Nominations for the annual Hawaii Scenic Byways Program are being accepted through March 29.

The Hawaii Scenic Byways Program is part of the National Scenic Byways Program, featuring roads “with an important story to tell to both visitors and local residents alike,” said the state Department of Transportation in a news release.

Program guidelines and nomination applications can be found at www.hawaiiscenicbyways.org.

Those interested in submitting nominations can participate in an introductory conference call scheduled for Friday at 10 a.m. The call is toll free and open to any interested party. For more information on joining the call, e-mail project consultant Kashmira.reid@lyon.us.com. 

According to the DOT, “An individual corridor can become a designated byway by possessing specific ‘intrinsic qualities’ identified as archeological, cultural, historical, natural, recreational and/or scenic.”

Local government agencies or 501c3 non-profit organizations are eligible to sponsor a scenic byway. 

“This is an opportunity for Hawaii to give recognition to significant roadways throughout our state and support community planning efforts. We invite and encourage all interested parties to become part of this process,” said state DOT director Glenn Okimoto.

There are currently four major scenic byways statewide including: Mamalahoa Kona Heritage Corridor, Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast, Ka’u Scenic Byway-The Slopes of Mauna Loa, all on Hawaii Island, and the HoloHolo Koloa Scenic Byway on Kauai.