The reason for this is because of how the state flag of Hawaii originated. It is believed that King Kamehameha of Hawaii was given a British flag as a present to show the friendship between the two nations. When King Kamehameha would fly the flag, his advisers informed him that if an international conflict were to ensue, Hawaii would be seen as an ally of Britain and would eventually be attacked.
Fearing for his people, Kamehameha decided against flying the British flag, but of course, that made the British unhappy. Kamehameha decided that it would be best if he flew a flag designed specifically for Hawaii, that also payed tribute to the British!
