Why Maui County regulates signs

The council finds: A. That the people of Maui County have a primary interest in controlling the erection, location, and maintenance of signs in a manner designed to protect the public health and safety, and to promote the public welfare while providing a method of effective advertising. B. That there is a marked increase in the number, type, and size of commercial signs advertising business activities. C. That the increased number, type, and size of such signs, coupled with the increased use of motor vehicles, make it imperative that the public streets and highways be kept free from signs which distract motorists' attention from driving and which detract from signs promoting traffic safety. D. That the indiscriminate erection, location, illumination, and size of signs constitute a significant contributing factor in increasing the number of traffic accidents on the public streets and highways. E. That the construction, erection, and maintenance of large signs suspended from, or placed on top of buildings, walls, or other structures, constitutes a direct danger to pedestrian traffic below such signs, especially during periods when winds of high velocity are prevalent. F. That the size and location of such signs may, if uncontrolled, constitute an obstacle to effective fire fighting techniques. G. That the people of Maui County have a primary interest in preserving the quality of life in the County by retaining the natural beauty of landscape, view, and attractive surroundings of the County. H. That such unique aesthetic qualities of the County also constitute an attraction for visitors and that a major source of income and revenue of the people of the County is derived from the visitor industry. I. That the indiscriminate erection and maintenance of large signs seriously detract from the enjoyment and pleasure of the natural scenic beauty of the County which in turn has a detrimental effect on the visitor industry and thereby the economic well-being of the County. J. That it is necessary for the promotion and preservation of the public health, safety, and welfare of the people of the County that the erection, construction, location, and maintenance of signs be regulated and controlled. K. That signs in historic district no. 1 and historic district no. 2, as established by chapter 19.50 of this code, be regulated by the Maui County cultural resources commission in order to ensure that such signs maintain the historic character and integrity of the districts. This chapter regulates commercial signs that are not regulated by chapter 16.12A of this code. The content, message, or viewpoint of any sign shall not be regulated. ( Ord. No. 4434, § 1, 2017 ; Ord. No. 4408, § 3, 2017 ; Ord. 3057 § 2 (part), 2002)