EWA (KHON2) — The Hawaii State flag, often a symbol of identity and pride, is seen across the islands and on front yards. But that’s not the case in a community in Ewa.
A policy in the Ewa by Gentry Community Association says that the current guidelines only permit the display of the American Flag, meaning all others, including the Hawaiian State flag, are not allowed.
Videos on social media started to gain traction when residents reacted to the news that someone was cited for having a flag up.
“There was a couple that flew the Hawaiian flag, the High Hawaii, outside their house, and they received a violation for it,” said Ewa Community Organizer Kaniela Ing. “So they went and appealed it to the HOA, and it was unanimously rejected.”
“To tell him, sorry son, we got to take (our flag) down, we cannot fly it in our house, we can only fly the (U.S.) flag, you know it just didn’t feel right,” said Ewa resident Cherise Akao.
Akao was cited back in 2019 for having her Hawaiian flag up, and said that when she saw it happen again on social media, she felt this time she had to get involved, and said she plans to organize a flag-waving event on Friday.
In a statement, the Ewa by Gentry Community Association said:
“The board is reviewing this rule for revision to include the official Hawaii State flag, following the procedures outlined in the association’s governing documents. It remains our goal to build and support the community in a fair and representative fashion.”
The Board also reminds the community that members of the staff are not the ones to create the policies.
“We are gravely concerned about recent incidents of threats and harassment directed
toward Association staff following social media posts. Staff do not create or vote on
Association policy. Their role is to carry out and enforce the rules adopted by the
volunteer homeowner Board of Directors.”
“The members of the HOA are also members of our community. We love them, we want to welcome them in,” said Ing. “We just ask that they also welcome in our culture and find ways to find balance.”
Community members say that the announcement by the HOA is a step in the right direction, but until there’s official confirmation of a change, they will continue to find ways to support their culture in any way they can, which includes various flag-waving events.
“Let’s get the community together,” said Akao on the planned flag-waving on Friday. “It’s not a protest, it’s not a fight, it’s just let’s just wave our flags. If we can’t hang it on our house, let’s just wave it.”
The HOA says the rule would be modified to allow only the official U.S. flag and the official Hawaiian State flag to be flown in areas that are visible from the neighboring property.
They say they hope to have a board-revised policy in place before regular inspection cycles are continued.