The Institute of Heraldry lists only one Distinctive Unit Insignia ever being authorized or the U.S. Army Tripler Medical Center, originally approved on 27 July 1971 and amended two months later to modify the description of the shade of blue used for the water.
No mention is made of any other insignia, unofficial or otherwise, which makes this insignia allegedly worn by personnel at Tripler General Hospital something of an enigma. It is identical in almost every way to the DUI currently designated for Tripler Army Medical Center personnel, including the light blue sky and darker blue water, two palm trees, a white cross, and of course a rendering of Diamond Head on Oahu Island in Hawaii.
But instead of the red hibiscus seen on the currently authorized insignia, this one has in its place what appears to be an image of a Hawaiian warrior; without any further information, one might presume it is a stylized rendering of the famed King Kamehameha I. Another distinction is the inclusion of the unit motto HA'AHEO I KA LAWELAWE, a Hawaiian phrase which translates into English as “Pride In Service.”
Even if this DUI was ever officially authorized, it has clearly been discontinued and is currently not authorized for wear by active-duty Army personnel. Soldiers serving at Tripler Army Medical Center
should click here to order the currently authorized Distinctive Unit Insignia.
Also known as a unit crest or DUI, the Distinctive Unit Insignia is worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) in units that have been authorized to be issued the device. It is worn centered on the shoulder loops of the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) and the blue Army Service Uniform (ASU, Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam. DUIs are not worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.
More guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1,
Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia" and (e),
"Beret" and
"Garrison Cap," respectively.