The Hawaiian National Flag and Royal Flag

Another example of misinformation centers on the Hawaiian national flag. Lately, there is a common misunderstanding that the current flag that has the Union Jack at the top left corner is not Hawaiian, but rather British that was imposed here in the islands in 1843 by British Naval Officer Lord Paulet. According to the story published in the Honolulu Adverstiser in 2001, Gene Simeona of Honolulu, stated “he resurrected the ‘original’ Hawaiian green, red and yellow striped flag, destroyed by British navy Capt. Lord George Paulet when he seized Hawai‘i for five months in 1843.” Sonoda calls this flag the Kanaka Maoli flag.

Kanaka Maoli Flag

A very simple way to falsify or refute this claim is to show that the flag with the Union Jack existed before 1843. There is a lot of evidence that refutes this claim such as ship logs of foreign ships that visited the islands since 1816, which is the date the flag was created by order of Kamehameha I. Below are two portraits painted around 1819. The first portrait was painted in 1819 of the baptism of Kalanimoku, the Hawaiian Kingdom’s former Prime Minister on board the French ship Uranie after the death of Kamehameha I, and the second portrait was done sometime after 1819 of the Hawaiian ship commanded by Captain Alexander Adams during the reign of Kamehameha II. Both ships had the presence of Kamehameha II.

Baptism of Kalanimoku

Hawn Flag (Adams Collection)

The second portrait is also called a flagship that has both the national flag and the royal flag. The royal flag, also called the royal ensign, is a flag that signals the presence of the Hawaiian monarch and in this portrait it signaled the presence of  Kamehameha II on board. The royal ensign also flies at the residence of the Hawaiian monarch and wherever the monarch travels.

Royal Ensign

Sonoda’s claim that the Union Jack symbolizes British colonialism in Hawai‘i is also not accurate, because Kamehameha I joined the British Empire voluntarily, along with his principle chiefs, on February 25, 1794, when Kamehameha entered into an agreement with British Captain George Vancouver. The agreement provided that the British government would not interfere with the kingdom’s religion, government and economy—“the chiefs and priests, were to continue as usual to officiate with the same authority as before in their respective stations.”

If the island Kingdom of Hawai‘i was colonized, Kamehameha would not have maintained the status of King, but would have been replaced by a British Governor-General. Queen Victoria recognized the Hawaiian Kingdom as an independent and sovereign State on November 28, 1843 after Lord Paulet’s seizure from February to July 1843. Therefore, Sonodo’s other claim of Lord Paulet’s seizure is true, but there is no evidence that the green, red and yellow striped flag ever existed.

166 thoughts on “The Hawaiian National Flag and Royal Flag

  1. Mahalo for clearing up this misinformation regarding the Polynesian Kingdom of Atooi and now our true Hawaiian National Flag. It is so sad to see how people are manipulating our true history for their own personal gains, in pursuing their own agenda’s or in their claims to be the next Ali’i Nui. There is only one true Hawaiian Kingdom and that is the one that was illegally overthrown on January 17, 1893. As we get closer to its restoration more truths will be revealed for as my mother and father had told me: “It is the truth that you must seek, it is the truth that you know and it is the truth that you must follow. For as long as you follow the truth and do what is right you no need worry about nothing for the truth will be your guide”. These words of wisdom from my makua have and are continuing to be my guide in my journey to make the wrong……RIGHT!!! EO…..

      • it is with great respect to our oral history and so vivid to be forged however we, in the island nation of Avaiki Nui still holds memoirs of Avaiki Roa, Avaiki Pamamao Avaiki Tautau, reflects our connection to one another, from Guwaii, the fist Nation to Hawaii Rapa Nui Tahiti Raiatea, Tuapae, Raro Matai, Samoa, Tonga, Uea, Tuvalu, Niue, Cook Islands, Aotearoa, opens again a final frontier in our IROA Tumu Te Ao Ote Taata Mahoi, Te Tangata Maori Te Tagata Maoli, to unify under one people, one Island Nation one Vibration, in I’O E AU E AVAIKI NUI 2022 we need to come together and determine our TIKAANGA RIGHTS OUR KAWA AUTHORITY AND IROA TUMU OUR SOVEREIGNTY and declare together in the hope to free us from a corporation foreign in our AO, putting our spiritual energy together unify under I’O Matuanui the creator the source, GOD I’O TAMA Ariki Nui we are one the same in his oneness. Tinokura Te Ariki Taraare Paramount Leading Chief and high Priest Mokoero Enuamanu. aka Tui Manua Alia Taputu Nui O Iva. contact me on +68289958 or email; Avaikinuiorg@gmail.com

  2. Thank God for documented evidences to stop the continued confusion by the media, military and unfounded truths…and therefore, I so appreciate Dr. David Keanu Sai and his research and as usual proof is always provided, thank you for that…as for the yellow, green and red flag? Where is the document to prove that this yellow, green and red flag were ever legitimate? Is there such proof?

    Mahalo Piha,
    Kawehi Kanui, Kahu
    Waimanalo Ahupuaa Hui
    and Hawaiian Womens Patriotic League
    Pro-Tem

    • There is more about the symbol on our Coat of Arms:

      The triangular flag at the fess point, was an ancient flag of the Hawaiian chiefs which was raised at sea, above the sail of their canoes, and the sail at that time being of a peculiar construction, it presented a very beautiful appearance. It was also placed in a leaning position, across two spears in front of the King’s house, to indicate both tabu and protection. The name of the flag was Puela and name of the cross on which it lies Alia.

      http://hawaiiankingdom.org/national-coatofarms.shtml

      • As comments to a video on Facebook on Polynesian Te Puke
        “Did Polynesians Discover America?”

        Sipaiasfatuesijr Fatuesi:
        “Te Puke”, the Sāmoans call it “Alia”, and now the Pālagis call it “Catamaran”.

        Cédric Tuani Combes:
        In Wallis Islands we call it KALIA…

        • I know this thread is dated but here is my mana’o for what it is worth.

          I understood that “Alia” refers to the position of of the two spears (crossed / STOP) signifying Kapu. Which was placed in front of the ancient flag (symbol).

          The “ancient” flag used in spiritual ceremony is dubbed the name “puela” in the Polynesian article. Puela is described as kapa strip or banner. I have seen this “Puela” in an old sketching of the coat of arms which looks more like the emblem of Lono or some say Ki’i which was used in ancient ceremonies and practices. Signifying peace, agriculture and fertility. See example of this symbol in the Ulukau resource: http://www.ulukau.org/elib/collect/english/index/assoc/D0.dir/img42.gif

          Thoughts?
          K E H A U

  3. Mahalo nui, Dr. Sai for correcting this inaccuracy! I’ve been waiting for this kind post about our national flag for a long time!

    Yes. That so-called “Kanaka Maoli” flag that I see everywhere in clothing and banners, people can call it whatever they want. However, if they claim that that flag has HK significance, I too can concur evidently speaking, no such flag exist.

    When I first saw this flag and heard about its so-called value of it being the “true flag of Hawaii,” honestly speaking, I did not think of it that way. Something about it did not FEEL right.That was also at a time when I was “off-track” about Hawaii’s history. In one of the articles of this weblog (War Crime: “Americanization” of the Hawaiian Islands), I commented saying that whenever I looked at a flagpole containing our national flag and the American flag above it, the flags look “different” to my eyes. I had that same feeling on that “Kanaka Maoli” flag. When I saw that flag at first, just like the American flag, I not only felt a sense of dullishness, but just by looking at it, there were “voices in my head crying out in anger” It made me shiver in frustration! Something right there did not feel right!Understanding my past history of looking at our flags, I feel a sense of happiness and peace when looking at our TRUE national flag, but by looking at this “Kanaka Maoli” flag, despite its “claims of it being the actual flag of Hawaii”, something was not right!

    To understand why that “Kanaka Maoli” flag has no HK significance, I did some research trying to find if it did had any HK significance, but I found nothing. But I did find that Honolulu Advertiser article that you posted and that is what prompt me to take action.
    I went to the Hawaii State Archives, which is where that guy “Simeona” said he found that flag. I showed the associates in the Archives a picture of the “Kanaka Maoli” flag and asked them if there was anything in the Archives about that flag. To them off-hand, they said they never seen that in records before. I even asked the Archives supervisor and she said the same too! I looked in files containing flags and in pictures containing flags. I found nothing! (Haha! Although for a laugh, I did find a picture taken after 1898 containing a U.S. Navy solider holding a blow-up image of the Joint Resolution that “annexed” Hawaii to the United States! It said right there in plain English–“To provide for annexing the Hawaiian Islands to the United States……”! Well at least I found out, evidently speaking there is no treaty of annexation! Haha!)

