Comment:
I have lived next to the H1 for about 30 years now and the noise has gotten out of control. Particularly the racers and the young kids with the modified exhausts that make multiple percussive explosions as they blast through. I have written to councilmen in the past and don't even get replies. We can't sleep anymore because of these idiots. It's 1am and we just got awakened again by EXTREMELY loud racers going by. Is there anything that can be done?
Quieter O'ahu Response:
Aloha,
Sorry to hear about your distress over noise. We agree with everything you've said. Noise is, and has been, out of control, and HPD and our elected representatives turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the problem. It's good that you've attempted to engage with your representatives, and our only advice would be that if they are unresponsive, don't give them your vote. Frankly, when Honolulu, and Hawaii, continue to elect the same people year after year after year what else can be expected but more of the same? Noise has been a problem for many, many years and is only growing worse. It's the fault of these legacy legislators who return to office, or take another office, with every election cycle. Perhaps it's time to sweep the slate clean and start over.
If you've browsed our website you've seen our pages on current Ordinances and Statutes that cover various types of noise, including aftermarket exhaust on every type of vehicle. It's not a question of legislation - well, not completely, but a question of enforcement. We say "not completely" because the wording of our current legislation leaves much to be desired. it's difficult to enforce language like "louder than usual" or "xx dBa" or "too loud for a person of normal hearing." Words and phrases like that can't be objectively defined in a court of law, so it's often difficult to prove the offense. You might want to search our Noise Blog for "plainly audible" to see what we've recommended for enforceable language, and urge your representatives to adopt it.
In the meantime your best course of action is through your Neighborhood Board (NB). Yours is Board #8 and you can find a starting point for their elected members, meeting schedules and info, and more. https://www.honolulu.gov/cms-nco-menu/site-nco-featured/191-site-nco-cat/682-test.html#NB8
We recommend to everyone to become active, very active, in their NB. Make noise about Noise. As the lowest level, the community level, of City Government, your voice is important. Be vocal. Speak out. Each month HPD addresses each NB. Ask them directly why they aren't enforcing existing ordinances and statutes on noise. Similarly, there are representatives from the Mayor's Office, and the Governor's Office. Question them. Hold them accountable. I'm sure you will find other like-mined people attending NB Meetings who will agree with you.
Hope this helps. We've posted your note and our response, without identifying info, to our Noise Blog for the benefit of others.
Quieter O'ahu
I have lived next to the H1 for about 30 years now and the noise has gotten out of control. Particularly the racers and the young kids with the modified exhausts that make multiple percussive explosions as they blast through. I have written to councilmen in the past and don't even get replies. We can't sleep anymore because of these idiots. It's 1am and we just got awakened again by EXTREMELY loud racers going by. Is there anything that can be done?
Quieter O'ahu Response:
Aloha,
Sorry to hear about your distress over noise. We agree with everything you've said. Noise is, and has been, out of control, and HPD and our elected representatives turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the problem. It's good that you've attempted to engage with your representatives, and our only advice would be that if they are unresponsive, don't give them your vote. Frankly, when Honolulu, and Hawaii, continue to elect the same people year after year after year what else can be expected but more of the same? Noise has been a problem for many, many years and is only growing worse. It's the fault of these legacy legislators who return to office, or take another office, with every election cycle. Perhaps it's time to sweep the slate clean and start over.
If you've browsed our website you've seen our pages on current Ordinances and Statutes that cover various types of noise, including aftermarket exhaust on every type of vehicle. It's not a question of legislation - well, not completely, but a question of enforcement. We say "not completely" because the wording of our current legislation leaves much to be desired. it's difficult to enforce language like "louder than usual" or "xx dBa" or "too loud for a person of normal hearing." Words and phrases like that can't be objectively defined in a court of law, so it's often difficult to prove the offense. You might want to search our Noise Blog for "plainly audible" to see what we've recommended for enforceable language, and urge your representatives to adopt it.
In the meantime your best course of action is through your Neighborhood Board (NB). Yours is Board #8 and you can find a starting point for their elected members, meeting schedules and info, and more. https://www.honolulu.gov/cms-nco-menu/site-nco-featured/191-site-nco-cat/682-test.html#NB8
We recommend to everyone to become active, very active, in their NB. Make noise about Noise. As the lowest level, the community level, of City Government, your voice is important. Be vocal. Speak out. Each month HPD addresses each NB. Ask them directly why they aren't enforcing existing ordinances and statutes on noise. Similarly, there are representatives from the Mayor's Office, and the Governor's Office. Question them. Hold them accountable. I'm sure you will find other like-mined people attending NB Meetings who will agree with you.
Hope this helps. We've posted your note and our response, without identifying info, to our Noise Blog for the benefit of others.
Quieter O'ahu