Bill limits campaign season signage

Legislation would restrict the size and the number of signs

Hawaii's roadways could become less cluttered during the fall election season if the Legislature approves a compromise reached on a bill to limit the size of campaign signs.

Lawmakers reached agreement yesterday on House Bill 1832, which would restrict the size and number of signs during the campaign season. The bill had been sponsored by the Outdoor Circle.

"It is about time," Rep. Cynthia Thielen (R, Kaneohe-Kailua) said. "I think people will thank us for this."

The bill allows signs that are no larger than 4 by 2 feet as long as the total area of all signs on any single residential or agricultural unit does not exceed 16 square feet.

Jon Van Dyke, an attorney representing the Outdoor Circle, said he thought the bill would pass free-speech tests.

"This bill is carefully drafted to allow individuals to place signs expressing their views on their property while at the same time regulating the size of these signs to protect the outstanding scenic beauty of our islands," Van Dyke said in testimony prepared for the bill.

Bob Loy, a Outdoor Circle spokesman, said the bill is aimed at preventing the large number of signs at busy intersections and the long campaign banners that some politicians use during the election season.

"This has been two years in the making," Loy said.

"This should survive a court test, and it has the approval of the state attorney general," Loy said, adding that he thought "the real winner will be the beauty of Hawaii."

The Outdoor Circle won a ban on billboards along scenic vistas in Hawaii in 1926. Aerial advertising is included in the ban.