November 12, 2025 | Mark Luis Foster

Having traveled to Hawaii several times, I’ve always appreciated its wonderful beaches, surf, and the amazing weather that you never want to leave. But I must admit that my visits have always left me puzzled about our 50th state. While they are steeped in their own culture and celebrate it with vigor, it sometimes feels like its statehood affiliation takes a backseat. But maybe it’s just me.

Now comes a story from the Aloha State that puts an HOA’s U.S. flag rule in the spotlight. Turns out there’s a policy in the Ewa by Gentry Community Association that says its current guidelines only permit the display of the American Flag, meaning that all others, including the Hawaiian State flag, are not allowed for presentation. Some viral action got the story going.

From KHON TV:

“There was a couple that flew the Hawaiian flag, the Hae 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.”

Apparently another resident, Cherise Akao, got a violation for the same thing six years ago. Protesting is now afoot.

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.

So the board met and is reviewing the policy regarding the US flag. But things still got out of sorts when association staff members were put in the crosshairs.

“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.”

Apparently the HOA’s board has signaled that the rule will 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.

Read the whole flag waving controversy HERE.