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Attempting to de-Britishize the Hawaiian flag : r/vexillology

The Hawaiian flag features the Union Jack because of historical ties between the Kingdom of Hawaii and Great Britain, particularly through the Royal Navy. King Kamehameha I, the unifier of the islands, was receptive to British influence, including naval support and advisors. As a result, the British Red Ensign was presented to him and used unofficially as the flag until 1816. In 1816, King Kamehameha I officially adopted the flag, incorporating the Union Jack in the canton and adding eight horizontal stripes representing the major Hawaiian Islands.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Historical Ties:

The Hawaiian Kingdom had strong ties with the British Royal Navy, with King Kamehameha I being a strong supporter of British influence.

Red Ensign:

In 1793, Captain George Vancouver presented King Kamehameha I with a British Red Ensign, which was initially used unofficially as the Hawaiian flag.

Official Adoption:

In 1816, the British advisor to the king recommended adding horizontal stripes, and the Union Jack was incorporated into the official flag design.

Continued Use:

The flag, with the Union Jack, remained in use even after the Hawaiian Kingdom was overthrown, through the Republic of Hawaii, and the territory of Hawaii before it became a state.

Statehood:

The flag, with its distinctive Union Jack, continued to represent Hawaii when it became a state in 1959.

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