    To wrap up my soap opera box, lol!, that “Kanaka Maoli” flag to me today symbolizes “Americanization” and indoctrination of the people of Hawaii! And it sets a misleading example to us young generation future HK subjects! Whenever I see it, especially on people’s clothing, I feel pain in my chest and flare my face in frustration! I’ll never recognize that flag! Its no different then the American flag to my eyes!

    Remember, the HK is not only the land of God, but a world of magic! Magic that says when something is wrong!

        • The Reggae flag has four colors, green, red, yellow, black. The Kurdish flag is green, red and yellow stripes only. The main point of interest on the NATION BANNER is the piko. Do you know what the piko stands for? Do you know the kauna for green, red and yellow? The piko is the most important part of the banner. If it were not, it would not be on the palace gates, fence and de facto government agency stationary, seals, etc. At least the de facto show honor and respect for the piko. Do your own research. It’s no secret.

        • I don’t think it’s about disrespect as much as an observation many people share. Nice to have it clarified. I was beginning to believe it after seeing green feather lei at the Bishop. That’s when I thought, maybe their could be veracity to its existence.

      • Lol Dutch I said the same thing I talk to some people up on maunaKea and told them the world is watching us and there saying these kanaks want to fight for what’s right but there confused they don’t know what is there flag and I can’t stand when our people put the flag on them all raped up its our flag have respect and stop dragging it on the ground like it’s a rag hold it up high be proud of it it’s our flag . Ps they have to stop flying the Jamaican flag that’s what it looks like .

      • Like “Ja-wiian”. It not like we don’t have our own “local” rhythm and beat, that we have to go find one from a small island way in the Caribbean. I’m glad that the local artists are moving back to our own Hawaiian words and music. Just feels like Hawaii when I listen to it.

        • I’m especially concerned with the dichotomy concerning those who are ferocious in cultural misappropriation who seem to think we invented the Reggae beat.

      • Omg Dutchy. Yes!!! A’e!!! That’s exactly what I said when I first saw that flag and some young person was trying to convince me that IT was the true flag of Hawaii. I’m like AUWE!! That’s a fricken jawaiian flag!!! So happy to see this being cleared up too. Auwe Auwe Auwe to our young and some older haumana that they would actually buy into this foolish “falsehood”.

      • Hawaii took on the British Union Jack on the flag because of their long standing relationship with Britain, it goes back to King Kamehameha, but it’s still the Hawaiians flag that your ancestors chose, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of, so be proud of it. The other flag is an imposter, I’m sure the people who made it have their reasons but its not the Hawaiian flag, proud to be a HAWAIIAN

        • Thats what im saying may be you got me wrong I said the gree yellow and red flag is a imposter some one just came out with it about 5 to 8 yrs ago . There is No real truth to that Jamaican looking flag and if there is I want to see true facts .

          • I thought it was created by those wishing to secceed from the US. But thank you for the education. Thank being said why do so many think it is great? When I see it I think of the colors on all the Marijuana shops in our state. Not sure that is a good association either. This research on my part is a result of a comment on an article of the Hawaii magazine I get.

          • The Jamaican flag 🇯🇲 is not Red, Yellow, green btw. Just wanna give you an FYI.

        • Kamehameha kept the Union Jack on the flag to remind European countries and others that the Hawaiian Kingdom was under British protectorate.

      • If we ever secede and regain their freedom from Occupation,ties to Britain may be helpful. The new King may join the British Commonwealth,whose chairwoman, not Sovereign, is Queen Elizabeth. If the US tries to overtake Hawaii again if we would join the British Commonwealth of Nations (and We qualify) the force of the Commonwealth and EU would help to defend us. Just saying.

        • Vern, occupation prohibits cession so secession is moot. The goal is to have the occupier to comply with the laws of occupation and then end the occupation. Hawaii is a neutral nation state and that neutrality is what protects it’s status under international law from the U.S. and all other belligerents that want to take it from us. If neutrality protects us from ever being extinguished by the U.S. or any other belligerent state then why would we want to be anything else but independent and neutral. All Nation States that are members of the United Nations General Assembly have a legal obligation under their charter to help to end our occupation. None of them including Britain has lifted a finger to help us. They are all beholding to the U.S. and can’t be trusted. They can’t even be trusted with what they are legally obligated to do now.

    • The Flag of Hawaii has to go…all of them. A new U.S. State flag with the U.S. as it’s sovereign must be constructed. If you want protection and economic benefit from the U.S. the British symbolism must come off.

    • The flag is wrong don’t know who is trying to make it as being our royal flag is dreaming, the colors would be wrong in the first place if we had a royal flag,besides we didn’t have a royal till the british gave us the title royal

      • Yes, It appears there are several variations of the Royal Hawaiian Logo 1845 but here is just one.I also have a couple pof variations of shoulder patches which are pretty cool. I admire Hawaii and want to visit some day. (I’m trying to attach a sample logo, but am having difficulty)
        Either way, I am former law enforcement with an extensive background and also a “historian” of sorts. My Email: john.a.carman@gmail.com Mahalo !

    • The Red Yellow Green Flag Was Created By Swap Meet Vendor Name Keith Takakishi Back In 1993. He Still Today Owns The Patten For The Flag. He Created The Do Called Kanaka Maoli Flag Cause Of The Reggae Movement That Was Happening Back Then. There’s A Video Of Him Saying That Flag Has Nothing To Do With The Hawaiian Kingdom. Atooi Took That Flag And Made It, It’s Own. Search The Web I’m Sure The Video Is Still Out There About The Red Yellow Green So Called Kanaka Maoli Flag. No Can People Today. That Flag Represent Nothing To Do With Hawaiian Kingdom. To Me King Kalakaua Flag Is The True Flag Cause Still Today It’s Draped At Iolani Palace

    • Aloha brother…although both my parents are no longer alive, my father (purebred Hawaiian) lived In Waimanalo, and his friends friend help design the flag you speak of.
      Because the “bright green “color had no true reason, his friends house was painted that color,(true) and so it was chosen…(they were also partying) Sad to say the promotion of it follows most gatherings of unintelligent humans. There are only “2” types of people in this world, “FOLLOWERS” and “LEADERS “.where do you stand”….

  4. E ho’omakaukau kakou i ka ‘Oia’i’o ke ho’ike ‘ia nei o ko Hawai’i mo’olelo maoli! No ka mea ‘a’ole hiki ke pio ke kanaka i ka malamalama o keAkua: “O Wau no ke ala, a me ka ‘Oia’i’o a me ke ola.” Mahalo e keAkua. Aloha keAkua.

    • Amene.
      I want to ask this q? Olelo o hawaii has changed a lot and the kupuna that I speak to say it will never be the same, that it’s lost. Obviously, it’s resurgence is a necessary and beautiful thing (mahalo!). That said, do u think some of its evolution will be accepted and adopted by this generation or will this generation be staunch academics of the Olelo? ex: I asked an immersion school student how to say, “say something in Hawaiian for me.” He replied, “po’o Olelo o Hawaii”. I love his response! To me, it was the Hawaiian from his head. PERFECT! But I mentioned this to another child and they said, “that kid didn’t know what they were talking about.” Will we lose the poetic thought process of the language with americanization?

  5. In the morning I use to put my hand on my chest when I hear the morning school bell ring, my grandmother use to put my hand down and tell me don’t look at the flag. She told me many stories about when she was little and how she raised my mother to never forget who she is and what to always remember, never be a shame of her culture and don’t forget to speak your own language, now she is telling me to do the same. When I think about the flag, to me the only thing the hawaiians use to carry around with the monarch was the Kahili, I don’t ever recall a flag, yet I could be wrong. Sometimes I wish I paid more attention to my grandmother then playing.

