HB1832 HD1

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that owners and residents of residential properties should be allowed to display signs and other outdoor advertising devices on their property in a manner that will not, by their size, location, or method of display, interfere with traffic safety or otherwise endanger the public health, safety, and welfare.

The purpose of this Act is to:

(1) Preserve the character of residential neighborhoods;

(2) Preserve order and cleanliness;

(3) Avoid the appearance of clutter;

(4) Protect property values;

(5) Avoid the propagation of litter and the growth of weeds around signs;

(6) Reduce traffic hazards caused by distractions to motorists and impairment of sight lines;

(7) Ensure that the State remains an attractive place to live, work, and visit;

(8) Protect the outstanding scenic beauty of our community;

(9) Reduce administrative burdens; and

(10) Protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

It is not the purpose of this Act to regulate or control the copy, content, or viewpoint of any type of sign, nor is it the intent of this Act to create any greater or less protection for any specific type of speech, commercial or non-commercial.

SECTION 2. Chapter 445, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§445‑ Residential property limitations. (a) No sign, billboard, or outdoor advertising device under section 445‑112 displayed on residential property may be larger than four feet by two feet; provided that the total area of all signs for each residential property unit shall not exceed sixteen square feet.

(b) No sign, billboard, or outdoor advertising device under section 445-112 may be displayed on residential property if the tenant or owner of the property has received any payment, fee, or valuable consideration in return for the display.

(c) In a multi‑unit residential structure, each separate unit shall be entitled to display signs, billboards, or outdoor advertising devices meeting the requirements listed in subsection (a); provided that multi-unit residential structures with four or more units may display signs in their common areas that are no larger than eight feet by four feet; and provided further that the total area of all signs in the common areas shall not exceed sixty‑four square feet.

(d) Nothing in this section is intended to permit any sign, billboard, or outdoor advertising device otherwise prohibited by county ordinance.

(e) For purposes of this section, the term "residential property" refers to separate residential properties that have separate tax map keys."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect January 1, 2112.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1832
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII