BLOG - Current O'ahu Noise Issues

A Telling Comment To A Vintage Post - "How Do Loud Motorcycle Mufflers Pass Safety Inspection ???

10/31/2019

Quieter O'ahu Commentary:

Waaaaaay back in October, 2016 one of our site visitors submitted the question How do loud motorcycle mufflers pass safety inspection ???. Well, it seems we're getting our message across as we just today received a new comment on that post, and here it is:

From: LOUDER OAHU

"If it bothers you so much that a motorcycle is loud. Well then simple answer is leave! Thanks again for visiting hope to see you soon"

So there you have it, O'ahu. From a probable motorcycle rider. If you don't like their noise, leave O'ahu. You see, you have no rights. The only rights are their rights. So motorcycle noise disrupts your tranquility. Too bad. LEAVE! So motorcycle noise disrupts your quality of life. Too bad. LEAVE! So it affects your health, as we know from a United Nations study that it does. Too bad. LEAVE!

Everyone should share this with their council-person, neighborhood board, and legislator and double-down on our demand for greater enforcement by HPD of existing noise ordinances and statues, and illegally modified motorcycle exhausts noise in particular.

Quieter O'ahu

"Explosion" of Helicopter Traffic in Hawaii Kai

10/17/2019

Comment:

I attempted to report helicopter noise using the address you listed. It indicates that they do not deal with the Honolulu airport.

I have written numerous letters regarding the explosion of helicopters in our area.

If you have any ideas as to where I should concentrate my efforts, I would appreciate your input.

Mahalo

Quieter O'ahu Response:

Aloha,

Yes. Regrettably they are not yet providing coverage of Hawaii air traffic. Being said, they have indicated that should sufficient interest be shown they will attempt to extend coverage to our area so we continue to provide the link.

You can find a copy of the most recent (2017) version of the O'ahu Noise Reference Manual at this link:   https://www.quieteroahu.com/reporting-noise-violations.html
At page 6 are phone numbers for Federal and State reporting of aircraft issues. At the Federal level they only accept complaints related to flight safety, such as low-flying helicopters and small aircraft. The state and airport operations numbers accept reports of general issues.

The "explosion" of helicopters, primarily those transporting tourists, is a complaint we hear often. It is also a subject being addressed by many of our Neighborhood Boards so please consider expressing your concerns at your Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board meetings. Another option is to email your Board's subdistrict representative for your area.
Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board Members and their subdistricts can be found at this link: https://www.honolulu.gov/cms-nco-menu/site-nco-featured/191-site-nco-cat/682-test.html#NB01
Hawaii Kai Boundary maps showing each subdistrict for Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board can be found at this link: https://www.honolulu.gov/rep/site/nco/maps/01_Hawaii_Kai.jpg

Hope this helps.

We have added you to distribution for our aperiodic emails on noise and related issues.

Mahalo,
Quieter O'ahu

Hawai'i Urban Noise Study Allowed to Die in Finance (FIN) Committee

9/19/2019

We previously reported on a study proposed in the 29th Legislative Session (2018) by Reps Saiki, Belatti, and Browder. The study passed reading and was referred successively to committees on Health and Human Services (HHS) and Finance (FIN). We have learned that the proposal was passed by HHS, but was not brought up by the FIN committee and, therefore, died. Below is the gist of the proposal for the noise study. It obviously would have been worthwhile, but certain legislators did not believe it was worth their time. The currently listed Chair, Vice Chair, and members of the FIN Committee who killed this proposal are shown here. Perhaps you'll remember them come election time.

29th Legislative Session, 2018, House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 72
REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON THE CUMULATIVE HEALTH EFFECTS OF PERSISTENT URBAN NOISE IN HONOLULU.

This resolution has requested what is perhaps one of the most broad-reaching studies on urban noise pollution ever undertaken by the city, and it bears watching by everyone concerned with the increasing noise on our island and across the State. This initiative is supported by Representatives Saiki, Belatti, and Brower.

