If I'm remembering correctly, I think I read that the original Hawkworld mini-series by Tim Truman was meant to be in the vein of Man of Steel or Batman: Year 1.  I think Tim Truman even talked to Gardner Fox about working together on it, or for his input, but Gardner Fox passed away before the work actually began.

When Truman and Ostrander were approached to do an new ongoing Hawkman/Hawkworld book, the editor told them the series would be a current series of the Hawks just arriving on earth for the first time. Truman never meant for Hawkworld to replace the continuity of the silver age Hawkman. He may have suggested a few ideas to Ostrander and walked away from the project. I  think Ostrander was disappointed as well, but stayed on to see if he could somehow salvage what he could.

Again this is what I remember from some article in Amazing Heroes (maybe?) from 20 years ago.

Making the  golden age Hawkman the one that's in general usage works pretty well.

Like everbody, I just love the Kubert B & B stuff, of course!

My favorite Hawkman:

HAWKWORLD would have worked just fine if it had just started with a caption that read "Seven Years Ago..."

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I agree.

Unfortunately, John Ostrander and Geoff Johns had to try and put together the pieces of what the 1989 Hawkworld mini series left behind.

To credit both, they gave it a very good shot.

Blame the higher ups again!!

I can live with Carter Hall and Katar Hol. Both different heroes. It was DC Editorial that screwed everyone over.

But it was years later when I read the Kubert material and found out what
was what.

Hawkworld also closes with a glimpse at Hawkman's first appearance
in Showcase as they reverse foreshadow chasing Byth to Earth.

So after all that work they did to firmly establish the SA Hawkman as
the post-crisis Hawkman, and to create a beautiful prestige format
Year One story (IMO), I have no idea why they chose to continue
Hawkworld in the present. Shouldn't someone in charge prevent such
a thing from happening?

I guess not. I guess nothing matters but sales, but I disagree. I think
they should look at Disney and see why you maintain characters style
and integrity for years to come to be enjoyed by generations to come.

Changing and aging characters has no long term benefits. It only
causes long term problems. And the rules are easy to follow...

Superman is Clark Kent, Batman is Bruce Wayne, and Robin is Dick
Grayson. Nightwing, if it was a good idea, should have gone back to
being Robin as soon as New Teen Titans came to an end.

All you had to do was put the toys back in the box when they were
finished playing with them...