Hawaiian Kingdom Independence Blog

With the abundance of “Kanaka Maoli flags” being displayed at Mauna Kea and many demonstrations and vehicles flying the flag in support, I thought it would be helpful to revisit the origin of this flag.

At some point there was some misinformation spread that this was an historical flag, perhaps “once was the flag of the Hawaiian admiralty and flown at high seas” as one site puts it.

But in fact the original version of this flag design was created in 1993 by Uncle Louis “Buzzy” Agard, published in the book He Alo a He Alo as a short essay called “A Pro Active Symbol.” While some symbols in the flag are of ancient origin, the overall design itself is not.

The flag, with some modifications, has served the purpose that he envisioned, adopted as a symbol of protection to replace the union jack, which the Kanaka Maoli and supporters do indeed rally around and fly with pride.

I just hope that those who fly the flag are also aware and respectful of its true origin.

On Wednesday, May 15 at 9:00 am, Dr. Keanu Sai will make a presentation to the Planning and Sustainable Land Use Committee of the Maui County Council, chaired by Tamara Paltin.

From the agenda:

Pursuant to Rule 7(B) of the Rules of the Council, the Committee intends to receive a presentation from Dr. David Keanu Sai relating to an update on land use and planning in consideration of Hawaii’s status under international law and other related matters.

The committee meeting will take place in the Council Chambers on the 8th Floor at 200 S. High Street, and will also be broadcast live in Akaku cable access channel 53, and at www.akaku.org.