    • I was brought up the same way. In school I was always told not to recite the pledge of allegiance but to stand in respect only without even placing my hand on my chest. My mom was born and raised on kuleana lands on Kauai where we still have family living without running water or electricity. This is where my Kupuna instilled in me from the early 60’s who I was, where I came from and what had happened to our Queen as was passed on from one generation to the next.

      • HI I WAS JUST WONDERING WHY EVEN TODAY HAWAII HAS THE British FLAG FLYING OVER HER ISLANDS AS IT’S VERY ANNOYING FOR TOURIST’S AS I WAS ALWAYS UNDER THE UNDERSTANDING THE HAWAII WAS A STATE OF THE UNITED STATE’S AND THAT HAWAII’S ORIGINAL FLAG SHOULD FLY HIGH ABOVE THE US FLAG AND GET RID OF THE BRITISH FLAG AS IT LOWER’S THE RESPECT OF HAWAII.. IRISH JOE…..

      • on the comment . that we continue to learne our hawaiian language & the righte one . & yes the kahili were our monarche’s insignia .

  6. Aloha kakou.
    Slightly off-topic (but perhaps relevant nonetheless) has anyone read the March 7th, 2013 article “The Kamehameha Family Curse” as published in the Honolulu edition of “Street Beat News” in which the unknown author claims that Kamehameha I likely had foreknowledge of the attack upon the “Fair American” ship? Hopefully the site-moderator here allows posted links:

    http://www.streetbeatnews.org/corner-cafe/the-kamehameha-family-curse-excerpts-from-the-forthcoming-book-the-kamehameha-family-curse

    This book was supposed to be in print by now and raises some interesting questions which contradict historian James J. Jarves original account, can anyone provide some kokua and furnish any details that Kamehameha I knew in advance of Chief Kame’eiamoku’s impending attack on the “Fair American” schooner? Mahalo.

    Also, I wish to register great disappointment at the loss of the online Maoliworld website without explanation, the circumstance surrounding the loss are not important the deficit of information is, for one the site had a more elaborate informative thread on the origins of the Hawaiian Kingdom and Kanaka Maoli flags, I recall posting a pictorial link (non-Hawaiian) with numerous dated historical Hawaiian Kingdom flag variations including the personal Royal Standard of HRH Queen Lili’uokalani. A few months ago we had the formal removal of a Hawaiian National from the U.N. Indigenous Forum again this appeared to be a relatively unreported event which Hawaiian Nationals should have been made aware of. Aloha.

    • Aloha Lima Ula (comment dated June 30, 2013 @ 8:09 am) ~ regarding your comment, “Also, I wish to register great disappointment at the loss of the online Maoliworld website without explanation, the circumstance surrounding the loss are not important the deficit of information is, for one the site had a more elaborate informative thread on the origins of the Hawaiian Kingdom and Kanaka Maoli flags, I recall posting a pictorial link (non-Hawaiian) with numerous dated historical Hawaiian Kingdom flag variations including the personal Royal Standard of HRH Queen Lili’uokalani. A few months ago we had the formal removal of a Hawaiian National from the U.N. Indigenous Forum again this appeared to be a relatively unreported event which Hawaiian Nationals should have been made aware of. Aloha.” ~~~~~ I believe Dwight de Armas may have an explanation … you’ll be able to search Facebook to contact.

      • I was responding to the expulsion of a Hawaiian National from the special U.N. group and the deletion of the website on Hawaiian Maoli Kanaka’s etc..This sounds like a Government move to silence the Native Maoli Kanakas of Hawaii to prevent them form being able to speak out and make attempts to separate form the Union.I am a Government whistle-blower-blower and I exposed Government corruption. It is much worse than I ever imagined and on a scale that is much more powerful than 0ur highest government officials. Deep State Shadow Government which is involved in “Back projects” and Narcotics smuggling. There are “other” projects which may have targeted Hawaii for it natural resources or other “Secret” reasons.(No different than the take over of the Indigenous native American Indians of the U.S. by the Government and Genocide for land, natural resources, Gold and recently Uranium We need President Trump and VP Pence to listen to the grievances and WE the People need to expose and demand justice for the illegal acts of the Clinton Foundation and theft of lands and natural resources. Just recently a Haitian Whistle-blower was killed a day or so before he was to testify against the Clinton’s for their involvement and Theft of Millions of dollars which were allocated for Haiti and instead was transferred to the Clinton’s a criminal enterprise(RICO)
        My site is: http://www.customscorruption.com (I have been attacked and my site attacked as well along with Death Threats, which indicates I’m uncovering some very sensitive areas.Again my email is: john.a.carman@gmail.com

  7. In the book ʻHe Alo a He Aloʻ, there is an explanation of the recent origin of the green, red and yellow flag. If I recall correctly, this book has chapters on differing models of Hawaiian sovereignty, through the words of Hawaiian leaders and activists. It was ground breaking at the time of publication (through AFSC, around 1989?).

    • I remember this publication, if i remember correctly, I believe the kanaka maoli flag design was suggested by uncle Buzzy Agard. As long as we know the true history and difference, I think it’s cool, it has definitely been embraced by the opio.

      • Yes, in ‘He Alo a He Alo’ pages 108-110 Louis “Buzzy” Agard has a design of the flag which includes this symbol, explains the meaning of the symbol, and says “A new symbol will replace the British Union Jack…”

        The symbol has been embraced by many, but along the way the misinformation got started about it being an ancient flag/symbol, when it clearly is not.

  8. It would be nice to witness the american flag being lowered and our Hawaiian Kingdom flag raised up to the top of the staff throughout all Hawai’i nei! A reversal of that digraceful August 12, 1898 day in Hawai’i nei!

    As far as the misinformation concerning our Hawaiian Kingdom’s flag,
    sometimes some people want to see something so badly that they end up bridging the gap with their own delusional misinterpretation of historical events concerning the Hawaiian Kingdom’s flag hoping that
    the general population will buy into their crap making them the
    leading authority of their own crap-o-la creation! Hilahila!

    Always qualify the information being offered! No shame ask direct
    questions, if someone can’t backup what they’re saying let’um pass
    like a good bowel movement it will save you a lot of time and perhaps a lot of money!

  9. Again we have been set free by evidence & Truth:) Thank you Dr Sai! Those who are sharing misinformation will eventually face the facts & evidence. They too will be set Free. We thank Abba in Heaven everyday for you & your family! May Yahweh Richly Bless, Protect & Prosper you always because your heart is pure:)
    Blessed are they who are Pure in Heart for they shall SEE God:)

  10. I was told by an individual associated with the historical society, that the Hawaiian, union jack, flag represented the four world powers that were in hawaii in the early 1800’s. Britain, France, US and Russia. I would ask you to verify this, however I would rather not disrupt the great things you are doing.

    If this is true, this is a clear example of what Kanaka Ma’oli are about, embracing all people of the world yet maintaining pride in our unique culture.

    • It represented the three (3) countries that were not only the powers in the Pacific at that time, but also of which the Hawaiian Kingdom was able to obtain treaties and these countries recognition of Hawaii as an independent and sovereign nation. They were Great Britain, France and the United States….not Russia. The Union Jack was in recognition of Great Britain, the top stripes for France and the bottom stripes for the United States. As you can see, the United States violated their agreement and illegally overthrew the Hawaiian Kingdom. There is NO Treaty of Annexation so, not only is Hawaii NOT a part of the united States of America, but Hawaii is indeed….ILLEGALLY OCCUPIED!!!

  11. aloha… i can’t wait 4 the day to see… only 1 flag… and 1 flag only… our flag… all over our Nation… long live the H K… 4 now and 4 ever… another great job Dr Sai

  12. It always helps to pule kakou…as the US spins out of control with all the disclosures being released and the whistle blower expose more of their attitude for a month now…we will not see our nation until more education is given to those who know and to organize…until then, I pule and meditate for the help to come from outside into all of us to do what is pono is the face of threats from all super powers who are the real problem born with greed, lust and war in their hearts to gain their ill gotten wealth. Auwe!

    He Pule Kakou,
    My two cents.

  13. Aloha kakou.
    It is noteworthy that Captain the Right-Honorable Lord Byron records in “Voyage of the HMS Blonde to the Sandwich Islands, in the years 1824-1825” that the Kingdom flag had seven white and red stripes with a Union Jack in the corner, historian James Jarvis sees this observation as incorrect in that circa 1816 the Kingdom flag was comprised of seven alternative red, white, and blue stripes.

