Ask The Mayor: Is It Legal? Transporting Kayak Without Flag?

Maui Now file photo, courtesy County of Maui.

The mayor answers questions from the public in this series.

By Mayor Alan Arakawa

Q: Are there any restrictions on transporting kayaks on one’s car or truck? I’ve seen some cars that have a kayak that extends at least five feet in both the front and rear of the vehicle.

Also, most people do not attach a red flag in back of the kayak. Isn’t there a law that requires a red flag be attached to any object that extends at least three feet past the rear end of a vehicle?

A: Yes, you’re right: Maui County Code 10.20.510 states that whenever the load on any vehicle extends “more than four feet beyond the front or rear of the bed or body thereof,” a red flag not less than 16 inches square must be attached to the end of the load and must be clearly visible at all times.

Alternately, in nighttime conditions (“between 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise”), a red light must be used in place of a red flag and must be clearly visible “under normal conditions for a distance of 300 feet from the front or rear of such vehicle.” The penalty for violations is a fine of not more than $100 for the first offense, and not more than $250 for every subsequent offense.

Want to Ask the Mayor?

Submit your questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa via email at [email protected], by phone at 270-7855 or by mail to 200 S. High St., 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the Ask the Mayor column.