There isn’t a ton of readily available information regarding the Honolulu city flag. One source claims that the flag was created when Ala Moana officials wanted to fly "meaningful" flags from the poles, and thought that the city flag should be among them. When they learned the city had no flag, shopping center staff asked a local commercial artist to design one, after which they presented it to city council for approval. (John M. Purcell, American City Flags)

The five rules of flag design set forth by the North American Vexillological Association:

• Keep it simple
• Use meaningful symbolism
• Use 2 or 3 basic colors
• No lettering or seals
• Be distinctive or be related

The current Honolulu flag doesn’t follow a single one of those rules. A redesign is in order, and I have some changes.

My flag showcases a yellow pineapple on a red background; these colors were chosen due to their relation to ancient Hawaiian royalty. The pineapple itself is broken up into 6 sections which represent the original 6 territories of Oahu. Lastly, there are seven leaves atop the pineapple which represent the 7 Kings of Hawaii, but there are also leaves below in the shape of a crown which represent Queen Lili’uokalani who was usurped from her throne.