Maui County Planning New 'More Realistic' Road Signs

The County of Maui is researching a variety of potential new road signs in an effort to better catch the eye of motorists by being more "real-life" in the messages that signs convey.

The effort is part of a semi-annual review of road signs on the Valley Isle which includes studies of current signs and how they perform.

"Not all signs are created equal," said Larry Hoailona, traffic engineer for the county. "And on Maui, there are unique settings and circumstances that you will not see on the mainland, or anywhere else really."

Among new signs being considered:

~ Signs to explain more accurately when road construction might start and finish.

~ Signs to let motorists know where they might see whales off-shore (with hopes that they will still keep their eyes on the road)

~ Some kind of sign explaining how visiting drivers can exit roundabouts on Maui

~ Signs to warn about hazards to automobiles by driving over the speed bumps at Kahului Airport

~ Maui chicken crossings

~ Signs indicating where on the "Mario Kart: Road to Hana" video game to shoot your turtle shells at other racers

"We think by going with more realistic signs, drivers will better understand what's coming and can adjust their driving pattern accordingly," Hoailona said. "The result should be safer, more enjoyable rides for everyone."