    Commander Byron (who was related to the famed poet of the same name) would have been highly au fait with maritime and national flags at the time, it may have been an omission to exclude the blue stripes on his behalf but one wonders (?).

    Writing of flags and nations, Professor Noam Chomsky of MIT over in the U.S. had a significant article in “The Guardian” last June 19th on the Edward Snowden affair:

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/19/nsa-surveillance-attack-american-citizens-noam-chomsky

    How typically hypocritical of the U.S. Government given that the U.S. Secretary of War Belknap could dispatch the spies Brevat-Brigadier General Barton Stone Alexander and Major General John Schofield from San Francisco in the Spring of 1872 under the pretext of a vacation to the neutral, independent Hawaiian Kingdom to scope out the military potential of a future strategic locale. This fact was kept secret from the American public for a quarter of a century and only manifested itself at the time of the unlawful 1898 annexation attempt. They even named the occupational Schofield barracks on O’ahu in honor of this treasonous individual. Auwe no ho’i e!

    • Footnote:
      At the proceedings of the Hawaiian Historical Society meeting of July 13, 1905 Sidney M. Ballou of Honolulu delivered a presentation on behalf of his brother (Howard M. Ballou of Boston) in which it was noted that the Kingdom flag was comprised of seven alternative red and white stripes, the Jack opposite the upper three as depicted by J.W. Norrie, hydrographer in “The maritime flags of all Nations” (1824, London), this adds credence to Byron’s observations.

      You can access same by Googling “The reversal of the Hawaiian Kingdom Flag by Mr. Howard M. Ballou” I will attempt to post the link here but it may not open due to being in PDF format:

      http://evols.library.manoa.hawaii.edu/bitstream/handle10524/97/OP12.pdf

      Aloha.

  14. Bottom line is that people need to be educated about the Atooi nation. I am so glad I came across this. I’m Hawaiian and went to school learning Hawaiiana, but never Hawaiian history. I educated myself on this, but still have lots to learn. I never felt comfortable with the red/gold/green flag. Sounds more Reggae to me than anything else and we are Hawaiian and not Jamaican. No offense to any nationality, but I do feel a bit offended that in my 49 years of living here, that I have never seen any Hawaiian flag of that color. That is just simply cartoonish and our Hawaiian Monarch was ROYAL.

  15. I had heard that the current flag is different from the original flag. That the stripes were made differently somehow. Is the painting that is depicted here, the one with the people on the ship, an example of this idea? I noticed that the flag hanging has the stripes going in the opposite direction. Any info? Or did I just space that in the article. I’ll go back now and re-read, but if it’s not mentioned, could anyone enlighten?

  16. After reading these comments I too am confused about these HK so called flags….these flags were brought into our Kingdom by these western HAOLE’s.As Kanakamaole’s our Kingdom still exist to this day my flag is my KAHILI.aloha and malama pono the Aina and YES Our Aina is still occupied by the so called U.S. for Strategic Military Greed whiich like the Roman Empire wiil turn to Dust .

    • WHAT WOULD KING KAMEHAMEHA DO? (Excerpt)

      Kaho’okahi Kanuha said “…This hurt is the illegal occupation of Hawai’i by the United States of America”

      THEREFORE:  Would Kamehameha’s reign as King over all the Hawaiian Islands after 1795 have been considered by some Hawai’ians to be a illegal occupation of Hilo, Kaho’olawe, Maui, Moloka’i, Lana’i, O’ahu, Kauai and Ni’ihau?

      SINCE King Kamehameha’s warriors forced 800 Oahu warriors over the Nu’uanu Pali to consummate his reign over the Hawai’ian Islands,

      SINCE King Kamehameha appointed governors based on loyalty rather than rank as Ali’i…

      THEREFORE, IF King Kamehameha were currently King of Hawai’i, WHAT would be his actions after 5 years of discussion, and after having made a proclamation of approval for a vision of the stars, there are those who oppose and disobeyed his Kapu.  Exile? Death? Sacrifice as he did with opposing Ali’i, Keoua, Ka’lana and Kalanikupule, and Namakeha? 

      Penalties were severe for breaking kapu. The law officer (‘ilamuku) hunted down kapu breakers and saw to it that they were put to death by strangulation, clubbing, stoning, burning, or drowning. There was no trial, no probation, no compassion.

      Could/should the descendents of the Ali’i and other Warriors of Maui, Moloka’i, Lana’i, O’ahu, Kauai and Ni’ihau sue the descendents of King Kamehameha I for the death of their grandfathers?

      IN AS MUCH as many inequities and unfair situations abound, a few comparisons of present Hawai’i versus ancient Hawai’i are as follows:

      Face to face talk to governor or mayor vs prostration before Ali’i and court.
      Right to descent & protest & appeals vs instant death via clubbing, etc.
      Nike shoes versus hand woven lauhala or ti leaf sandals.
      Printed cotton & polyester robes versus hand pounded tapa or animal skins.
      Motorized fishing boats versus hand paddled canoes.
      Fiberglass (most canoes) versus hand carved koa canoes.
      Chain saws versus hand adzes to construct koa canoes.
      Fresh iced fish & meat versus salted or dried fish & meat.
      Paved roads versus rocky trails.
      Toyota pickups versus walking with heavy loads.
      Short airplane trips versus long difficult canoe rides.
      Cell phones, laptops, computers & radio versus shouting & word of mouth.
      Canvas tents with metal posts versus wood and lauhala huts.
      Writing versus oral memorization.
      Welfare, Medicare, Social Security versus dependance on children in old age.
      Modern Hospitals and health care to aid babies to live past one year.
      Time off from work to demonstrate vs conscription with out pay to work for Ali’i.

      My Questions?  
      1.  Why do the Hawai’ian groups longing to return to the old ways continue to use the above modern technology which is so foreign to their desire for Hawaii?  
      2.  Who is going to be King and 1 to 10% Ali’i (direct descendants of the gods)?
      3.  Who is it that decides who is a “descendent of the gods”?
      4.  Who will be assigned as the pii’o, ni’aupi’o, naha, and wohi and kahuna (priests and occupational experts such as traditional medical doctors )?
      5.  Who is going to be the other 90% mak’ainana (commoners) who must prostrate themselves under penalty of death in the presence of the Ali’i .
      6.  Who is to be the kaua (outcasts)? Criminals? And who decides what is criminal and who makes the laws?
      7.  Will there be a civil war such as is happening in Venezuela, Syria, and Libya when most Hawai’ians decide that they don’t wish to be assigned to a mak’ainana position? (ie, 900 people or more out of every thousand.)
      8.  How many people will die?  
      9.  Who will be the next invader if the US pulls its bases from Pearl Harbor, Wheeler, Pahakaloa, etc?  
      10.   Will dissent, protests, demonstrations, or treasonous conversations be permitted against the new King?   Will there be Kapu under penalty of death?

      AGAIN, IN AS MUCH as no invasion and occupation is necessarily fair to the predecessors, and

      IN AS MUCH as it is impossible to return to the past before the coming of the Europeans, to before the wars and slaughter of King Kamehameha, or even the invasion of the Polynesians, it behooves the present governing individuals and the peoples of the Hawai’ian Islands as well as other peoples of the World to resolve peacefully any differences in opinions.

      We need a WORLD AGREEMENT to live in peace as equals without greed, crime, and corruption!


      Sincerely,

      David of Hawaii, SCPO Ret. Kanawalu kumaono 

  17. History is written by its victors, flags are a European concept for idiots to worship like a American idol. Queens flags are Queen bedsheets on a pole

  18. 14th of December c.1817 written in the Russian LOG BOOK of the ‘RURICK’ translates to; “We saluted the royal Hawaiian flag which waved over the Fort, with seven guns, and were answered by the Fort gun for gun.”

    In the year(s) 1839-1840 ‘In the center of the fort, rises the flagstaff, upon which the national flag, (the British Union, with alternate stripes of red and white,)’ – from the book INCIDENTS of a WHALING VOYAGE by Francis Allyn Olmsted pg.195 –The lack of Blue was most likely due to the FRENCH Pillage and Plundering Honolulu previously.

