HCC §3-84
Rules for reviewing sign applications in Pāhoa
Read the official text at hawaiicounty.gov ↗When the committee and director review a sign application, they must follow these guidelines plus the design guidelines. If there is a conflict, the stricter rule wins. Signs should fit the building and Pāhoa's historic look, with limits on number and style.
businessescontractorslandowners
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.
The committee and the director, when reviewing an application under this article, shall consider the following guidelines, as well as those found in the design guidelines. In the event a conflict exists between any requirement of this chapter and the design guidelines, the more restrictive or specific requirement shall prevail: (1) Fitting each sign to its surroundings shall be a prime consideration. A sign shall complement the building it identifies and contribute to Pāhoa’s historical architectural character as described in the design guidelines. Signs shall be a planned feature, reflecting the architectural scale, design, and color of the building or structure. It should be graphically simple and present an appropriate level of detail without appearing cluttered. (2) Commercial establishments shall have no more than two signs per street frontage of a building and may include a hanging/projecting sign and a wall/window sign. (3) The shape of the sign should aesthetically and functionally emphasize the message and not compete with the architecture of the building. (4) Subtleness, proportion, and design shall be emphasized in sign copy and lettering. (5)When an illuminated sign is used, the light intensity, color illumination, and the careful screening of the light source shall be considered. (6) A freestanding sign should offer an opportunity for landscaping treatment at its base. (7) The use of any material which is compatible to the village atmosphere of Pāhoa is encouraged. Primary consideration should be given to wood or non- reflective metal, on which a design can be carved, sand blasted, or painted. (8) The use of any natural or earth tone color that is not gaudy or clashing is encouraged. (2015, ord 15-46, sec 4.) 3-84
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.