Posted a 12:45 p.m., Friday, September 28, 2001

'Iolani Palace to fly American flag

Advertiser Staff

For the first time since the 'Iolani Place was restored in 1969, the American flag will fly overhead.

The Friends of 'Iolani Palace board of directors voted yesterday to display the flag along with the Hawaiian flag for 30 days in honor of the Sept. 11 terrorist attack victims.

The Hawaiian flag typically is flown alone in line with the restoration of the palace to the monarchy period.

"The board felt that in light of this tragedy which has affected so many, including the lives touched here in Hawai'i, that would be an appropriate way to extend our respect, especially since the gesture had a precedent set by the Queen during the First World War," said Alice Guild, executive director of the Friends of 'Iolani Palace.

Queen Liliuokalani ordered the display of the American flag in April 1917 in memory of the Hawaiian military personnel killed during World War I.

"We regretted that we were not able to do this sooner after the attacks; however, it was felt that a board decision should be made on this policy matter," Guild said.