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Hawaii Statewide Rule

Hawaii Political Signs Along State Highways

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Hawaii (2026)

Key Facts

Billboard ban
HRS 264-72
Political signs
No specific statutory exemption
Private property
Allowed with owner consent
Right-of-way
All signs prohibited
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Hawaii State Legislature

Summary

Hawaii's billboard ban (HRS 264-72) does not list political signs among its exemptions. Campaign signs are instead allowed on private property with the owner's consent, but HDOT bars any sign, political included, within state highway rights-of-way.

§264-72 Control of outdoor advertising. No person shall erect or maintain any outdoor advertising outside of the right-of-way boundary and visible from the main-traveled way of any federal-aid or state highway within the State, except 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 October 22, 1965, determined by the director to be landmark signs, including signs on farm structures or natural surfaces, of historic or artistic significance the preservation of which would be consistent with the purpose of this section.

Source: Hawaii State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Hawaii is one of only four states banning billboards. HRS 264-72 controls outdoor advertising visible from state and federal-aid highways; its exemptions cover on-premises sale, lease, and activity signs and directional or official signs, not political signs specifically. Campaign signs are permitted on private property with the owner's consent under general law and Hawaii Office of Elections guidance, and should be removed within a reasonable time after the election. The Hawaii Department of Transportation prohibits placing any sign, including political signs, within state highway rights-of-way and routinely removes them during election season.

Violations & Penalties

HDOT removes signs placed in the state highway right-of-way without notice. Repeat violators may be cited under Hawaii's outdoor advertising law (HRS Chapter 264).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a campaign sign in my yard in Hawaii?
Yes. Political signs are allowed on private property with the owner's consent. They may not be placed within the state highway right-of-way, on utility poles, or on other public property.
How long can political signs stay up after an election?
Hawaii guidance calls for removal within a reasonable time after the election. The Office of Elections recommends taking signs down promptly to avoid HDOT removal.

Sources

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