KAILUA-KONA — The state Department of Transportation issued a bulletin Wednesday reminding the public that outdoor advertising, which includes political campaign signage, is prohibited on the state right of way.
The state right of way is defined broadly and can narrow or widen based on context. But essentially, planting or hanging signs along any state highway is a violation of the rule. Technically, any signs readily visible from such roads that may distract drivers constitute a violation.
Signage on personal property in residential areas falls outside the rule and is acceptable, as long as it doesn’t distract drivers, said DOT spokesman Tim Sakahara, adding that safety is the department’s primary concern.
According to the bulletin, highway maintenance workers have removed more than 200 signs from HDOT jurisdiction last month — efforts that monopolize time and resources normally allocated to other maintenance duties.
There are four exceptions to the rule, which are as follows:
1) Directional and official signs and notices, including those indicating natural wonders, or scenic and historic attractions.
2) Any sign, display or device advertising the sale or lease of the property on which it’s situated.
3) Any sign, display or device advertising an activity to be conducted on the property on which it’s situated.
4) Any landmark signs determined to be such by the director, which were lawfully in existence by Oct. 22, 1965. These include signs on farm structures or natural surfaces that are of historic or artistic significance.
The removal of outdoor advertising signage along state highways is in step with the federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965, according to the HDOT bulletin.
To report outdoor signage illegally placed in HDOT jurisdiction on Hawaii Island, contact the Highways Maintenance Hotline at 933-8878 or email the information to MSWClerk@hawaii.gov.