Vehicle Backup Alarm System Noise - Subscriber Wants To Join With Others to Effect Change!!

7/12/2019

Quieter O'ahu Commentary:

One of our subscribers has taken-on the issue of mitigating noisy, obtrusive, and offensive vehicle back-up alarm systems. Certainly a worthwhile goal.

He is looking for other subscribers who may be interested in joining together in lobbying for change - perhaps by eliminating these alarms all-together in favor of a different technology, or mitigating the noise by changing to a tone/pattern less disruptive to quality of life.

If you're interested in this, please use our contact form to let us know. we'll provide exchange of contact information so that two, three, or more can get together to research and make a difference.

Mahalo,
Quieter O'ahu

The Mosquito System - Noise To Discourage Loitering

6/27/2019

Comment:

I've noticed two places on Oahu using anti-loitering devices called mosquito alarms.

They output loud chirps that are too high-pitched for most adults to hear, meaning its targeted towards children and teenagers, but I can hear them and it's incredibly irritating. (I'm in my 30s).

So far I've heard them at Walgreens Keeamoku and at the Waikiki Aston, you can hear them across the street as far as a block away.

Not sure if there's anything that can be done to stop these.

Quieter O'ahu Response:

Sorry for delayed response. Wanted to look into the ins and outs of the Mosquito System before responding.

Must admit you've caught us off-guard in the sense that this is the first contact we've had discussing this form of noise - and, from all literature - it is intended to be noise, an anti-loitering noise, targeting younger people.

For the benefit of others who may read this, human hearing, generally, is from 20Hz - 20,000Hz/20kHz. The mosquito system operates two tones: a -3dBFS steady ton at 17.4 kHz and its modulated version, oscillating between 17kHz and 20kHz, 3 times per second. We found an excellent test where both of these tones can be played to determine whether a person can detect this sound or not at https://www.audiocheck.net/audiotests_mosquito.php . Because these signals are at the upper limit of the normal range of human hearing in the mid HF Band, adults of a certain age, let's use over 30 as an example, normally wouldn't hear them.

We looked through current noise legislation and find nothing that would prohibit the use of these systems, though arguably there are ethical questions about a system that targets a particular demographic in such a invasive manner.

We recommend that you contact the Hawai'i State Dept of Health, Noise Branch, and ask if there is any State regulation governing the use of these systems. Their contact info is below. We would also appreciate your letting us know if you find more. For our part we will post your note (without identifying information) and our reply and ask our blog visitors if they have any information to share.

Phone: (808) 586-4700
Fax: (808) 586-5838
Hours: Monday – Friday 7:45am – 4:30pm (except for State holidays)
Jeffrey Eckerd, Program Manager (jeffrey.eckerd@doh.hawaii.gov)

We have also added you to distribution for noise and related info that we from time to time share.

Mahalo,
Quieter O'ahu

NOTE TO OUR VISITORS: If you have any information to share regarding regulatory standards for this use of the Mosquito System please let us know using our Contact Form. Mahalo.

HONOLULU CITY COUNCIL PASSES BILLS 85 AND 89 TO RESTRICT TEMPORARY VACATION RENTALS.

6/22/2019

Commentary:

On Monday, 17 June, the Honolulu city Council voted on bills 85 and 89. These two pieces of legislation focus on restricting temporary vacation rentals across O'ahu, and impose steep fines for violators. Both bills were passed by the City Council. Because of many similarities between the two bills, they will likely be merged into a single piece of restrictive legislation prior to implementation. It will then fall to the office/department of housing and zoning to begin enforcing this new legislation.

A big win for reducing the loud noise, traffic, and disruption to quality of life that these temporary vacation rentals were bringing into residential neighborhoods across the island.

Quieter O'ahu heard from many subscribers who indicated their intent to provide testimony on these important Bills. Many others indicated their intent to appear in person for testimony. Mahalo to all who made their voices heard.

