HECO reminds public that posting signs on utility poles is illegal, potentially dangerous

Attaching signs to utility poles is illegal and poses a safety hazard for utility workers, according to a reminder from Hawaiian Electric Co.

Signs include announcements, fundraisers, garage sales, business advertising, campaign advertising, community events, and missing persons or pets.

Unauthorized attachments to utility equipment are a violation of state and county laws and subject to fines or community service. In addition, the staples and nails used to attach signs to poles can injure and puncture personal protective equipment worn by utility workers who must maintain or repair equipment on utility poles.

Violators will be notified, and Hawaiian Electric may remove and discard the signs. If necessary, the company also may notify the state and county of the violation. The company asks for the public’s cooperation in removing signs posted on utility poles. Removing illegal signs can hinder or delay crews from completing work and can impact service to customers.

To report signs on utility poles, call Customer Service at 808-871-9777 on Maui, or 1-877-871-8461 on Moloka‘i and Lānaʻi.