Pride flags to fly at Hawaiʻi State Capitol for the first time in June

by Kayli Pascal-Martinez, KITV Island News, June 2, 2025:

HONOLULU (Island News) – For the first time, Pride flags will be flown at the Hawaii State Capitol throughout June, as Governor Josh Green, M.D., has declared it Pride Month.

“In Hawaii, aloha is more than a word, it’s a value that guides how we treat one another, with love, respect and dignity. Flying the Pride flag at our state Capitol is a proud reflection of that aloha, as well as our deep commitment to inclusion. While other places are pushing people to the margins, Hawaii is leading with compassion and courage, recognizing that our Mahu and LGBTQIA+ communities have always been a valued part of our story, and always will be,” said Governor Green.

Governor Green (center) with members of 40 community groups behind the flag display effort organized by Lei Pua ʻAla Queer Histories of Hawaiʻi and the Hawaiʻi State LGBTQ+ Commission.

The flag-raising ceremony was held on Monday, June 2, at the Capitol and was led by the Lei Pua ‘Ala Queer Histories of Hawaii project with the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission.

This display comes amid actions in other states to ban Pride flags at public buildings. The flags will be flown on Beretania St.’s flagpoles, featuring the Inclusive Progress Pride flag.

“The simple aim of our project is to provide visible signs that folks across the spectrum of gender and sexual diversity are seen, and can see themselves, as valued and respected in the place that we call home. It’s hard to imagine a more important place for these Pride flags to be seen now, than in front of the state Capitol where our rights, hopes, and dreams are often up for discussion,” said Lei Pua ‘Ala Queen Histories of Hawaii co-director Joe Wilson.

Hawaii has a history of diversity and inclusion, being one of the first states to legalize same-sex relationships. The first Pride event in Honolulu took place in June 1974.