Drivers Penalized for Hawaiian Flags on Vehicles
Maui residents are seen showing their activism by waving Hawaiian flags from their car.
With Hawaiian activism on the rise amongst the TMT debate and Kahuku protests, numerous residents have shown their solidarity by putting Hawaiian flags on their vehicles.
Reportedly, several complaints have surfaced since these demonstrations took place on the road, causing the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) to start fining vehicles.
HPD addressed the situation on its social media platforms. “In response to numerous inquiries and complaints from the public, the Honolulu Police Department is asking drivers to be mindful when transporting or displaying objects in and on their vehicles,” HPD’s post said. “The HPD reminds motorists that the law requires a driver’s view to be unobstructed and that baggage, freight, or any object should not extend beyond the widest part of the vehicle. The fine for violating these laws ranges from $70 to $97.”
While there haven’t been any noticeable complaints about the flags, many bystanders and other drivers shared their feelings on the issue.
Anson Heya, a current junior at Kamehameha, spoke about the matter. “From a driver’s perspective, I understand why they could be hazardous,” said Heya. “But when you think about all of the people that’s had flags up, there haven’t been many car accidents coming from flags being on cars.”
“Hawaiian flags aren’t the only flags I’ve seen around – there are football flags, and more importantly, there are American flags as well,” Heya said. “If they are planning on fining those that drive with Hawaiian flags, then I feel they should fine everyone with flags on their cars.”
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Aloha! My name is Gisele Bisch, and I'm from the North Shore. Now a senior this year, I am delighted to say that this is my second year of being a staff member in Ka Mō'ī! I have a profound interest in sustainability, nutrition, drawing and painting, and social justice. As a staff member of Ka Mō'ī, I am fortunate to be able to utilize my student-voice and participate in discussions regarding these and other issues.
Isaiah Paekukui-Cockett • Nov 26, 2019 at 12:47 pm
I agree with Heya. I agree that all of the drivers who have a flag on their car shall be punished instead of those who only have the Hawaiian flag. I like and support that the Hawaiians are trying to represent their culture but there are also many other legal ways that we are allowed to represent our culture. I also think that the flags can be hazardous as it blocks off the views of some drivers but if the flags are not big and distracting then the driver should not get fined.
Chelsea Baba • Nov 26, 2019 at 12:46 pm
In my position, I understand that there are certain hazards to drivers who have flags on their cars. The flags can limit or interfere with the view of the driver, causing them to be a hazard on the road. However, I don’t think that there should be a law against having flags on your car, as long as it is safe on the road. America is a country of freedom, where citizens are able to appreciate and take pride in their cultures without judgement. By restricting the display of flags on your car, you are taking away this person’s freedom. Also, it seems as if Hawaiians are being targeted and treated as inferior simply because they won’t comply to the plans of the TMT to defend their land. Would there be laws against having flags if they were American flags? Therefore, I think that there should be a law regulating where people are allowed to display the Hawaiian flags on their vehicle; however, if the flag does not disrupt the drivers’ safety, then they should be able to show their pride for their culture.
Kai Duhaylonsod • Nov 26, 2019 at 12:46 pm
I understand both point of views, however, I personally don’t have a problem with the flags being mounted on top of the vehicles on the roadway. It’s a great way to express our culture. On the other hand, safety is another issue. There are some flags that, for my taste, are too large to have on the roadways Im still able to focus on the road with those distractions but for some people a flag of that size can be distracting. The real question here is what are the real motives for getting rid of the flags. Is it a safety issue or a political issue? We may never know.
Chelsea • Nov 26, 2019 at 12:44 pm
In my position, I understand that there are certain hazards to drivers who have flags on their cars. The flags can limit or interfere with the view of the driver, causing them to be a hazard on the road. However, I don’t think that there should be a law against having flags on your car, as long as it is safe on the road. America is a country of freedom, where citizens are able to appreciate and take pride in their cultures without judgement. By restricting the display of flags on your car, you are taking away this person’s freedom. Also, it seems as if Hawaiians are being targeted and treated as inferior simply because they won’t comply to the plans of the TMT to defend their land. Would there be laws against having flags if they were American flags? Therefore, I think that there should be a law regulating where people are allowed to display the Hawaiian flags on their vehicle; however, if the flag does not disrupt the drivers’ safety, then they should be able to show their pride for their culture.
Kira Lee • Nov 26, 2019 at 12:44 pm
This article caught my attention because I have definitely seen more cars with flags, mostly due to the recent events and issues on Mauna Kea. I agree that drivers with flags that could possibly be a safety hazard should be fined. However, only for that reason. If drivers are being fined solely because they are flying a Hawaiian flag, that would be a problem, though the article does not specify if cars with the Hawaiian flag are being targeted.
Xavier Lever • Nov 26, 2019 at 12:42 pm
Personally, I think that if these flags can be hazardous then drivers with them should be fined. The problem that the HPD is addressing is the danger of the flag, not the fact that the flag is a Hawaiian flag. To address the point that Anson made, I’m sure people with American flags and football flags get fined as well, but the problem is that seeing a car with these flags is less common in Hawaii as of right now, so people may think only cars with Hawaiian flags are getting fined. If a flag, Hawaiian or not, is not causing danger to the driver or the people around the driver, then of course cars with these flags should not be fined.
Jordan Nunies • Nov 26, 2019 at 12:36 pm
What doesn’t make sense to me is that, why are people facing a consequence for flags being displayed on cars and other vehicles for transportation. Shouldn’t any modification made to a vehicle be considered hazardous? Such as bumper stickers and such? Personally, as a young driver, it’s distracting to see messages and such displayed on windows. What purpose does it serve?
In my two sense, I believe that we as drivers should not be making augmentations to our vehicles in the first place. COMMONLY, cars are used as a way of transportation. Let us continue for it to be that way.
Azure Nikora • Nov 26, 2019 at 9:18 am
In response to the article regarding the hazard of flags being displayed and obstructing driverʻs views, I do see how that can be an issue, however, I canʻt help but feel, that this policy only being brought up now amidst the recent awakening of Hawaiian patriotism is being used as an instrument to quiet our voices and freedom of expression. If this policy becomes more enforced, I hope that the same attention given to condemn our Hawaiian flags would be equally enforced among all American, sports teams, other patriotic flags, and all flags of that sort. Because for me, this seems like an attack on our freedom. Where is the enforcement of this policy on the American Independence Day holiday? I donʻt know.
Amber Ikalani • Nov 26, 2019 at 9:16 am
I enjoyed the way the author introduced this topic. I appreciated the way that she gave background information to help me understand the situation more. It was easier to digest when given knowledge of the topic. I’ve personally seen flags on the roads, but it doesn’t seem to be a large problem in my opinion.
Jaydon Tripp • Nov 26, 2019 at 9:16 am
I feel that all people should be able to have flags flying while they are driving. They should only get fined if the flag obstructs anyone’s view and if the flag may cause an accident. If people are flying flags to support their football teams, I think that it’s reasonable that people can fly flags to support their nation.
oshyn • Nov 26, 2019 at 9:13 am
In my opinion I don’t think that people should be getting fined for having Hawaiian flags on their cars. It is a representation of our culture and people shouldn’tbe fined for it.
Haylee Hulihee • Nov 26, 2019 at 9:09 am
I agree with Heya, in my mind America is about equality and liberation… Hawaiians feel that displaying the Hawaiian flag is how they demonstrate liberty. Everyone has the right to their own opinion. All who display flags should be fined and not just those of Hawaiian Flags.