BLOG - Current O'ahu Noise Issues

Helicopters Endlessly Shatter The Quiet Of A Kauai Canyon

12/25/2017

Comment:

We received a note regarding an article recently run in Honolulu Civil Beat about how tourism helicopters are destroying the quiet of Kauai. The article Begins:
"Chad Blair’s recent column about noise was very timely. Especially when Civil Defense emergency sirens cannot be heard in Waikiki.
I fled Honolulu due to the impact of traffic noise, light, pollution and the constant traffic and humming of electric motors. Hammered by air conditioning, generators, pile drivers slamming concrete deeper into the heart of the island. Changing the view planes, altering the very trade winds that made Honolulu so magical.
In 1970, I went to Kauai. For a while it was heaven. Quiet. Birds. Surf on nights when the winds drop. Sanctuary.
Kokee was even better. Kalalau was paradise. I had a camping and hiking tour in 1971 and made the most of it, searching for the peace and the lessons of the forest.
Quiet, please: Kokee State Park on Kauai.
Flickr: Deb Nystrom
However, the helicopters here destroyed all that. On one Sunday recently in Kokee, I clocked 13 helicopter flights in 30 minutes. Sometimes, three in less than a minute.
When they created a master plan for Kokee, I went to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ public comment session at Kauai War Memorial Center. Unfortunately, I was only able to speak near the end of the session, when most had left. Very few heard the message.
The birds cannot be heard. They have no voices we can understand, except as song.
I pointed out that the whole plan was mostly two-dimensional. It takes into account a world only 6 feet-by-8 feet high and did nothing to address the impacts on the wildlife and birds. Their feeding patterns, nesting, mating and laying eggs. The airspace. The fourth dimension of freedom."

Quieter O'ahu Response:

Thanks for one of our regular visitors for submitting this article. The full article can be read here at Civilbeat.org.

Mahalo,
Quieter O'ahu

Detrimental Effect Of Noise On Health (and well-being)

12/12/2017

Comment:

Science is on our side [that of reducing noise]... This is a bit old but it is a beginning. Noise is a stressor and stressors are killers...
https://academic.oup.com/bmb/article/68/1/243/421340

Cheers.

Quieter O'ahu Response:

Aloha,

We couldn't agree more! We've tried on our website to provide representation, and links to authoritative sources, for the effects of noise on health and well-being.

We've posted your note and link to the great and relevant article to our website blog so that others may benefit from the additional information.

We're also added you to distribution for noise and related info. You can unsubscribe at any time by responding to one our our emails with Unsubscribe in the subject line.

Mahalo,
Quieter O'ahu

Horns, Horns, Horns

12/12/2017

Comment:

Aloha and Mucho Mahalos for your efforts on combatting NOISE POLLUTION.
My special area of concern is the fact that people these days lock their cars with a button that makes their HORNS HONK...and the honking occurs once they are far away from their vehicles but other people (like me) are right next to the blowing horn...
I am SO glad to read (and hopefully I will be able to comply with) your suggestion to NOT engage with offenders.
I HAD asked Santa to bring me a really loud horn that I would use to blow into the ear of someone who had just blown their car horn into MY ear....maybe your website just saved a life (mine) as I was thinking my "blow a horn in your ear so see how you like it" idea might not be the way to go....but WHAT IS?
so even more MAHALOS
Kaneohe

Quieter O'ahu Response:

Aloha,

Horns is a topic we haven't previously addressed in detail. However, the nuisance of alarm systems has surfaced time and again where car alarms will go off and the owner is seemingly nowhere to be found to disable the alarm. So it honks, and honks, and honks. For that at least there is some remedy found in the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH) at Article 41, section 29, which says an alarm sounding continuously for longer than 5 minutes can be disabled by the police. However, this ROH is so full of loopholes it would take a stable of legal scholars to interpret what can be done, by whom, and when. Still, it's a start.
But we're at least happy to see that your situation didn't become confrontational. That's simply a no-win scenario. Best always to contact HPD, even for loud, disruptive, and annoying honks, and let them sort it out.

