). The boundaries may or may not coincide with the perceived population.

A 'populated place' record may have a corresponding 'census' or 'civil' record. The information contained in the 'populated place' record applies only to the class and should not be confused with either the 'census' and 'civil' classes.

County: Hawaii

Map Name: Hawi

Lat: 20.2413889 Lon: -155.8327778

Elev: 159 ft.