Honolulu City signs will be more resistant to graffiti and stickers

HONOLULU—The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Facility Maintenance will be adding a protective coating on all new city street signs, allowing the quick removal of spray paint and ink graffiti, as well as stickers. Cleaning the treated signs will only require a biodegradable spray cleaner or the use of masking tape.

The City replaces about 300 signs a month because of graffiti and routine maintenance needs—spending about $100,000 per month replacing damaged signs. Cleaning agents previously used to remove graffiti from signs were either too weak to be effective, or caused damage because they were too abrasive.

The city will also partner with organizations like the Mililani Town Association, which will help clean the newly-installed city roadway signs in Mililani on a voluntary basis.