How do I find upcoming hearings on sign changes?

Check the City Clerk calendar and the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) permit notices for agendas and published hearings.

Can I submit written testimony instead of speaking?

Yes—most hearings accept written testimony by the deadline listed on the agenda; include your contact information and the item number.

Do I need a permit to change a sign?

Many sign changes require a permit from DPP; consult the DPP permit guidance for specifics and required documents.

Sign Bylaw Meetings - Honolulu Participation Guide

Signs and Advertising Hawaii 3 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026

Honolulu, Hawaii residents and businesses frequently face proposed changes to sign rules that affect visibility, safety, and commerce. This guide explains how to find public meetings, register to speak or submit written testimony, review permit applications, and follow local hearing procedures so you can influence decisions about sign regulations in Honolulu.

Who handles sign rules and public hearings

The primary local offices that handle sign permits, code interpretation, and public hearings are the City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) and the Honolulu City Council when ordinances or code amendments are proposed. For enforcement, permitting or code compliance matters, contact DPP; for legislative change or public hearings on ordinance revisions, follow City Council notices and City Clerk procedures.

How to locate meetings and submit testimony

Check the City Clerk and DPP calendars for agendas and published permit applications. Agendas will state whether public testimony is accepted in person, by telephone, or online, and will list speaker time limits and written testimony deadlines. Prepare concise testimony that cites the ordinance section or permit number when possible.

Find agendas and published hearings on the City Clerk or DPP calendar.
Submit written testimony by the posted deadline; include your name, address, and the agenda item.
Register to speak following the instructions on the agenda or meeting notice.
Observe time limits for oral testimony—agendas normally list per-speaker minutes.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for sign violations in Honolulu is governed by the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu and enforced administratively by the Department of Planning and Permitting; additional enforcement actions may involve municipal civil penalties or referral to the City Prosecuting Attorney for violations of city ordinances. Exact fine amounts and schedules are not specified on the cited municipal overview pages; consult the municipal code and DPP compliance pages for numeric penalties. Current as of February 2026.

Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; see municipal code for amounts.
Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences may be treated differently; ranges not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, stop-work orders, permit revocation, and court actions may apply.
Enforcer and complaints: Department of Planning and Permitting handles compliance intake and inspections.
Appeals/review: administrative appeals or judicial review routes exist under city procedures; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page and should be checked in the municipal code and appeal rules.

If you receive a notice of violation, act quickly to document permits and seek appeal deadlines.

Applications & Forms

The DPP publishes sign permit applications and instructions; fees, required drawings, and submission method are listed on DPP permit pages. If a named form or fee schedule is not published on the official permit page, it is not specified on the cited page.

Common violations

Unpermitted signs or installations.
Signs erected without required structural drawings or inspections.
Signs that block sightlines or violate setback requirements.
Failure to remove temporary signs after the permitted period.

Action steps

Find the agenda and published hearing materials early.
Submit concise written testimony referencing the ordinance or permit number.
Register to speak according to the notice instructions or request a remote appearance if available.
If you receive a violation, check appeal deadlines and document permits immediately.

FAQ

How do I find upcoming hearings on sign changes?: Check the City Clerk calendar and the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) permit notices for agendas and published hearings.
Can I submit written testimony instead of speaking?: Yes—most hearings accept written testimony by the deadline listed on the agenda; include your contact information and the item number.
Do I need a permit to change a sign?: Many sign changes require a permit from DPP; consult the DPP permit guidance for specifics and required documents.

How-To

Identify the agenda item: find the meeting notice and note the hearing date and item number.
Prepare written testimony: state your position, reasons, and any supporting documents.
Register to speak: follow instructions on the notice for in-person or remote testimony.
Attend the hearing: arrive early or connect online, and be ready to speak within the allotted time.
After the decision: if needed, file any administrative appeal within the time limit specified in the municipal rules.

Key Takeaways

Monitor City Clerk and DPP notices for agendas and permit publications.
Submit written testimony early and reference specific ordinance or permit numbers.