Thanks for the note.
Quieter O'ahu

Threats To Safety Causes Ewa Family To Leave Paradise

12/11/2017

Comment:

My husband & I lived on Ewa Beach Road for 11 years. Various efforts were made in that time period by concerned neighbors to address issues such as illegally modified motorcycles (year-round) and illegal fireworks (seasonal). Neighborhood Watch groups were started twice. The 1st time, it was disbanded when the main contact person received death threats, from a known drug dealer, whose now-adult sons use those noisy bikes, often stolen, to peddle their wares. An occasional (rookie?) HPD officer would show some initiative & enthusiasm for protecting the rights of law-abiding tax-paying citizens but the general disregard and seemingly [unmotivated] police force ultimately led us to the conclusion that nothing would be done & that our personal safety if we continued in our efforts, would be jeopardized. We sold our dream home, picked up the pieces of our broken hearts, and relocated to California, where we have yet to hear a single firework or "bomb" go off & here it is 12/11!

Quieter O'ahu Response:

Aloha,

We share in your very clear frustration. We, too, occasionally receive less-than-politely-worded emails sharing negative opinions of our efforts. And why? For simply informing the public of the sources of noise, their impact on health and quality of life, and what options are available to combat the noise. We also are apparently not always viewed as friends by HPD, who challenge our numbers of noise and related citations issued, https://www.quieteroahu.com/hpds-poor-record-of-enforcement.html, but offer no statistics from 2009 forward to show that enforcement is better than we have published, only 4/10th's of a citation per officer, per year, or approximately only eight (8) noise citations per officer per 20-year career. We would gladly publish more up-to-date numbers, but when we last asked HPD to provide these statistics we were told that the administrative cost could be over $5000.00. Unaffordable for most, certainly unaffordable for Quieter O'ahu. So, with respect for HPD's counter-position, we stand by our statistics which were originally provided to the Honolulu Star Bulletin Kokua Line in March 2009 and shown on our website at the previous link. As referenced in Ewa Topix in the following link, and the 86 comments posted to their article, most appear to agree with our conclusion of poor enforcement (http://www.topix.com/forum/city/ewa-gentry-hi/TJ77LCMS2TH7CGUVF). And yet we still in good faith recommend that our readers contact HPD when confronted by noise abuses that are counter to Hawai'i noise ordinances and statutes. As enough people report the violations, we hope to help change, and sharply increase, HPD's responsiveness to this very real problem.

But most of all, we are sorry to hear that you felt you had no alternative but to leave paradise, but happy to hear that you feel your quality of life is improved. Thank you for your note.

Mahalo,
Quieter O'ahu

Illegal Use Of Fireworks On O'ahu

12/11/2017

Comment:

Thank you for the tips on Boomcars. Please help with firecrackers and bombs.

Mahalo,
Ewa Beach

Quieter O'ahu Response:
Aloha,

Thank you for dropping us a note. Your suggestion to address illegal fireworks is a good one. We will look at adding fireworks guidance soon.

In the meantime, we can say that regulation of fireworks varies county to county. In the City and County of Honolulu, or on O'ahu, fireworks can only be used with a permit issued by the Honolulu Fire Department. These permits are primarily issued (there may be exceptions) for three types of events: New Years, Chinese New Years, and Independence Day. There are two types of permits: those issued for the aforementioned designated holidays/cultural events, and those issued for public aerial displays, such as those seen at the hotels in Waikiki. Under the designated holiday/cultural events permit an individual may ONLY use firecrackers. ALL OTHER types of fireworks are illegal. Illegal fireworks would include sparklers, fountains, cherry bombs, m-80's, and numerous other fireworks that are not clearly classified as firecrackers. Also, when using permitted firecrackers, it is illegal to:

Throw ignited fireworks at a person or an animal.
Throw ignited fireworks from above the first floor of any building.
Throw ignited fireworks from, at, or into a vehicle.
Set off fireworks on public ways, in parks, cane fields, or places of worship.
Set off fireworks on public beaches, in forest or wildlife preserves.
Set off fireworks in school buildings or on school grounds.
Set off fireworks within 1,000 feet of hospitals, health and elderly care facilities, and facilities that care for animals, including the zoo.
Set off fireworks within 500 feet from a hotel.
Offer for sale, sell, or give any fireworks to minors. Honolulu’s ordinance makes it illegal for minors to use firecrackers on Oahu, even with adult supervision.
Possess or use aerial fireworks, unless the HFD’s Fire Chief issues a display permit per Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 132D.
Transport fireworks in carry-on or checked luggage, airline cargo, or mail.
Remove or extract pyrotechnic contents.

