Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 6, Number 3, 1 March 1989 — Bill to Codify State Flag, Set Proper Protocol [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Bill to Codify State Flag, Set Proper Protocol

The state flag of Hawai'i is unique in the world as it was originally the flag of the Hawaiian kingdom and the four governments whieh followed. It was originally adopted by King Kamehameha I and used as his emblem representing the Kingdom of Hawaii on his own ships in the Pacific. It has remained virtually unchanged throughout the time of the provisional government, the republic, the territory and into statehood. It is a flag rich in history and international significance. Yet current state statute contains only one paragraph and a historical note on the official dimensions of the Hawaiian flag, and neglects to include important historic facts and information on proper flag protocol. To correct this oversight, a new bill to codify the state flag of Hawai'i and to give it proper recognition has been introduced in the Legislature by Rep. Annelle C. Amaral. House bill 1589 is designed to amend section 5-4 of the Hawai'i Revised Statutes with information on the historical significance, correct dimensions, etiquette and protocol pertaining to the identity and correct use of the Hawaiian flag. It also sets a penalty of $50 for defacing the flag. The bill's definition of the Hawaiian flag follows closely the statutes of 1896. It reads, "The Hawaiian flag shall consist of eight horizontal stripes, alternately white, red, blue, etc., beginning at the top, having a jack cantoned in the dexter chief angle next to the point of suspension. The jack shall consist of a blue field charged with a eompound saltire (crossing) of alternate tinctures white and red, the white having precedence; a narrow edge of white borders eaeh side of the saltire. A red cross bordered with white is charged over all." The correctly proportioned flag is twice as long as it is wide. The bill sets the authorized flag sizes for executive state agencies and spells out the correct salute to the Hawaiian flag: "During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag, or when the flag is passing in a parade or review, all persons present should face the flag, men are to remove any head-

dress, held in the right hand, stand at attention, and salute by placing the right hand over the heart. Those present in uniform should render the military salute with headdress." In this position one would also give the Hawaiian flag pledge: "E Ka Hae O Hawai'i, Ke ho'ohanohano nei au ia 'oe; 'O Ka hae o Hawai'i pono'i" 0 flag of Hawan, 1 honor thee; The flag of Hawai'i Pono'i (Hawaii's own).

Rules that would govern the use of the flag are also spelled out in the bill. For example: • If the flag is displayed out of doors it must be on a flagpole or. staff of specific length. • The flag may be flown between sunrise and sunset, at night if properly illuminated, but not on bad weather days. • The Hawaiian flag is on the marching left when carried in a procession in whieh the U.S. flag is unfurled. • When the Hawaiian flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the jack is at the head and over the left shoulder. • Generally, when the Hawaiian flag is displayed at the same time as the U.S. flag, it is beneath or secondary to, the national colors. (Mauna 'Ala as the resting plaee of Hawaiian royalty, is presently the only plaee in Hawai'i where the Hawaiian flag takes precedence over the American flag). The historical research and initial draft of the Hawaiian flag bill was made through the efforts of Patrick Ka'ano'i, entertainer and director of the Huna Hanauna Society, Jalna Keala of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Lydia Namahana Maioho, curator of Mauna 'Ala royal mausoleum. Ka'ano'i is a member of the North American Vexillological (flag) Society. He says it took him three years to eompile his research for the draft legislation. He based it on Texas and national flag law, and on international etiquette he dug up in the State Archives, 'Iolani Palaee andthe nationalFlag Institute. He hopes one day to publish his research on the Hawaiian flag, complete with illustrations. As founder and director of the Huna Hanauna Society, an organization devoted to study and application of Hawaiian religious philosophy, Ka'ano'i attributes a combination of practical and religious motives to the ehoiee of King Kamehameha I for the Hawaiian flag design. He believes Kamehameha saw a way to preserve traditional Hawaiian symbols in the flag while presenting an acceptable international symbol. For example, he says the crossed bars in the Union Jack resembled the crossed spears, symbol of kapu ali'i. The Huna Hanauna Society has made the first official (correctly proportioned and rendered) Hawaiian flag of the modern period, said Ka'ano'i. It now flies at Mauna 'Ala. Ka'ano'i calls it "the living emblem of the State of Hawai'i." He stresses the importance of proper dimensions, and adds, "Most people today do not realize the state flag as commonly seen has incorrect proportions whieh were standardized for the convenience of manufacturers." Kaano'i wants the State of Hawai'i to fly the official flag. Why? "The State flag is a living symbol of the nation of Hawai'i," he says. To him, "living symbol" means the nation of Hawai'i stili lives, whieh he defines as the Hawaiian people, their land, and language.

Ka Hae Hawai'i, the Hawaiian flag. A proposed legislative bill would promote its correct use.