Special Hearing on Bills 85 and 89 Restricting Vacation Rentals 17 June - Your Voice is Needed!!

6/15/2019

Quieter O'ahu Commentary:

Two Bills, 85 and 89, have been introduced to restrict unlawful vacation rentals in our neighborhoods. We have commented on these bills elsewhere in this Blog should you desire additional background.

A special hearing has been set for Monday, 17 June, at 10:00 in City Council chambers at 530 S. King Street, Honolulu.

Following is a sampling of postings across various social media from proponents of these illegal rentals that bring disruption and NOISE to our neighborhoods. They are mobilizing to have maximum presence at this hearing. Too, it would be reasonable to assume that money, a lot of money, is being liberally donated to campaign coffers by special interests to see these Bills defeated.

QUOTE
Aloha, This is a critical moment to protect alternative accommodations on Oahu. The Honolulu City Council is holding a special hearing this Monday, June 17, to vote on restrictive short-term rental Bills 85 and 89. This is expected to be the last hearing on these bills - we’re running out of time to speak up. These bills would completely ban vacation rentals and severely limit B&Bs, devastating Oahu’s economy and hurting hosts like you who depend on the extra income to make ends meet. Join your fellow hosts at the hearing to voice your opposition to Bills 85 and 89. RSVP When: Monday, June 17 at 10am Where: City Council Chamber 530 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813 As we continue to push for fair and sensible short-term rental rules on Oahu, we want to thank you for being one of the most passionate and active STR communities in the world. We look forward to seeing you there.You can access the City Council's page below where you can register to speak at this hearing of submit testimony online to be read into the record.
UNQUOTE

Now is the time for YOU to speak up if you do not want these rentals next door. This special meeting may well be the last to be held before voting on these two Bills, so this could be your last chance.

Click HERE for Honolulu City Council page 1) For additional information about the hearing, 2) Register to speak at the hearing or 3) Submit online testimony regarding either or both of these two Bills.

Congressman Ed Case, Hawai'i 1st District, Asks For Assistance Against Growing Aircraft Noise and Safety Threat

6/11/2019

Continuing his prior engagement against noisy tour helicopters and other low flying aircraft, Congressman Ed Case, Hawai'i 1st District, has written a letter to Waikiki Neighborhood Board member, Dr. Brian Bagnall. Dr. Bagnall has shared this letter with Quieter O'ahu. In his letter Congressman Case is asking that ALL of the 32 Neighborhood Boards, provide him their UNITED ASSISTANCE in combatting tour helicopter and low flying aircraft noise, and imposing stricter safety standards for their operation.

You can read/download his letter below, but in essence he is asking that each neighborhood board:
Quote
I need your help. The tour operators claim their operations are not of any real concern to our communities. From listening to our communities statewide, I know this to be untrue. But I need the kokua of each of Oahu's 32 Boards to confirm for each of your neighborhoods that this is a major issue that you want addressed.

Could you please consider passing a Board resolution expressing your community's concerns with tour helicopter operations and your urging that your federal, state and county governments take all steps necessary to address community safety and disruption concerns through substantially increased regulation?
Unquote

What YOU can do:
1) Provide this information and a copy of this letter to your representative on your neighborhood board and ask for their support in passing the requested resolution.
2) Speak out at your neighborhood board meeting in favor of this requested resolution
3) Email the Mayor, your City Council Representative, and your State Senators and Representatives requesting their support in removing these sources of noise and threats to public safety. Provide a copy of the letter which can be downloaded below.

Use the following Links to find:
The Mayor
Find your State Representative
Find your State Senator
Find your City Council Representative

Mahalo,
A Quieter O'ahu

Congressman Ed Case, Hawai'i 1st District, Endorses Action Against Growing Aircraft Noise and Safety Threat

5/23/2019

Opinion:

In a letter dated 21 May 2019 and addressed to O'ahu Neighborhood Boards, Congressman Ed Case applauded the activity of the Neighborhood Boards system, and encouraged continued participation by board members and the neighborhoods at large.

