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Church Not Policing Its Own Park! - Quieter O'ahu Dialogue With Church Representative

12/30/2020

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Comment:
I've looked at https://www.quieteroahu.com/ on and off for the past several years. Now it's time to join the mailing list.

Living in the country should be quiet and relaxing. However, I live next to a church owned community park accompanied by the noise that comes from people bringing loud music systems, with boom boom bass. It seems they can't play football or basketball without playing loud music.

I've been trying to work with the church officials who oversee the park for over 10 years, but have made little progress. The police do respond and the the music gets turned down, but because of the 15 inch speakers, the boom boom of the bass still penetrates the insulated walls and double paned windows of my house. 

Looking for additional information and help.

Mahalo for a wonderful resource.

Quieter O'ahu Response:

If anyone can offer additional advice beyond what's available on our website, please post your response here.

Mahalo

Quieter O'ahu Email to Church Representative:

Subject:  Unintended Consequences of Good Deeds

As a quick introduction I represent the non-profit organization, A Quieter O'ahu (www.quieteroahu.com).  We have a simple mission, try to make O'ahu a bit quieter to the benefit of the health and quality of life of us all, one noise problem at a time.

We were contacted by a subscriber to our website who, for some time, has been subjected to the overspill of noise from the park at 55-122 Poohaili St.  In researching the property I see it is owned by the Church and has been for some time now a community park enjoyed by many residents.

I entitled this email Unintended Consequences of Good Deeds because certainly the Church's act of kindness of providing such a park was intended as a good deed and is certainly, without argument, a better place for youth to enjoy recreational activities than other possible activities.  Unfortunately, and this is the unintended consequences part, when any group of people, but in particular youth, are unsupervised in their activities, it is too often the case that manners, common courtesy, and respect for others is just simply forgotten.  That seems to be happening here.

Our subscriber tells of increasingly loud activities.  Sports, which brings its own level of noise - but which "is what it is" - are increasingly accompanied by people bringing personal, high-powered, high-bass, stereo systems to the park and, atop the sports noise, playing these stereo equipment at their highest levels.  Today's stereo technology is such that the bass component of these stereos easily penetrates walls and windows of homes up to several blocks away from the music source.  Without the supervision of Church Staff, or anyone in authority saying "Stop this noise" the crowds assume there is tacit approval to do what they will, regardless of the impact on those in the community whose quality of life and health are negatively affected by this noise.

We understand this has been a back-and-forth with the community for some time.  We are taking this opportunity to lend our voice to that of the community in asking you, as the Church lead for the park, to work with the community toward an agreeable solution.  It would seem that playing sports isn't conditioned upon loud music.  So perhaps banning these stereos and posting signage that the park is private property and that music isn't permitted would solve the problem.  Such signage would also provide additional standing for community members, in the absence of Church Staff, to contact HPD who could enforce private property postings.  Another possibility would be for the Church to have a "Noise Complaint Number" and a "Team" of responders on-call to respond in real-time to community complaints of loud noise.  In this scenario the on-call Team Member would respond to the park in person with the authority to address the noise complaint, even if it requires closing down the event.

Yes, we understand that this probably oversimplifies the problem and any workable solution.  But recognizing there IS a problem is the first step.  And there is clearly a problem here.  One that has apparently been ongoing far too long.

We hope that we can count on you and the Church to work with the community in a good faith resolution of this issue.  

Our very best regards and sincere Mahalo for the good work of the Church on behalf of the community.

Mahalo,
A Quieter O'ahu

Church Representative Response:

Aloha,

Thanks for your email. We have been working this problem for some time. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been as quickly as [name omit]  would like.

We understand the issues, and want to find a way to make the park useful for everyone. I feel we have made good progress most of the time, but then we occasionally take some steps backwards.

When we see people playing music loudly, we ask them to stop. Unfortunately, we can’t patrol the park all the time. 

Anyway, we’re working on it. We appreciate the email. 

