The Honolulu City Council passed the first reading of the bill, meaning it will at least be debated at the committee level.

Whether it gets beyond that point remains a big if.

The Outdoor Circle has strongly opposed the bill, saying it will ruin the scenic beauty of Hawaii by providing a loophole for billboards to pop up around the state.

Currently, Hawaii is one of four states that has a ban on billboards.

“We all feel that this is a very ill conceived bill,” said Alexandra Avery, president of The Outdoor Circle. “It really has more to do with billboards than it does with budget.”

The Caldwell administration has estimated putting advertising on buses could raise $8 million in revenue.

Council Chair Ernie Martin has already voiced his opposition to the bill, saying there are better ways to bring in more income.

Photo via Flickr courtesy of ninacoco.

—Nick Grube