Altars, inverted flags create controversy at Hawaii colleges

University of Hawaii at Hilo and Hawaii Community College have received numerous complaints over the ahus from students, faculty, community members and veterans who say they feel disrespected by the sight of the flags hanging upside-down, the Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported (http://bit.ly/2rZFfYO ) on Sunday.

Group members built them in response to student arrests on Mauna Kea two years ago and say the upside down flags are an internationally recognized symbol of a nation in distress, said group leader Kalaniakea Wilson.