My counselor, [name omit] is copied in. He has been tasked to work on this issue. Would you like us to keep you posted on what we’re doing?

Thanks,

Quieter O'ahu Response to Church Representative:

Mahalo, [name omit], for your quick turnaround.  We assumed this was one of those neighborhood issues that had been simmering for some time.  You wouldn't believe how often we encounter well-meaning people on opposite sides of a noise issue that just can't reach common ground because of obstacles both real and artificial.  We'll be hoping that something can be done to restore quiet to the neighborhood while still allowing this sports venue to achieve its goal of providing the community a venue for healthy activities.  

Please remain mindful that noise is more than a nuisance issue.  Scientific studies are increasingly making the connections between noise and stress, depression and other mental health issues, sleep disorders and even cardiovascular issues.  I hope our interest isn't viewed as intrusive into this community issue.  Like you and the Church we are merely advocates for a better quality of life for O'ahu residents and communities.  That said, yes, please copy us on future correspondence for this issue, and please let us know if there is anything we can do as advocates to the City and County, Neighborhood Board, HPD, or other organizations that might help achieve an agreeable solution for all parties.

Mahalo,
Quieter O'ahu 

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Ridiculously Loud Motorcycle in Ala Moana-Kakaako - Where's HPD???

12/30/2020

1 Comment

 
Comment:

I have a video of a motorcyclist generating over 120 dB of noise at 6:32 a.m. one recent morning in front of the new condos by Duncan McNaughton on the makai side of the Ala Moana Shopping Mall. This guy is there EVERY morning about the same time. He returns around 4:35 or 5 in the evening, acting the same way each time. I'm interested in nailing him, of course. But I'm interested in the larger issue of what are our laws, what are the penalties and what can be done if the enforcers refuse to enforce.
Thank you.

Quieter O'ahu Response:

Aloha

That's LOUD.  Too LOUD.  Hearing damage LOUD.

And from visiting our website you'll also know it's illegal.  Illegal in the sense that the Periodic Motor Vehicle Inspection (PMVI) Guide for motorcycles clearly directs FAILING the inspection on any motorcycle modified to emit noise louder than originally installed.  I believe that's around 80dB.  See page 5 of the link below.

https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/files/2013/01/mvso-PMVI-Manual-for-Inspectors-of-Motorcycles.pdf

Police will tell you they have no way of measuring dB.  The counter to this is "Fine, then as a sworn officer "suspecting" an illegal modification, remove his inspection certificate and direct that his motorcycle be inspected by the "reconstruction station" to determine if it still meets OEM specifications."  They CAN do that.  Unless they just want to blow you off.

You can also call or email the media.  I believe our website contact information under What To Do When Enforcers Won't Enforce is correct for the TV and print media.  Contact them.  Maybe they'll come cameras rolling and record the guy and then ask him "Hey, what's up with that?"  That's a newsy item and maybe they'd want to tell that story.

Civil Beat is another good outlet.  Email them.  They're always looking for newsy stories and are particularly good at representing problems of the common man.

Go to your Neighborhood Board and tell this story and that HPD will/won't assist.  HPD has a rep at every Neighborhood Board meeting, usually a Sergeant or Lieutenant - let them explain to the neighborhood why HPD isn't enforcing the law!

Just some ideas.  But here's what NOT TO DO:  don't confront this guy yourself.  That just never ends well.  Use HPD, use the media, use your neighborhood board.  I'm fairly certain that in that mix you'll get visibility for this issue and perhaps resolution.

Mahalo,
A Quieter O'ahu
1 Comment

More Noise In Waikiki...  No Surprise There.

