Hawaii Lawmakers Propose Commission to Redesign State Flag

JANUARY 29, 2025 — A new legislative proposal aims to establish a commission to explore the possibility of redesigning Hawaii’s state flag, KHON2 reports.

The measure, House Bill 1385, has passed its first reading and would create a body to evaluate potential changes while engaging with the public on the issue.

The proposed commission would consist of lawmakers, cultural historians, and representatives from Native Hawaiian organizations. It would oversee public engagement, educational initiatives, and a design submission process.

If a final design is selected, it would be presented to the legislature for approval. The bill emphasizes that the process should be “transparent, inclusive, and guided by a commitment to justice and reconciliation.”

The current flag, commissioned by King Kamehameha III in the 1840s, symbolizes the sovereignty of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

However, its continued use by the State of Hawaii has sparked debate.

“The use of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s flag as the emblem of the State of Hawaii intertwines a symbol of a sovereign kingdom with a political entity formed under circumstances of colonization and annexation,” thereby conflating the historical significance of the flag with the structures of state governance,” the Bill reads, “the legislature further finds there is an opportunity to reflect the diverse and multicultural identity of Hawaii.”

It aims to find a new flag that “respects the historical and cultural significance of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s flag.”

Representative Andrew Garrett, who introduced the bill, questioned why the state continues to use a flag so closely tied to the kingdom’s history after its overthrow.

“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,” Garrett said.

Representative Darius Kila acknowledged the flag’s complex legacy, calling it both “a powerful, painful reminder of the injustice and trauma caused by the overthrow” and “a beacon of hope and resistance.”

Meanwhile, cultural ambassador Kumu Hina Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu opposed any change, stating, “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.”

HB1385 passed its first reading on Thursday, January 23, and will be referred to a committee for further consideration.

Garrett acknowledged that the discussion itself is significant, adding, “Ultimately, if the commission decides that this isn’t worth pursuing, then that would be part of the process as well.”

If approved, the commission would operate until December 31, 2026, submitting a final report to the legislature ahead of the 2026 session.

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