    Then in 1853 Paul Emmert paint with oil Fort Honolulu with the British Ensign as an X not the normal + look. Which can be seen on the wall of the Mission House Archive office on King Street Honolulu Hawaii Museum — This Flag was in retaliation to the BRITISH take over of Hawaii during the Paulet Affair.

  19. The popularity of reggae in Hawaii spawned that red, gold and green flag. They borrowed the reggae colors and swapped out the African plight for Hawaiian and came up with this not so original concept that has absolutely no connection to Hawaiian history. Only place you see it is on lifted or lowered trucks, and sold in shops where they sell marijuana parafernalia = its a local pop culture design. No research required.

    • As a visitor to these isles I want to respect the land and the spirits and the people. As an African American who grew up in San Francisco during the Black Power Movement of the 60’s and learned about the significance of the tri-colors red-gold-green and red-black-green I felt honored to see a Hawaiian created flag encompassing the freedom struggle of another island people. Please understand. I am not advocating this flag as the national or Kingdom of Hawaii flag. Only that this be cherished for the symbol of a people’s struggle for independence and not just a Jawaiian thing. The flag of the Kingdom of Hawaii must be one that is mutually acceptable by all the people. Peace amd Love, Kusuru aboard S/V Juju, Molokai.

  20. We need to have our own Hawaiian flag and not some British flag.Someday I hope we have one.I like the one we have now but don’t like the colors.

  21. Question to the blog….recently the term “Mauna A Wakea” has been used popularly among many Hawaiians. I am Hawaiian and an amateur historian. I find cognate names for Mauna Kea throughout Polynesia, but no cognate names for “Mauna A Wakea”. You can find Maunga Tea, Maunga Tea Tea, etc., but nothing close to Mauna A Wakea. I think this is a recent “instant historical discovery” and those who promote the name as being original are doing a great disservice and slight to the true and ancient name, Mauna Kea. The explanation I have been given is that the fast pronunciation of Mauna A Wakea becomes “Mauna Kea”. I don’t buy that and my research does not show any evidence for that. Anybody know who invented “Mauna A Wakea”??

    • There is only a single historical entry that uses the term “mauna a Wakea”, in the chronicles of Queen Emma Nae’a Rook’s journey to the summit in 1881, where it is “reported” that she called it “mauna a Wakea”, however, there are no other historical references to the mountain being named anything other than Mauna Kea. In traditional Hawaiian oral history, Wakea was a human, 12th in line from Kahiko, alleged to be the first Hawaiian. Tahitian and other Southern Polynesian societies revered Wakea as the sky god. It is possible that local Hawaiian stories were corrupted over time by the arrivals from other island groups from the 1800’s to the 1880’s, whose mythology became intertwined with the Hawaiian mythologies and incorporated into a re-interpretation of the original mythology. Kalakaua’s version of the Kumulipo mentions the Wakea and Papa myth regarding Hawai’i being the first born island, and the others born afterward either by Papa or her daughter. The version of Kumulipo cited by David Malo, which predates Kalakaua’s version by at least 50 years, contains no such myth. Hawaiian historian Kamakau noted that the myth version used in Kalakaua’s Kumulipo was intended to be kaona, double entendre riddling speech, “not to be taken literally…”

  22. So, is it Simeona or Sonoda? I knew that flag was fake from the beginning! Simeona didn’t even provide solid proof that it was the original.

    • Pieces of the original “torn” flag are in the hands of a ohana. You will have to wait for them to reveal the proof. Simeona is also a Sonoda, father being one and mother the other. You can’t refute that, can you? His research is pono. To be continued. Don’t quit your day time job. Some day, one day, any day, another day, just not today.

  23. Red White and Blue are pan European colors, Red Gold and Green are pan African colors. Who did the most wrong to our people, Europe or Africa? That state flag is a British Jack and I don’t think Akua will resurrect the British monarchy here in these islands ever again,it’s a dead era. Time for a new.

    • If you’d been British you would be long independent by now. We wouldn’t have absorbed you like America has never to reappear. Mind the cheek about our Sovereign Lady. Two can insult if you want to play that game.

  24. Since it is the obligation and responsibility only of the ORIGINAL people of the KINGDOM OF HAWAII to set the direction of its future, the nations flag will be the symbol of that end result recognition. Foreigners now have privileges and no rights to involve themselves directly with a nation they are not a party of unless by genealogy proof they are kanaka maoli, the true people by their ancestry to Hawaiti. We thank foreigners for their mana’o and efforts to educate a nation that was already civilized, but you know by international law of nations you cannot participate directly in a nations process unless you are invited to the negotiations table, but by then it might be non-negotiable. It has already been decided. You may have to wear an identification that says you are a “visitor”.

  25. I somehow doubt that the most powerful nation in the world is going to allow a state that profits them billions of dollars a year to become it’s own sovereign nation.

  26. I love the colors that it blends with our islands and the oars which reminds us of the long journeys that were taken overseas to get to the Island homes.

  27. Aloha kodierer, I bet you also doubted that the most powerful nation in the world would not loose being the number one economy and loose being the number one reserve currency.
    My, how things are changing.

    • All the more reason to hold a spot in the Pacific. If the US left because a small portion of the population was upset, Hawaii would likely be annexed by China as a strategic military move within the next 20 years.

  28. Be yourself my brothers, learn from the history and move to the future. Whatever that English and western flag means should be thrown away in the garbage. Make new flag to gather around, and that green, yellow, red looks very good 🙂

    • Anyone who disrespects our Hae Hawai’i, does disrespect to the greatest Hawaiian who ever lived, Kamehameha I. He chose that flag as his own and if it was good enough for him, it’s good enough for me. Recent “history” is what people make up because they are disenchanted with actual history. The present Hae Hawai’i is what Kamehameha chose….respect that.

    • That green, yellow, and red flag is not the national flag of Hawaii. Furthermore it has no historical significance, nor does it exist in history. It’s made up and it is a bad example for young generation learning Hawaii’s legal history

  29. It’s about time some education to those who believe that the State flag is hawaiian, thus, if you all is fighting for your true cause of Hawaiian, then get rid of that stupid american, aka hawaiian flag because the government is just loving it because it make you look stupid, by honoring their flag that why nothing can be done.

  30. The influences of the Western world impacted the Alii to where they wanted to become like them.

    For me that influence is the first signs of losing independence. The second was creating a flag in the likeness of this super power.

    The Kanaka Maoli flag is just that – the Kanaka Maoli Flag. The colors and arrangements are beautiful. Since the Kanaka Maoli flag is not the official flag of anything, the Kanaka Maoli people need to kuka kuka this, and then vote on it.

    Maybe through an added item to the next voting cycle we can have place on the ballat.

    • Aloha Ben

      Well if you understand Hawaii’s legal history, you would know that Hawaii’s independence was never lost. Even today. Hawaii is still legally an independent nation; it is just occupied. Occupation does not transfer sovereignty. (Commentary of ARTICLE 47 of the 1949 IV Geneva Convention, U.S. Army Field Manual 27-10, Chapter 6, Section 1, Subsection Paragraph #358). Now if we were legally part of the United States, not only would there be evidence of it, but Hawaii’s independence yes would be lost and that would be legal.

      And by the way, this occupation concerns everyone, not just Aboriginal Hawaiians. It concerns everyone in Hawaii. Oh and also, the national banner of the H.K. cannot be changed unless by act by the Legislative Assembly of the H.K. (ARTICLE 38 of the 1864 Constitution)

      • Aloha Iolani,

        Mahalo nui for your mana’o. Maikai nui!

        I don’t think for a moment of removing the HK flag is appropriate. It’s part of our history.

        However, the HK flag, like the HK Government exist in the context of being occupied and abused.

        The Kanaka Maoli Flag could be considered that of the people.
        Of the kanaka maoli,
        By the Kanaka Maoli and
        For the kanaka maoli
        Moving forward.

        • Aloha, Ben. Regarding your comment stating, “However, the HK flag, like the HK Government exist in the context of being occupied and abused.”
          I don’t understand; what do you mean by that?

          I hope you do realize that the HK was a multi-ethnic nation comprised of different ethnicities not just Aboriginal Hawaiian. Even though yes the Aboriginal Hawaiian population comprised of the majority of the ethnic population, everyone in the H.K., regardless of their ethnicity was treated equally. We could actually outrank the United States in human rights in that context.