In addition, Congressman Case took the opportunity to discuss the problem with aircraft on O'ahu. Quoting from his letter

"There is one issue that I have already heard from you loud and clear throughout all of O'ahu, and that is the rapidly worsening safety risks and community disruptions caused by tour helicopters and other small aircraft. Even before the tragic crash just weeks ago of a tour helicopter into a residential neighborhood of Kailua, it was clear that these risks and impacts were not acceptable and that the helicopter and other aircraft owners and operators did not have any real intention of addressing community concerns voluntarily. Please be very sure of my full commitment to taking any and all actions necessary to address this widespread risk and disruption and restoring safety and peace to our neighborhoods islandwide. I will email you separately on this major issue shortly with a summary of where I believe we are and what we should do together."

Quieter O'ahu applauds this statement from Congressman Case on this statewide noise and safety issue. Everyone should now watch to see how Congressman Case uses his congressional position to work with the FAA and State representatives to translate these words into meaningful action to mitigate or eliminate the tour helicopter and small plane problem.

Do Something About The Commercial Vehicle Backup Alarms/Beepers

5/19/2019

Comment:
Aloha,

Are there any efforts to end the nuisance from backup beepers, especially from construction or agricultural vehicles?

It is ridiculous that these have to go off all day long indefinitely, on top of the usual noise & air pollution from heavy duty vehicles. Smarter technology exists that uses unidirectional/white noise to alert anyone behind the vehicle but not the entire neighborhood. In fact, the State required that the Rail project use this technology due to overnight work.

Since the "required" beepers stem from Federal guidelines regarding worker safety, I believe the best approach would be updating the State's Occupational Safety & Health regulations to make them more stringent than the federal government, requiring a worker spotter or unidirectional/white noise (but no longer the status quo beepers). Probably needs to start with State legislature or Mayor's office.

I live on Maui, but my understanding is that the State would be the place to change this, not the County.

Mahalo,
Wailuku, HI

Quieter O'ahu Response:

Aloha,

Yes, there is legislative activity on the topic of backup alarms. Current HB128, introduced by Representative Linda Ichiyama, has been referred to 3 committees for review. The main tenets of this legislation are:

-Prohibits the use of audible reverse warning systems on vehicles operating in residential zones, except between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
-Requires operators of vehicles equipped with an audible reverse warning system to reverse the vehicle only when another person is available to direct the vehicle's reversing.
-Prohibits the use of motor vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more from operating in residential zones, except between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
-Subjects violators to a fine of up to $1,000

The committees that HB128 was referred to after passing first reading are Health (HLT), Transportation (TRN), and Judiciary (JUD). Next step for the Bill would be reports from these committees, although hearings are not yet scheduled so this legislation could be stalled or dead. You might want to email Rep Ichiyama at repichiyama@Capitol.hawaii.gov and inquire about its status, and make any recommendations you may have on this Bill.

You can also monitor status of this and other noise-related legislation on our website at https://www.quieteroahu.com/current-legislative-activity.html . On our Legislative Activity page clicking on the Bill number in blue will link you to the legislative page showing the Bill's current status.

Thanks for your note. Please let us know what you hear from Rep Ichiyama should you follow-up with her.

Quieter O'ahu

Take The Time To Comment

Let us know what you think. Are you tired of the noise? Do you have ideas on how to combat the noise? Tell us about it.

Also, use the "Contact A Quieter O'ahu" form (under "About Us" on the menu bar) to let us hear from you. We continue to compile email addresses of those interested in reclaiming quiet for our island to inform of noise and related issues of interest. From time to time Quieter O'ahu may recommend contacting City Council or the Legislator to make your feelings known on a particular noise or related Bill.

TOGETHER we can affect positive change.