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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, February 18, 2010

Hawaii veterans upset over House vote on American flags

Advertiser Staff

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Veteran John Taubenkraut rallied with other veterans from U.S. Vets Kalaeloa, Hawaii, to support veteran Dale Alexandro, who was told by his Ewa Beach homeowners association that he could not fly his U.S. flag in front of his home. The veterans rallied at the Capitol in support of being able to fly the U.S. flag at their homes.

DEBORAH BOOKER | The Honolulu Advertiser

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The state House voted this afternoon to reject a motion to recall a bill allowing American flags to be displayed on flagpoles in planned communities.

The bill had been deferred by the House Housing Committee. State Rep. Kymberly Pine, R-43rd (`Ewa Beach, Iroquois Point, Pu'uloa), the bill's sponsor, made the motion to recall, which required one-third of the House — or 17 of 51 members — to agree.

Fourteen members voted for the recall.

Dozens of veterans, including many carrying American flags, were in the House chamber and were disappointed by the vote.

State Rep. Rida Cabanilla, D-42nd (Waipahu, Honouliuli, `Ewa), the chairwoman of the House Housing Committee, said she would introduce a resolution to create a task force to study the issue of flag displays in planned communities.

Pine said the state Legislature has previously allowed clotheslines in planned communities, and just this week the House passed a bill allowing solar devices.

An emotional Pine said denying the recall motion, for veterans, is "like taking away air from their lungs."