          The Aboriginal Hawaiian population are not the only people that is affected by this occupation–everyone in Hawaii is. Even the nations of the world in addition.

  31. All this in-fighting over a flag…is there nothing more significant to come to terms on? IF Hawaii were to win it’s independence, HOW would they secure the borders? WHAT military presence would they have? HOW would revenue be distributed or collected? HOW would Hawaii defend itself against foreign invaders again? It is a highly desirable strategic point in the Pacific! WHO would make sure no other country came in and took Hawaii Again? If you’re thinking the “world court” would ensure this would not happen I would remind you of a place called the Ukraine….Russia had no right to invade, yet they did, and NOTHING has happened to reverse that action.
    Please don’t misunderstand, I love my Hawaiian heritage; The two men on the Hawaiian coat of arms are my Kupuna…Kame’eiamoku and Kamanawa, I made an extra effort to learn my culture and history because I know I don’t look at all Hawaiian, over-compensation maybe….so I have no wish to be a discouraging voice here, but people need to be realistic…there are bigger issues at hand; I say, win your independence First, make sure you have answers, solid answers, to my questions above (and MANY others), and once you have done that, THEN design your flag.

    • Wow, great answer. Makes a lot of sense what you’re saying. Don’t hear most bringing up the points you’ve outlined before they are caught arguing over things like this issue of the flag. That is pretty western minded right there – troubling over the flags appearance when there are more significant aspects regarding Hawaiian sovereignty to worry about ! Americans live like this and that same illness has come to roost among both older and younger generations of Hawaiians as well…worry about petty and lesser issues…materialistic minded with no real survival skills or skills for living with independendent minds. Some people it seems might become more inspired to think more seriously about the questions you raised more seriously if they could be happy with a more serious flag to represent their nation first, lol. Personally, I think neither flag should be used to represent the HK or its legacy leading up to now even, history or not. But really, what you said makes so much sense!

  32. Aloha Ben, I think you got it backwards, “…..the influences of the Western world impacted the Alii to where they wanted to become like them. For me that influence is the first signs of losing independence…. ” . Ben, the Ali’i mastered the western system inorder to secure Hawaii under international law as an independent nation state. THAT is the first sign they did NOT want to be westernized. If they really wanted to be westernized securing independence would have been the last thing they would have done.

    • Aloha Kekoa,

      Mahalo for your mana’o.

      Question:

      1. Why didn’t the other nations that we had international agreements with, as being an independent nation step-in and demand the U.S. remove itself in the 1893 overthrow and every step that cemented the US standing in Hawaii?

      2. What can we do today to un-cement the US standing in Hawaii?

      Mahalo nui loa.

      • The key is the Turpie Resolution of 1894. It states that any USA citizen and any other country to not interfere in the Hawaiian situation lest it be an unfriendly act against the USA. The people of Hawaii wholly has the right to its governance and political polity.
        World powers thus decided to not engage in war with the USA and backed off.
        This is the reason USA got away with the multiple crimes against the Hawaiian Kingdom.

  33. I assumed the red, yellow and green flag was a new idea proposed by some in the sovereignty movement. It just started popping up a lot all of a sudden and I had never seen the design before. Luckily for me, my Hawaiian studies courses throughout grade school and high school were pretty good so I already knew what was said in this article. I had no idea that some people believed the new red, yellow and green design to be the “original”.

  34. Aloha Ben,
    Question:

    1. Why didn’t the other nations that we had international agreements with, as being an independent nation step-in and demand the U.S. remove itself in the 1893 overthrow and every step that cemented the US standing in Hawaii?

    Answers:

    1. The U.S. Turpie Resolution of 1894 would just one of the reasons. Basically it was a threat to those nations to back off Hawaii’s situation or they would be deemed unfriendly (enemy) of the United States.

    2. The reality of foreign affairs is that Nations will always evaluate their position on an issue based on self interest or self preservation. Would going against the Turpie Resolution be in their best interest at that time?

    Question:

    2. What can we do today to un-cement the US standing in Hawaii?

    Answers:

    1. It appears the AHKG is already setting the stage for taking our occupation out from the domestic realm of the U.S. and into the international realm where it belongs.

    2. Our kuleana is to educate ourselves on the correct history and facts of Hawaii and it’s occupation.

    3. The power plays that the heavy hitters in the international arena are making appear to have a deoccupied Hawaii in their best interest and will ensure their self preservation. Now, by helping Hawaii they will be helping themselves.

    Just my manao

  35. kodierer, if the U.S. left it would not be because a small portion of the population was upset. It would be because that is what the law requires. Is that not what the U.S. prides itself on, democracy, rule of law and all that propoganda they claim to uphold? Come on who are you trying to fool. If China was one of the countries helping to end the occupation they would not dare occupy Hawaii. It just does not make sense on so many levels. Besides, if the U.S. chose to stay than so be it but we ain’t gonna play that B.S. game we are part of the U.S., it will be according to the laws of occupation. Let’s see how long they can handle funding this occupation along with all the sanctions that come with it. They will be portrayed as the biggest hypocrit on human rights and humanitarian law in the international community. You just don’t get it. They violated the rights of our kupuna and our rights. would you allow criminals to live in your house after they violated you and your family? Especially when they have no remorse for doing it and want to keep on doing it?

  36. Aloha Suzie, you have valid questions and there are real answers to address them. However, what’s happening in Ukraine is actually a result of U.S. and European Union meddling. Russia had no choice but to secure their interest in Crimea, which by the way was done by a Treaty of Annexation. Especially after the U.S. and EU recognized a bunch of thugs as the legitimate gov’t of Ukraine. If the U.S. and E.U. did not interfer with Ukraine, Russia would not have done what it did.

  37. kodierer, the whole …we benefit by the U.S…. propoganda is irrelevant if it violates international law and the rights of the Hawaiian Kingdom and it’s nationals. Oppressing a country and it’s citizens are only beneficial to the oppressor NOT the oppressed. Hawaii is targeted for nuclear strikes because of the illegal U.S. military presence. Wow, what kind of benefit is that for Hawaii? If you think being the sacrificial lamb for the U.S. is a benefit than you got your priorities messed up.
    Like I said earlier, because we are occupied by the U.S. then they should be held accountable to the laws of occupation just like every other country they occupy. Your comment about who says the U.S. will pay the sanctions indicate you don’t understand how sanctions work. Sanctions do not necessarily make them do something or pay something. It can prevents them from aquiring something. Check out how sanctions affected Iran and Russia’s and you will start to see the big picture.

    • hello we trying to begin a new nation but understanding and remembering our old nation. aint waiting to get the kingdom back. the royal blood stuff can stop. this new movement is lead by the people and with the people a new nation can be formed. if a person is smart in politics management, culture and have the drive for hawaii and kanaka maoli sovereignty and a thriving nation but does not have any royal blood then that person should lead! royal blood shouldnt even play a part. and if a flag can bring our people together the way it is then red yellow green it is! lets move together as one. with a new nation! buya

    • The citizens of Hawaii had a majority vote before Hawaii could become a state. With that being documented, it’s kind of hard to claim illegal occupation.

  38. kodierer, obviously you haven’t been paying attention or did any research on what happened in Hawaii and the applicable law that deals with Hawaii. Simply put, you cannot harvest any good fruit from a poisonous tree. Forget about State hood. If the overthrow was illegal than everything that came after it until today is illegal. Dah.

    • Not exactly. Statehood came from a majority vote. No one is going t look at anything else. Your people wanted to be a part of the us and voted to do so. And dah is duh unless you have down syndrome. It’s a about 50 years after the fact. And no one is going to care.
      Interesting everyone on the forum is using English instead of Hawaiian.

      • Kodierer, I don’t think you seriously know what is going on here.

        Just because people voted for so-called “Statehood” does not mean that Hawaii is legally a part of the United States. Hawaii supposedly became part of the United States in 1898; there’s only one problem–there is no legal evidence to prove that there was a transfer of sovereignty. In other words, no treaty of cession. Without a treaty of cession, the United States cannot claim legally that Hawaii is part of the U.S. much less claim that Hawaii is the 50th State of the U.S.

