Firstly,  Mahalo nui for your service.  I know the story of the 173rd and what happened in Vietnam.  I, too, am a veteran Kanaka Maoli.  Putting a flag (western version of kahili) upside down is not a Hawaiian expression.  Our ancestors, warriors, chiefs, etc. would never disgrace themselves by hanging a symbol of distress or defeat for all to see.  While it may be an expression of speech it is not an expression of Hawaiian culture.  Many non-Hawaiians will never accept or understand what happened as part of the colonialism of the Kingdom of Hawaii.  If Kanaka Maoli want empowerment, get educated, register to vote.  Take over politics. Get off the haole drugs, food, alcohol and tobacco are are designed to keep us subjects to colonialism.  Again, thank you for your service.