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The Mosquito System - Noise To Discourage Loitering

6/27/2019

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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.

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

6/22/2019

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

6/15/2019

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

6/11/2019

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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
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    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.

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