        But if they can, why haven’t they? Saying something supposedly true is one thing, proving it is entirely different

        • Exactly, so if what you think is true, then the whole world would have been upset when the U.S declared Hawaii a state, or annexed it in the first place. You guys are living in make believe land. There’s no sanctions against the the U.S for occupying Navajo, or Sioux or any other indigenous peoples territory.
          I’m going to leave this blog and let you live your fantasy and pretend that I’m someone who doesn’t know anything. Keep the daydream alive!

          • Check out the link below:
            http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/07/10/south-carolina-confederate-flag/29952953/

            Now that used to be make believe land too
            until it got blasted by blind sided reality!
            A historical event triggered by an evil
            individual who perhaps thought he was
            doing a good thing but ended up screwing
            up big time!

            Huh! Who knew?

            Conceive, believe and you’ll achieve!

            Believing is just part of the package!

            Next to go, USA in Hawaii nei!

          • You can’t annex a Country, that my friend is stated in international law. The Navajo didn’t have a Constitution recognized by over 40 countries. They didn’t have a judicial system or legislation. Hawaii is a Kingdom not a territory. The US does not have any jurisdiction outside 3 to 12 miles according to the Joint Resolution of the US Congress back in July, 7, 1898. This isn’t a fairytale it’s a nightmare except everyone is awake. Come at me bro.

      • You have to understand that under international law, which is higher than American law and for good reason, they admitted to illegally overthrowing the Queen. Then they started to denationalize the hawaiian people. They didn’t let them speak their language. Now, since Hawaii already had a Constitution and independence recognized by over 40 countries, if anyone tried to do anything, they would be backed by international law. It is a war crime to denationalize a country and then force American ways upon them. WAR CRIME. So, of course most people write in English. Now, these are my people so I’m offended. Let’s not forget, the brainwashed you too.

  39. kodierer, it’s obvious you don’t understand international law or U.S. constitutional law and how it is applied when dealing with the transfer of sovereignty and title of an established state.
    According to International law, the U.S. constitution and it’s laws, annexation can only happen by TREATY. Without a TREATY OF ANNEXATION the U.S. cannot pass a Congressional law or conduct any lawful elections in Hawaii. Read the U.S. 1988 Department of Justice legal opinion regarding the annexation of Hawaii. It clearly states that the taking of Hawaii cannot be explained because Congress did not have the authority under the U.S. constitution to pass a law that can annex a foreign state such as Hawaii. Hey man, your own country’s DOJ is saying you are wrong and that’s just one of the many sources I can point you to.
    Now to further complicate things for your arguement the transfer of sovereignty and title (annexation) becomes impossible when the claimant state (US) is occupying the territory of the state it claims to have annexed. In fact it is barred by law from happening.

    Hey let’s face the facts, it was a huge mistake by the U.S. and if you read the U.S. congressional minutes you will see many senators and congressmen were also saying it would be an unconstitutional act and a mistake. Most of them obstained from voting but the others voted for it anyway. Now that mistake is coming back to haunt them.
    Lets face it, we would not be having this discussion if Hawaii was legally annexed by the United States. They have no lawful control over Hawaii, they have only unlawful control through military might and political power. That my friend is occupation not Statehood and it is illegal.
    But hey, if you believe you have all you need to prove Hawaii is part of the United States than there’s no need for you to worry. No need comment about how much we benefit from the United States. Hey, you got this right. Deoccupation will never happen right, so kick back and relax brah.

  40. Kodierer, Navajo and Sioux are nations but they never obtained formal international recognition as an independent nation state and therefore not entitled to the same protections under international law. The Hawaiians were the first non-european country to achieve that status along with the status of a neutral state. That is why we had 92 embassies and counsulates throught out the world, even in the United States. Those countries also had consulates and embassies in Hawaii. Did you ever see the Navajo and Sioux having an embassy in a foreign country or the United States? Did any country have their embassy or consulate in the Navajo and Sioux nation? You are talking apples and oranges. The Navajo and Sioux come under the doctrines of conquered nations and colonized nations. Their rights fall under a different set of rules. Mahalo for your advice of keeping the dream alive. Joel 2: 28 …Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions;..
    You see kodierer we will always continue to dream and have a vision, for without vision, the people perish.

  41. Aloha buya, actually we are not trying to begin a new nation. We are trying to end the occupation of an already established nation state. There is a process in place to achieve that goal and laws to ensure it’s protection. Creating a new nation is a dangerous proposal because it would not be protected by these same laws and would actually be treason. First we need to end the occupation inorder to restore our gov’t and after that changes can be made through a lawful process. Hope this helps.

  42. Mahalo for this insightful and truthful information about hae Hawai’i. Perhaps it will open the minds of a few Hawaiians that remain ignorant to our true history and choose to honor a false flag (the so-called “kanaka maoli flag”) as our national flag instead of hae Hawai’i.

    No doubt we will need a new national flag to represent the restored ko Hawai’i pae aina and lahui. As a Hawaiian ali’i designer I have already created a few hae malama Hawai’i designs that I would be honored to submit for consideration as our new hae Hawai’i for the restored kingdom.

    ponokeali’i
    ali’i aloha aina

  43. Thank you for revealing the truth.

    Buzzy Agard’s flag is a tribute to the Jamaican Reggae colors, which themselves were taken from the Ethiopian flag, probably because he felt that the music style “Jawaiian” had great worth to the Hawaiian people. Jawaiian is nothing but the simplest of simple pop tunes set to a pseudo reggae beat, and this affiliation with this musical genre does nothing but hurt the credibility of the sovereignty movement.

    When Kamehameha himself designs a flag, which is standardized by Kamehameha III, and then in modern times the people turn away from it in favor of Jawaiian music, it spells doom for the Hawai’i sovereignty movement.

    The Royal flag used to signify the presence of the King on board a ship, was not these Ethiopian colors, it was predominantly red, white and blue with a tiny green shield in the center.

    So if you prefer Jawaiian pop tunes to respecting Hawai’i, go ahead and put those red, green and gold stickers on your bumper, but don’t call it the flag of Hawai’i, because history says otherwise.

  44. Just a few things to say, I fell and hear all of your remarks concerning the flag issue. My thoughts are yes we may have a flag that truly represents the HK, but if it gives our people hope and brings them together then let it take it’s course. I am of Hawaiian decent and I am proud of my people fighting to be independent nation, I also fly the Kanaka flag and I live in Missouri, and I am proud to fly that flag, so if it can bring us together as one whole then so be it. Mahalo, and Aloha to all on this site.

  45. Many people have made a multitude of claims referring to us as “Hawaiians” and yet no one can clearly verify where this name came from. Also, I was informed some time ago that we as a people originated in the Marquesas and migrated by canoes to these islands in the 3rd century and then Tahitians followed in the 1300s displacing and replacing the original settlers. And if this is to be true and these islands are part of Polynesia itself, wouldn’t that make us Polynesians and not Hawaiians?

    • Aloha Craig,

      my understanding is that the term “Hawaiian” refers to someone being either “of” (as in native born) or “from” (as in a resident of) Hawai’i”. The same is true of Tahitian, Marquesan, Tuamotan, and Samoan. The Aotearoans of New Zealand commonly refer to themselves as “maori” which is the Aotearoan equivalent of “maoli used in our Hawaiian term kanaka maoli meaning native, indigenous people.

      mahalo for hearing my mana’o.

      pono

    • All humans originated in Africa, then migrated into Asia, Europe and so forth.
      Beyond that, all definitions of ethnicity are superficial and semantic.

      • I think that if you do some research you’ll find that there is new genetic evidence that disputes the 20th century “out of Africa” theory as an interesting notion that is much too exclusive to have any basis in reality,

  46. Kingdom of atooi chose that flag for their own representation. They did not choose it as a replacement to the Hawaiian flag. They chose that flag to represent the people of Hawaii and to expose the lies which keep all Hawaiians under oppression which is OHA and the fake state of hawaii… until you come to grasp and realize that your homestead is not really yours then you will never understand and btw some people that you all look up to for the “truth” is paid by OHA to keep the kanaka misinformed and fighting with each other.