Above are the broad strokes of currently approved O'ahu fireworks, with everything else being illegal. Should you observe the illegal use of fireworks on O'ahu do not attempt to intervene. You should dial 911 and let HPD respond to the violation. Depending on the severity of the offense, fireworks violations can be penalized with up to 5 years in jail, or fines to $2000.00.

We have added you to distribution for noise and related information. You can unsubscribe at any time by responding to one of our emails with Unsubscribe in the subject line.

Mahalo,
Quieter O'ahu

Site Visitor Is Glad Quieter O'ahu Is Trying

12/10/2017

Comment:

Glad somebody is trying to do something.

Quieter O'ahu Response:
Aloha,

Thanks for the note. Yes, we are trying and will continue to do so.

We've added you to distribution for noise and noise related emails we send from time to time. You may unsubscribe at any time by responding to one of our emails with Unsubscribe in the subject line.

Mahalo,
Queter O'ahu

Noise Legislation In 2018

12/9/2017

Comment:

Thank you!

What's the likelihood of submitting another bill in 2018? I think there's more people aware of it since last year and we may have a better chance this year.

Quieter O'ahu Response:
Aloha,

Civil Beat just ran a column, link below, that reviewed failed 2017 legislative actions on noise control. The column also comments that they will be carried over to 2018.

As we did previously, when these bills are re-introduced in 2018 we will go out to our email distribution, now nearly 200 individuals and/or families, and ask that they email their legislators, and sign online petitions to be presented to the legislature. As you know, it's all about visibility and I think that 2018 we will be more visible than ever before.

http://www.civilbeat.org/2017/12/chad-blair-will-you-please-just-be-quiet-please/

Likely Boom Car In Nuuanu-Punchbowl

12/9/2017

Comment:
It is 241 am.. My fiance and I have been driving up and down Nuuanu/Liliha because we hear what appears to be a club near our house. It's so loud that I thought it was our neighbors, but it isn't. The acoustics are so loud at our house yet, driving down to Bates or Judd, it's muffled. We even went far as Chinatown, but nothing out of the ordinary there. We can't place exactly where the sound is coming from, nor we don't see a large party happening. This is the first and hopefully the last time I will be hearing this sort of thing, especially if it's in/near residential. I would be baffled if a new club opened up near by and they allow such decibels to be that high.

Quieter O'ahu Response:

Aloha,
What you may have heard is a Boom Car. Automobiles that have extremely powerful and loud stereos have been nicknamed "Boom Cars." The numbers of Boom Cars on the streets of O'ahu is larger than many would expect, and the numbers and power of the systems they have installed is increasing rapidly.  The pounding bass noise can be heard and felt over a long distance, can rattle windows and travel through walls.  Nationwide, millions of people are adversely affected by this noise.  You can read more about this particular form of noise pollution on our website at https://www.quieteroahu.com/illegally-used-boom-car-stereos.html .

Because they are mobile, they are difficult to track down, so your driving throughout the neighborhood and not finding anything is probably the result of the car moving on. That said, operation of these high powered stereos is illegal in Hawai'i. If you do find someone operating one of these systems you can always phone 911 and make a report under the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH) 41-31.1 which in part states:
Hawai'i Law - ROH Sec. 41-31.1    Prohibited Noise.
(a)     It is unlawful for any person or persons to play, use, operate or permit to be played, used or operated, any radio, tape recorder, cassette player or other machine or device for reproducing sound, if it is located in or on any of the following:
    (1)    Any public property, including any public street, highway, building, sidewalk, park or thoroughfare; or
    (2)    Any motor vehicle on a public street, highway or public space; and if the sound generated is audible at a distance of 30 feet from the device producing the sound.
(b)     Possession by a person or persons of any of the machines or devices enumerated in subsection (a) shall be prima facie evidence that person operates, or those persons operate, the machine or device.
(Added by Ord. 90-26)
Sec. 41-31.2    Enforcement.
(a)     Powers of Arrest or Citation. Any authorized police officer shall issue a citation for any violation under this article, except they may arrest for instances when:
    (1)    The alleged violator refuses to provide the officer with such person's name and address and any proof thereof as may be reasonably available to the alleged violator.
    (2)    When the alleged violator refuses to cease such person's illegal activity after being issued a citation.

You can find the wording of the full ordinance on our website at: https://www.quieteroahu.com/hawaii-noise-laws.html .

