WAILUKU >> A group of Native Hawaiians and students seized the flags on the campus of the University of Hawaii Maui College to protest the American flag flying above the Hawaiian flag.

The Maui News reports more than 15 people participated in the Wednesday protest, prompting action from school officials.

Protest organizers say the flags were taken down because the American flag flying above the state flag represents the country’s history of oppression on the islands.

College Chancellor Lui Hokoana met with the group to hear their concerns. He says plans are in the works to construct a second flagpole, so the two flags will fly at equal height.

Hokoana says the flags will fly on separate 7-foot (2-meter) indoor poles until the new flagpole is installed.