Say What? 3 Outdated Laws Still in Effect in Hawaii

Aloha, folks! Hawaii, with its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and swaying palm trees, is truly a paradise on earth. But did you know that this beautiful state has some outdated laws that might leave you scratching your head? Yes, you read that right! Despite its laid-back vibe, Hawaii has a few comically outdated laws still on the books. So, let’s dive in and take a look at three of them!

1. No Billboards Allowed Are you tired of seeing those annoying billboards while driving? Well, you won’t find them in Hawaii! The state has had a ban on billboards since 1927, making it one of the few states in the country that still enforces such a ban. The law was originally passed to protect Hawaii’s scenic beauty and prevent companies from exploiting it for commercial gain.

But wait, what about those large signs that you see in touristy areas, like Waikiki? They’re allowed, but they can’t be higher than 50 feet above the ground and must be located on the premises of the business they advertise. So, if you were planning on starting a billboard business in Hawaii, it’s time to reconsider.

2. You Can’t Place Coins in Your Ears Here’s an odd one! In Hawaii, it’s illegal to place coins in your ears. The law, which was passed in 1970, prohibits people from blocking their ears with anything, including money. So, if you’re caught with a dime or quarter wedged in your ear, you could be fined up to $10.

The reason behind this law is unclear. Some say it was passed to prevent people from obstructing their hearing while driving or walking, while others speculate that it was meant to stop people from stealing coins from vending machines using their ears. Whatever the reason, it’s safe to say that this law is rarely enforced these days.

3. It’s Illegal to Keep Coins that You Find on the Ground Sticking with the coin theme, did you know that it’s illegal to keep any coins you find on the ground in Hawaii? According to Hawaii law, any coins found on the ground belong to the state and must be turned over to the police department. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to $500.

The law was originally passed in 1896, during Hawaii’s days as a territory, to prevent people from stealing coins from the Royal Hawaiian Mint. Back then, the mint was producing silver dimes, quarters, and half-dollars that were popular with collectors, and the fear was that people would start stealing them by claiming they had found them on the ground.

Today, the law is rarely enforced, and it’s unlikely that you’ll get in trouble for pocketing a penny or nickel you found on the sidewalk. However, it’s always a good idea to be aware of the laws, just in case.

Hawaii may be a paradise, but it’s not immune to outdated laws. From the ban on billboards to the strange prohibition on placing coins in your ears, Hawaii has some laws that might leave you scratching your head. So, the next time you’re on the islands, make sure to keep these laws in mind, even if they do seem a little comical!