Ask the Mayor: Flags Flying From Vehicles

Mayor Michael Victorino answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his office staff.

Q: There’s been quite an increase in flags flying from vehicles recently. At best they’re distracting and at worst many of them appear to be illegal – blocking taillights for example. What are Maui police doing to stop this practice?  What are the laws exactly? I have nothing against political expression or sports team enthusiasm but many of these flags appear to me to be illegal.

A: Mahalo for your question. To answer you simply: there are no state statutes or county ordinances that restrict the flying of flags from automobiles.

The Maui Police Department always monitor our roadways for safety, but they do not have any rules to enforce in regards to flags flying from vehicles. I support our community members’ first amendment rights and their political expression, and I continue to ask our residents to also be mindful of the safety of themselves and others.

Want to Ask the Mayor? Submit your Maui County related questions to Mayor Michael Victorino by emailing askthemayor@mauicounty.gov, by phone at 270-7855, or by mail at 200 S. High St., ninth floor, Wailuku 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column; to request a personal response to a concern, email mayors.office@mauicounty.gov.