DOT: Campaign Signs Prohibited Along State Roadways

File photo by Hunter Bishop.

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation reminds the public that outdoor advertising, including political campaign signage, is prohibited on the state right of way—property on either side of a state roadway .

In the last month alone, highways maintenance staff members have removed more than 200 signs from HDOT jurisdiction, which takes time and resources away from other maintenance duties.

The exceptions to this are the following:

1. Directional and other official signs and notices, which signs and notices shall include, but not be limited to, signs and notices pertaining to natural wonders, scenic and historic attractions as authorized or required by law.
2. Signs, displays and devices advertising the sale or lease of the property upon which they are located.
3. Signs, displays and devices advertising activities conducted on the property upon which they are located.
4. Signs lawfully in existence on Oct. 22, 1965, determined by the director to be landmark signs, including signs on farm structures or natural surfaces, of historic or artistic significance

The state law prohibiting the installation of signs is Hawai‘i Revised Statutes Chapter 264, Part V. Text of the law can be found online.

The removal of outdoor advertising along state highways is also in line with the federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965. More information on the Highway Beautification Act of 1965 can be found online.

To report an illegally placed sign in HDOT jurisdiction, contact the Highways Maintenance Hotline at (808) 831-6714 or email [email protected].