Hawaii County, HI Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Sign category
- Temporary sign (no permit)
- Residential/Ag limit
- 8 square feet
- Commercial limit
- 32 square feet
- Small unlighted sign
- 2 square feet maximum
- Authority
- HCC Chapter 3 (Signs)
Summary
Hawai'i County Sign Code (HCC Chapter 3) allows temporary, unlighted signs relating to a meeting, special event or condition of the property in every district without a permit. In residential, open and agricultural districts a temporary sign may not exceed eight square feet.
Temporary signs in Residential, Open, or Agricultural districts cannot exceed eight square feet of an area. In Commercial areas, it cannot exceed thirty-two square feet of the area. Small-unlighted sign may not exceed two square feet.
Full Breakdown
The County treats campaign and other short-term signs as 'temporary signs.' A temporary sign must relate to a meeting, special event or condition of the property and may not be a permanent form of advertising. Temporary signs in Residential (RS, RD, RM), Open or Agricultural districts cannot exceed eight square feet of area; in Commercial districts the cap is thirty-two square feet; a small unlighted sign may not exceed two square feet. These signs are allowed in all districts without a permit. Signs may not be placed on public property, in the right-of-way, or so as to create a traffic hazard. Political signs are usually posted only for the election period and removed afterward.
Violations & Fines
Illegal, oversized or right-of-way signs may be removed by the County, and sign-code violations are enforced by the Department of Public Works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a yard campaign sign?
Can I put a political sign in the road right-of-way?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hawaii County
Compare Hawaii County to another location·View the Hawaii sign regulations overview
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