12/13/2020

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Comment:
All day there has been an emcee and very loud music/concert...for hours. On the top floor (no roof) of the garage at International Marketplace on Kuhio Ave in Waikiki. It has been so intrustive and distracting. Even with my doors and windows closed (which I prefer not to do for several hours of afternoon and evening air and lanai sitting) I can hear the lyrics of the loud music and do not have quiet enjoyment in my unit. I understand that they are not breaking any rule about the time of night which they must stop playing, but is there any law or enforceable rule to prevent very loud p.a. system with music - such that it can be heard from blocks away? I love music and Waikiki is not a quiet zone but if this is a regular thing that they are going to do it seems very wrong and unfair to residents and even neighboring businesses where some may be enjoying a quiet dinner al fresco. It just does not seem necessary to make the music louder than what is appropriate for the attendees at the music event. Who can I call? How can I report grievance? Is a garage even approved zoning for a concert? Mahalos


Quieter O'ahu Response:
​
Aloha,

If this is a business establishment then jurisdiction for enforcement of noise standards should fall under "Industry Noise," which is the purview of the Dept of Health.

Complaints about industry noise should be directed to the Department of Health (Noise Section) at 586-4700.  Suggest that among the topics you might discuss with them are:
1) What is the maximum allowable noise from a business at a fixed location during 1) daylight hours and 2) evening hours?
2) Was there a "Noise Permit" issued to this business on (provide date(s))?
3) How will the Dept of Health investigate this complaint?

You also have the ability to phone HPD when the noise is occurring and ask them to investigate, to include asking that they verify that the activity has the properly issued "Noise Waiver" from the Dept of Health.  We haven't had a great deal of success with HPD, but occasionally they surprise us.

Here are links to Noise Levels by Zoning Type, and the "O'ahu Noise Reference Manual" on our website.  It has contact numbers for reporting the various types of noise that you might encounter in the future.

Noise by Zoning:  https://www.quieteroahu.com/the-quiet-you-are-entitled-to.html
Noise Reference Manual:  https://www.quieteroahu.com/reporting-noise-violations.html

Mahalo,
Quieter O'ahu
0 Comments

Noise, Noise, Noise in Kaneohe - Still.

12/9/2020

0 Comments

 
Comment:
Fireworks, loud car stereos, and loud car exhausts are major problems in Kaneohe. Curious to hear what’s being done about it at the city and county level.

Quieter O'ahu Response:Aloha,

On O'ahu, the City and County Levels are pretty much the same, City and County of Honolulu.  And not a great deal has been done historically.  Our website has been active for about 13 years now and we try to provide information to the public on noise issues of interest, ordinances and statutes in place to "protect" the public from noise abuses, and a forum via our Blog to air their concerns publicly.  We've had some successes, but over the years we reflect that it's always the case of a couple steps forward, but seemingly more backward.

But in light of the disappointments we remain optimistic.  HPD under Chief Ballard is seemingly more responsive to noise than her predecessor, Chief Kealoha, and the new mayor, Rick Blangiardi, has already signalled more of a readiness to take on noise issues than we ever heard from Mayor Caldwell.  

We very strongly advocate to everyone concerned with noise on O'ahu to work with and through your neighborhood board.  The neighborhood board organization is, effectively, the lowest level of City and County Government and the level most integrated with the average citizen/resident.  At neighborhood board meetings one "firebrand" or "squeaky wheel" can literally move the entire board to action.  You have the ability to speak to the entire board, to question City Officials, and to put your concerns in front of an organization that can move those concerns forward to the Office of the Mayor and the Governor.  You'll find that most, if not all, of the neighborhood boards are also concerned with noise.  If the trend continues we may see a tipping point in our favor.  We urge you to be a part of that.  You can find information on Kaneohe's Neighborhood Board, and the other Boards, at the following link.   

http://www.honolulu.gov/cms-nco-menu/site-nco-sitearticles/445-meeting-schedules.html

We will comment that there was recently a very, very large "Bust" of illegal fireworks distributors in Ewa.  One bust won't solve the problem, but a strong signal was sent that business as usual will no longer be tolerated.

Mahalo for sharing your thoughts.  We'll post your  comments and our reply to our Blog.

A Quieter O'ahu
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