The Thirty Meter Telescope, best known as the TMT, has been a point of controversy since 2014. Hawaiians throughout the islands have gathered at Mauna Kea on the island of Hawai’i, the proposed construction spot, to protest the telescope and halt its construction.

Many Hawaiians that we’re unable to make the journey to the state’s tallest mountain are finding ways to protest back home.

On the island of O’ahu, Hawaiians are actively showing their support by waving the state flag upside down. It is a universal symbol of Hawaiians in distress. The state flag is waved upside down on the back of cars, hung on the side of homes or waved by protestors in the street. It is commonly waved next to the right side up Kanaka Maoli flag. The Kanaka Maoli flag is the aboriginal flag of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

The state flag largely resembles the British and American flag. Many Hawaiians take the flag as a symbol of colonization. Many Hawaiians also feel that the aboriginal flag is the true flag of Hawai’i.

The TMT controversy further aggravates tensions between Native Hawaiians and the state government. Native Hawaiians have been fighting for their independence after the illegal overthrow of their monarchy in 1893.