Blog Archives

Is My Generator Too Noisy?

10/30/2018

Comment:
I just purchased a portable generator as there is always a power outage whenever we encounter bad weather where I live. I need it to power my sump pump to prevent flooding to my home. The generator will be placed outdoors next to my neighbor's property. The sound level is 68dB. Would I be in compliance with the Honolulu code?

Thank you for your help.

Quieter O'ahu Response:
Aloha,
It's very considerate of you to ask. We're not aware of a specific noise code for generators. That said, if your generator is rated at 68dB(a) then it's not really a very noisy generator. 68dB(a) is in the comparable noise ranges of:
-a hair dryer
-a vacuum cleaner
-a dishwasher
Can't imagine that 68dB(a) would be overly loud. That said, please be sure to follow all safety precautions of the manufacturer in operating the generator. Exhaust fumes from generators can be deadly.

Mahalo,
Quieter O'ahu

0 Comments

Noise at Queen Kapiolani Hotel

10/30/2018

0 Comments

Comment:
Queen Kapiolani Hotel is operating a scrubber from 6am to 11pm. It’s above a reasonable sound level and incredibly disturbing to all surrounding residences. The scrubber is on top of their newly renovated pool deck area pointed to the Makee ‘Ailana . This is definition of poorly designed operations and engineering and is cheating residents of their well deserved quality of life.

Quieter O'ahu Response:
Aloha,
Sorry to hear about your noise problem. The Hawaii Dept of Health has jurisdiction over fixed commercial noises such as this. I believe your best option would be to contact them and describe the problem and ask that they conduct a noise survey of the location to see if the noise exceeds permitted levels. You can find contact information for the Dept of Health on our website at: https://www.quieteroahu.com/reporting-noise-violations.html If you choose to contact them please let us know if this was successful.

Mahalo,
Quieter O'ahu

0 Comments

Downtown Hotel Strike - Do They REALLY Have To Be So Noisy??

10/11/2018

2 Comments

Comment (Gist):
Could you please address the noise from the protestors in the lane between the Outrigger beach (Dukes) hotel and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel?

While they have the right to protest, beating drums and using loud hailers is affecting the sleep, and quality of life, of not only visitors, but also of area residents who are not a part of this protest, and who shouldn't be subjected to this noise in order for the union to make their point.

Could you please ask the police to stop the noise ASAP.

Quieter O'ahu Response:
Aloha,

Thanks for your note. We've also heard this from others and have "melded" the complaints into this one entry.

Unfortunately we cannot refer the problem to the police as we do not have "standing" - (we are not affected by the problem, so we cannot report the problem). If you are a Waikiki resident and you believe that you are being adversely affected by this noise, you can contact HPD and issue a complaint. The union that is conducting this strike (Unite Here Local 5) very likely has all the correct paperwork to stage their protest, however, this paperwork usually DOES NOT cover creating a noise nuisance, or violating area noise ordinances. Noise waivers, if issued, are issued by the Department of Health and you can ask HPD to verify that they have such a noise waiver to be creating the loud noise that you have reported. You can also ask for the parameters of the waiver (for how many days, during what hours of the day, etc). If you do choose to contact HPD you can ask to remain anonymous if you desire, and they will not reveal your name.

If you choose to file a complaint, please let us know the result, good or bad. We will post this, and any follow-up you provide, to our Noise Blog (without your name) so that others might learn/benefit from your experience.

We have also reached-out to Unite Here Local 5 to express the concerns that you, and others, have shared about this noise problem. Our note to them is provided below. If you, or others, would also like to contact Unite Here Local 5, here is the link for their "Contact" page.

https://www.unitehere5.org/contact-us/

Mahalo,
Quieter O'ahu

- - - - - - - - - - -

Aloha,

We are being contacted by many downtown residents in the area of your protests complaining about the noise that you are creating. As one writer opines: "While they have the right to protest, beating drums and using loud hailers is affecting the quality of life of residents in the area. We're not a part of this, and do not appreciate being bothered by their noise."

I would think this is NOT a good strategy to enjoin the public to your cause.

Mahalo,
Quieter O'ahu
www.quieteroahu.com

2 Comments

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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.