HCC §3-54
Rules for reviewing sign applications in Kailua-Kona
Read the official text at hawaiicounty.gov ↗When the design commission and director review a sign application, they must follow these guidelines plus the Kailua-Kona Master Plan. If the county code and the Master Plan conflict, the stricter or more specific rule wins. The guidelines focus on making signs fit the village's look and feel.
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The ordinance, as written (Hawaiʻi County) — Guidelines for review
A copy, taken August 21, 2026. The version published by Hawaiʻi County is the one that governs, and it may have changed since. Check it before relying on anything here.
(a) The design commission and the director, when reviewing an application under this article, shall consider the following guidelines, as well as those found in the Master Plan for Kailua-Kona. In the event a conflict exists between any requirement of this chapter and the Master Plan for Kailua-Kona, the more restrictive or specific requirement shall prevail: (1) Relationship to building, site, and surroundings. Fitting each sign to its surroundings shall be a prime consideration. A sign shall complement the building it identifies and the theme of the Kailua Village way of life as described in the Master Plan for Kailua-Kona. It shall be a planned feature, reflecting the architectural scale, design, and color of the building or structure. (2) Size and number. The overall size and number of signs shall minimally dominate the property or the building which it identifies. (3) Shape. The shape of the sign shall seek to aesthetically and functionally emphasize the message and not compete with the architecture of the building. (4) Lettering. Subtleness, proportion, and design shall be emphasized in sign copy and lettering. (5) Illumination. When an illuminated sign is used, the light intensity, color illumination, and the careful screening of the light source shall be considered. (6)Landscaping. A freestanding sign should offer an opportunity for landscaping treatment at its base. (7) Material. The use of any material which is compatible to the village atmosphere of Kailua shall be encouraged. Material includes, but is not limited to, wood, stone, canvas, rope, brushed or textured metal, or glass. (8) Color. The use of any natural or earth tone color that is not gaudy or clashing shall be encouraged. (2005, ord 05-62, sec 3.)3-54
Published by the County of Hawaiʻi Office of the County Clerk.
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.