  47. I am former law enforcement and a researcher studying Hawaiian petroglyphs and the various ancient cultures and drum beats of Hawaii.
    I was a little shocked to see what really happened in what some historians call a “soft take over” by the U.S. of the Islands.
    In any event, there seems to be a move to separate from the U.S.and revert back to the Kanaka Maoli flag of which I have an interest.
    The current flag is too much like the British flag.
    I happen to like the Kanaka Maoli flag best and it is traditional.
    I think tat no matter what happens, Hawaii needs to change back to the Traditional Kanaka Maoli flag.
    I see patches, flags and other items on the internet which sells this beautiful design but wondered if anybody knew of an excellent Hawaiian store that might sell this flag or it’s design in the form of Patches?
    I think the Hawaiians have suffered as did the Native Americans and we all need to preserve this culture and it’s sacred ways before it disappears.
    There is so much to learn from a pristine set of islands which are/were pure and the people thrived on a healthy, clean environment with higher quality nutrients than what is processed in the U.S.(I am also a nutritionist as well)
    If anyone has a good contact for obtaining some simple Kanaka Maoli flag patches, flags
    and Tahitian drums, etc…please send me an email here: john.a.carman@gmail.com Aloha !

    • …Have you read the article?! We cannot revert back to the Kanaka Maoli flag if that flag was never in use to begin with!

  48. I wonder about the colors of the horizontal stripes on the national ensign. Dr. Lorenz Gonschor (now) mentioned in a video in March 2016 that the flag’s horizontal stripe colors represents one of our gods. That would be interesting to know for sure.

  49. the flag of the imperialist, capitalist warmongering oppressor, red from the blood of innocents that it has slaughtered in its greed and hunger for power will not long fly over our great nation. in fact it may not fly much longer over the lands that it stole from the native first peoples of North America. it will be replaced by the Russian flag now that it has taken over the US congress, the US intelligence agencies and now the White House with its orange-faced, balding, fat, elderly, tiny-handed, piss-guzzling, pussy grabbing, narcissistic, tweetaholic baby of a president.

    • I disagree, we do not need a new flag. Also, It is not “baggage”, it is called history and it is important because it tells us about who we are and it allows us to learn from the past.

      “History, the study of the past, is a society’s collective memory. Without that collective memory, society would be as rootless and adrift as an individual with amnesia” – Furay and Salevouris

  50. FLAG???? WE NO MOA FLAGS!!!! WE HAVE SAILS!!! We don’t have god, jahova, jesus!!! WE HAVE PAPA AND WAKEA, KU, KANE, LONO… PELE AND POLIAHU…KAMAPUAA AND MAUI!!!! AND THE REST OF OUR TUTU!!!! OUR FLAG IS JUST BEING HAWAIIAN AND SHOWING OUR ALOHA!!!!

  51. Wow, interesting article!

    I’m working on a book about symbols of the 50 states (Geobop’s 50 Symbols). It’s basically a reference book, but I’m also taking a critical look at the symbols, many of which are stupid, including most state flags. Accordingly, I’m looking for good flag proposals to replace some state flags.

    May I have permission to use your picture of the Kanaka Maoli flag in my book?

    My book is an epub/ebook and will hopefully be finished by the end of October. Anyone who wants to contact me, please go to http://www.kpowbooks.com/contact

    Thanks!

  52. Illuminating. I feel the Jack is beneficial to a newly independent Nation. By the Charter, we are authorized to join the British Commonwealth of Nations, as a self governing,Independent Kingdom, much in the way Tonga exists. Much of Polynesia already belongs to it. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is not the sovereign of these Nations,she functions as Chairwoman and Spokesman, not the Queen of any nations who do not freely choose to have Her as head of State.
    One more benefit I have mentioned in reply in this thread. There is a mutual defense clause in the charter of the BCN. I would much prefer Nations like New Zealand,Canada,Australia and Britain defending our Independence than the Peoples Republic of China.

  53. Didnt think that the “kanaka maoli” flag was legit from the start. However, it has revived some pride within the Hawaiian communities. People don’t really believe in the brits influenced design, so thats why the Hawaiian community has latched on to the “kanaka maoli” flag. It may not be right, but it has had a positive effect, gotta appreciate that part at least. Now if only the Hawaiian “leaders” can unify and actually do some good for their people instead of watching everyone bicker about whatever nonsense comes up, not really progressing with any legit issues. Aloha

    • The primary reason why no one believes the British influence on our national flag is because they have been brainwashed and/or not told about the significance of our national ensign.

  54. I heard a stroy which places Princes of Hawaii, taking outriggers to California/America, and hanging out, building Surfboards, and uniting the People’s of America in to the Aztec and North American Clans!

    Of which, they also made claim to King Kamehameha, that they had a New Sacred Pand to go to, if anything were to happen!

    Since America was United by a Colorful People, and was attributed to be the Hawaiian s Sacred Land, Hawaii became a State of The US, since they preferred to travel to America, and still to this day refer to America as Mainland, rather than China as Mainland as many others do!

    IDK about the Flag, I see it as a Hawaiian Outriggers Flag!

    I see alot of folks looking to make Hawaii Soveirgn! But, Hawaii is part of Polynesia, Macronesia, and Micronesia, all three of which make up what is known as the Kingdom of Oceania! Oceania is viewed as the Capital of Oceanica better known to all as Earth!

    Oceania is called “Many Greek Islands”!

    Samoa is where the King of Oceania resided, and Samoa is part of France, Great Britain, America, and partly it’s own! Which entitles all Oceanians the ability to travel to America, France, Great Britain and all the provincial Colony’s and states there of, without the need to apply for a Visa to visit or move too!

    The Hawaiian People’s are the Colorful people that brought colorful clothes to the Americas and to those in the Indies and Africa! The biggest story that is never really told!

  55. So do we even have a Hawaiian flag? I’m seeing different things. Can someone educate me on this? Mahalo!

    • @Maryann Malabey King Kamehameha 1st never had a flag but had KAHILIS. When King Kalakaua became King he design the royal standard flag which is drapped over Iolani Palace still today. To me I stand on that flag as the Hawaiian Kingdom Flag.

  56. First of all mahalo for the proper information. Would it be fair to say that although not an original flag, the so called “Kanaka flag” has come to have meaning? Perhaps it represents the movement of people in these modern times and can maintain its own significance along side the traditional Kingdom and Royalty flags? What’s your guys mana’o on that?

  57. Wow, that’s the first time I’ve ever heard this story. Makes so much sense now. Until they come out with that Royal Lahui Flag as hae Hawai’i, I’ll still honor the flag with the Union Jack.

  58. Let’s ( Kingdom of Hawaii ) revamp a new flag with it being intergrated from past (Kamehameha the Great) to the last (Liliuokalani) same motto, insignia, colors, fight for what’s pono. Put in on paper, design, significance, accomplishments, struggles, sacredness, Kupunas, Keikis, political, people of Hawaiian nationality…wether quarter to full blooded…incorporate all these things like a Halii…just some food for thought…in honor of all royalty of past!!! Generation of future

  59. Gene Simeona has proof that the green red yellow flag did exist . It was up during Kamehameha the lll reign with a portrait at the time it was taken down by Paulet . I’ve witnessed it with my own eye’s . The Polynesians didn’t have flags , it’s a white man’s thing…Therefore Kamehameha l created his own flag the kanaka Maoli flag . It has a very strong meaning of the land people and kingdom . . . I embrace this flag.

  60. Aloha kakou. I am visiting Poipu, Kauai and they have been flying the Kalakaua flag since January 11 and will fly it for two weeks. Could someone please explain what holiday or significance this has? I have not read all of the posts in this thread, so kala mai if it has already been discussed.

  61. Aloha na hoa makamaka I keia wa eleu I ka ponopono na ano pono mai ka lewa a I ka awawa! Mahalo for diligently representing history, as it is complicated to be accurate and honest especially today. For your honest interpretation of the data I’m grateful. I wonder, how this and other matters of sovereignty might be interpreted by the true Lani and Kuhina Nui of this land. As for the Hae Maoli, I have heard that the colored stripes should be configured from the bottom in the sequence of Omao, Ulaula, and Melemele. Are there voices to speak on this? Mahalo piha, aloha no, onipaa! HakaPono

  62. Couldn’t we celebrate both flags as a representation of Hawaiian people? Maybe it didnʻt mean anything at first, but perhaps we gave it meaning through how we used it, and took it to represent us.

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