Hello, I have a question about noise restrictions. I live in the diamond head area and there are frequent overhead helicopter tours that I find very intrusive and excessive. Also my neighbors have a dog that barks insessently while they are out to work, it sounds like the animal is suffering. I'm not sure if its kept in a small cage during the day or what the circumstances are but the animal howls and whines non stop. I was wondering who I should contact regarding these 2 concerns, and what the best course of action might be to see if something can be done.
Thank you!
Quieter O'ahu
Mar 18
Thank you for your note.
Let me first address the barking dog. Certainly if it's a case where you suspect, even remotely, that it may be suffering, something must be done.
As it happens the City and County of Honolulu have ceded jurisdiction for most animal noises, including dogs, to the Hawaiian Humane Society. You can reach them at 356-2250 to report both that the dog is barking AND that it may be in distress. The Hawaiian Humane Society has a very good staff and they will investigate.
In the case of the helicopter that is another case of who has jurisdiction. Typically all aircraft fall under the jurisdiction of the FAA. In the case of reporting noise your best option may be to call the "Airports Hotline" operated by the State of Hawai'i, Department of Transportation, Airports Division, at (888) 697-7813. A real person will answer, take your noise complaint, and forward to the appropriate agency. I will say that helicopter noise from tour operators is increasingly becoming an issue and every report helps increase visibility of the problem.
We're attaching a copy of the O'ahu Noise Reference Manual of 2008. It's the most current copy and most of the information remains correct although you may have to verify phone numbers now and again.
Very best regards,
A Quieter O'ahu