Editor’s note: Ramin Bastani is the CEO and founder of “Hula,” a company that offers an app that allows people to get and share their STD results. A popular online petition has called on Bastani to change Hula’s name because it is offensive to Hawaiian culture. Bastani has refused.

Dear Mr. Bastani,

Chances are most people are going to read this open letter on a mobile device so I’ll get right to the point. As I tweeted to you yesterday, it is not OK to use the word “hula” in the context your company has chosen, for your commercial gain.

I am sure you are aware there is a petition to change the name of your app. The number of people who signed doubled in the day after I did. A cursory look at your app on the App Store reveals the latest version of Hula, 1.0.2, has more 1-star ratings than any other category.

You have also admitted to changing the app’s name once already. As someone in the business of software, startups and mobile apps, it appears to me your company is still seeking product/market fit. (Product/market fit means being in a quality market with a product that can satisfy that market.)

I get it — consumer apps are notoriously difficult when it comes to achieving this.

That does not give you carte blanche however, to continue using a word that carries so many hidden meanings and undertones for your company’s benefit.

I have read your rebuttal in the New York Times and I can assure you that your logic, at least in this matter, falls flat.

So here then, is my offer to you: If you agree to change the name of your app by submitting an update to the App Store by 12pm HST on Wednesday, April 2, I will give you a ticket to the 51st Annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, Hawaii.

The Merrie Monarch is the most prestigious hula contest on the planet and runs from April 24-26th. I will hang out with you and assure your safe passage while there, but you will have to pay for your own airfare and accommodations.

There’s still a win-win scenario here.

I’m just trying to put together a deal where everyone’s happy.

I would ask that you ponder my offer with considerable thought.

Sincerely,

Hoala Greevy

About the author: Hoala Greevy is the Founder and CEO of two software companies in Honolulu.

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