By Dennis Oda, Star-Bulletin
The state flag was designed by Kamehameha the First who
incorporated the Union Jack with the eight stripes,
one for each island.
And replace it with what, Ben? The Golden Arches? The Union Jack is part of the Hawaiian flag because it's part of Hawaiian history. Just like the Union Jack itself. (How many know the Stars 'n' Stripes is older than the flag of the British Empire? Raise hands.)
At the turn of 1800, England forcibly dissolved the Irish Parliament and created a new nation called Great Britain. It included the lands of Ireland, England and Scotland, and the respective flags of each country -- the crosses of St. Patrick, St. George and St. Andrew -- were formed into the Union Jack.
A few years later, English explorer George Vancouver proudly presented Kamehameha the First with his nation's new flag. Kamehameha said thanks, and decorated the outside of his home with it. But in 1812, when Kamehameha learned the United States and Great Britain were at war, he figured a British flag might bring on some American cannonballs. So Kamehameha created a new flag that was friendly to the United States and Great Britain. In recognition of Vancouver, the Union Jack was kept in the corner, and the eight red, white and blue stripes -- one for each major Hawaiian island -- echoed the American flag. By 1816, the flag was carried on Hawaiian ships around the world.
In 1843, the islands were briefly seized by English adventurer George Paulet, and all Hawaiian flags destroyed. A few months later, Adm. Thomas of the Royal Navy showed up and gave the islands back to Kamehameha III.
The Hawaiians named Thomas Square after the English admiral, and tried to name one of the major streets Britannia, but somehow it wound up being spelled Beretania.
The 1950 Constitutional Convention stamped Kamehameha's design as the official standard of the Territory of Hawaii.
Also performing will be Half Pint from Kingston, Jamaica; Hawaii's own Humble Soul; as well as Maacho, Ooklah the Moc and THC.
Tickets are $18.50 for lawn seating ($21 at the gate), $21 terrace and $23.50 for pool. They are on sale at Blaisdell Box Office, all Tower Records, Tower Video-Kapiolani, Hungry Ear Records, Radio Free Music Center and University of Hawaii Campus Center, or charge by phone at 591-2211.
Alpha Blondy, Humble Soul and Ooklah the Moc will also perform Feb. 21 at Lahaina Civic Center, along with Crazy Fingers from Maui. Tickets are $22 advance or $25 at the door and are available at the Honolua Surf Co. and All Music.
For information on both events, call 627-0128.
