A Hawaiian woman whose last name contains a whopping 36 characters claimed officials were bullying her and disrespecting her husband's heritage by shortening it because it didn't fit on the state-issued driver's license. Over a period of 20 years, Janice Keihanaikukauakahihuliheekahaunaele had to carry a driver’s license with an abbreviated version of her family name, and her first and middle names were completely left off. Her frustrations began when she contacted the County of Hawaii and asked them what could be done. They suggested that she change her last name to make the situation easier on her and them. Believing that the move would be disrespectful to her husband’s family name, she contacted her local television station for help. She explained that the abbreviated name had caused her numerous problems, especially when traveling, when she was questioned about why her first name was missing. When her story gained attention through the media, the County of Hawaii agreed to change their computer system to allow for up to 40 characters on driver’s licenses and state IDs. Now, Janice is able to see her entire first and last name on her driver’s license and all her problems associated with identification have been resolved.