That's the good news, that the City and County have enacted an ordinance protecting you from this abusively loud noise. The bad news, however, is that a responding officer may refuse to issue a citation under their "officer's discretion." But if no one reports, it's certain that no citations will be issued. Also, we always add the caution that you should leave enforcement to HPD - you should never confront a violator yourself. Be safe. Just dial 911.

Thank you for your note. We will post to our blog (without your name or contact info) so that others may benefit from our discussion. You have also been added to distribution for information on noise and noise related information. You can unsubscribe at any time by responding to one of our emails with Unsubscribe in the subject line.

Mahalo,
Quieter O'ahu

Bus And Motorcycle Noise In Waikiki

12/8/2017

Comment:

My bedroom faces a park on Kuhio and Liliuokalani. Street noise on Kuhio comes to my ears ALL THE TIME. When THE BUS starting using external talking at 5 am I almost jumped out of my skin. It sounded like there was a man yelling in my ears in my bedroom. I thought this will never fly in bedroom communities. I know it's intended to help visually impaired and other language speakers find their way. Some drivers still start that early on Sunday mornings and keep it up until past 10 PM.

Then there is 1 motorcyclist, with a very loud, souped up engine, who rides up and down Kuhio all hours of the day and night. Police have made no attempt to stop this intrusive noise disturbance which occurs daily. I alone can't be the only resident (among all the condos along his route) woken by or annoyed by this intrusive, inconsiderate rider's bike.

I discovered your organization through Civil Beat and am grateful for it.

Quieter O'ahu Response:

Aloha,
If you look at our blog you'll see a posting we made under "Noisy Non-Compliant Busses In Waikiki." Many, many, many of your Waikiki neighborhoods have similar issues with noise. As we recommended to that submitter, your best path forward would be through your Neighborhood Board, Waikiki Board #9. You can find info on this board at this link: http://www.honolulu.gov/cms-nco-menu/site-nco-featured/191-site-nco-cat/682-test.html . The Waikiki Neighborhood Board meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Waikiki Community Center located at 310 Paoakalani Avenue at 7:00 pm. Attending these meetings each month will be a rep from the Mayor's Office, a rep from or your state legislator, a rep from or your council member, your local fire dept, and your HPD District 6 representative. You can contact your board via email and request 5 minutes to address the board and tell them or your issue with the busses, or ask that they add your issue to the agenda as a question for HPD District 6. You can put it before both the board and HPD, and the other representatives attending, that you and your neighbors are sick and tired of the noise. And we would suggest, in particular, the motorcycle noise, which is threatening to deafen everyone in Waikiki - as well as drive away our tourism. As you can find on our website here: https://www.quieteroahu.com/hawaii-noise-laws.html there are AMPLE ordinances and statutes governing motorcycle noise. So well covered is this noise, in fact, that HPD could shut it down tomorrow if they wanted to. The problem is that they do not want to, and there is no one in authority telling them that they will. Unbelievably, your Mayor and City Council will tell you that noise isn't a problem in Waikiki. Your neighborhood board working to apply pressure to HPD could be instrumental is beginning the necessary ground swell to compel enforcement by HPD.
We will post your issue to our blog (without your contact info). I'm certain others will relate to this problem and perhaps they, too, will reach out to HPD through their boards and insist that our noise laws be enforced.

Mahalo,
Quieter O'ahu

Construction Noise "A Bane To My Existence"

12/8/2017

Comment:

Noise from poorly regulated structural and renovation changes to buildings is the bane of my existence. Dismissed by HOA who are draconian about some rules and not for others.

Where do the city and state stand on this issue?

Quieter O'ahu Response:

Aloha,
We face issues of "selective enforcement" everywhere. Of the dozens and dozens of calls to HPD to report actionable noise violations that are clearly on point of current statutes and ordinances we hear over and over again stories about officers that won't issue a citation because of their "officer's discretion" to not cite the offender.

On our website here https://www.quieteroahu.com/things-you-can-do1.html we discuss things that you can do. Options range bringing the issue before your neighborhood board, to emailing or calling the local media. Often they will take up your case as a public interest story and you'll find it being reported in print or on the evening news. HOA's hate that. They can ignore you in the shadows, but shine a public light on their activities, or have them being contacted by your neighborhood board, and often they become the most cooperative folks on the planet.

We've added you to distro for info on noise and noise related issues. You can unsubscribe at any time by responding to one of our emails with Unsubscribe in the subject line.

Mahalo for your note. We will post to our blog (without your contact info) so that others can benefit from our dialogue.

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.