HONOLULU (KHON2) — Should the Hawaii state flag get a new look? There’s a proposal this legislative session that would create a commission to lead the process of redesigning the state flag.
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The Hawaii state flag tells a complicated history dating back to the 1800s. King Kamehameha III commissioned the flag as a symbol of the sovereignty and unity of the Hawaiian people under the independent Hawaiian Kingdom, according to Rep. Andrew Garrett.
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“For many, the sight of the original Kingdom of Hawaii flag flying across the state is a powerful, painful reminder of the injustice and trauma caused by the overthrow of the United States,” stated Rep. Darius Kila. “Yet, it’s a beacon of hope and resistance and a symbol that reminds the world that my Hawaiian people, they are still here. We’re resilient. They’re enduring.”
How this contentious history is being represented is now being discussed in the legislature. A new bill that would establish a commission to explore and recommend a new design for the state flag just passed its first reading.
“It always kind of puzzled me as to why the state of Hawaii chose to use that flag after the overthrow of the kingdom,” said Garrett, who introduced HB1385. “I just see this as a chance to perhaps, you know, rectify past wrongs, dealing with historical injustices and perhaps debating whether it should, you know, remain as a symbol of the Hawaiian kingdom and the lahui.”
The commission would consist of lawmakers, Native Hawaiian organizations and cultural historians. It would be tasked with leading community engagement, public campaigns, workshops, and seeking design proposals from the public. Once a final design is selected, it would go to the legislature for approval.
“Our flag is a symbol of the soul of our Kanaka. The flag that I and so many other Hawaiians recognize as the heartbeat of who we are is never up for discussion or negotiation,” said Kumu Hina Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement Cultural Ambassador.
The bill will be referred to a committee that will decide on a scheduled hearing.
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“This is a discussion worth having,and ultimately, if the commission decides that this isn’t worth pursuing, then, you know, that would be part of the process as well,” Garrett said.