Driving around O'ahu, it is hard to miss all of the signs tacked to utility poles. From shows and concerts to garage sales and baby lu'au, many people think nothing of using the poles as their own private message boards.

It may seem harmless enough, but posting signs, fliers and announcements on utility poles is illegal and subject to serious penalties.

There are two major reasons for the laws. These postings degrade the unique beauty of our beloved islands, and they are dangerous for utility line and repair workers.

Honolulu City Ordinance 29.4.4 to 29.4.8 and Hawai'i Revised Statutes 445-114 and 445-121 spell out penalties for individuals who post signs on poles and for organizations sponsoring advertised events or operating businesses being advertised.

Fines for posting signs on poles can be as high as $500 and/or 30 days in jail. Additionally, once perpetrators receive written notice of the violation, they may be subject to additional fines of up to $200 per posted piece and may have to perform community service if they don't remove the signs within 72 hours after the date of the advertised event or after written notification of the violation, whichever comes first.

These fliers are visual pollution that lower the quality of life for residents and hurt the "Hawai'i experience" for visitors. Commercial fliers are the most objectionable. It's not hard for promoters to hire people who with a staple gun and a trunk full of these cheap eyesores, can bring "instant ugliness" to some of Hawai'i's most beautiful roadways and communities.

But even signs for a baby lu'au, garage sale, or lost pet are illegal and add to the visual pollution. These fliers often remain long past the event, frayed and faded, until rain and wind finally remove them months later. The result is more litter, as ugly and unappealing as discarded beer cans and fast-food wrappers.

Some people innocently may think these signs are not a nuisance or may not know that posting them violates the law. But in addition to visual blight, posting signs on utility poles threatens the safety of utility workers. Nails and staples make it more difficult for linemen to use their climbing spikes. And when protective rubber gloves or boots are punctured or torn by leftover nails, their safety value is reduced. This is a serious matter for Hawaiian Electric Co., which puts the safety of its linemen and women at the top of its priorities.

What can you do? Inform anyone you see posting signs that it is illegal and could subject them to penalties. When you see violations of the law, consider reporting them to the police. In rural areas, a call to the local police station may be more helpful. If a sign includes a phone number, call and say that the posted signs are illegal and should be removed.

If poles in your neighborhood have been "papered" with event advertisements or other notices, call HECO security at 543-7685 to report the problem.

If your club is looking for a service project, consider removing the nails and staples from poles in your neighborhood. Use heavy gloves and proper tools.

Finally, if you are an event organizer, beware. You can be held responsible for the illegal actions of others you might hire to post signs. The Outdoor Circle will encourage criminal prosecution of flagrant violators. Don't become "famous" for finding yourself in court over an illegal sign.

Mary Steiner is president & chief executive officer of The Outdoor Circle. Robbie Alm is senior vice president of Hawaiian Electric Co. They wrote this commentary for The Advertiser.