Motorcycle noise in Waikiki

9/12/2016

Comment
I am visiting the Honolulu area to interview for a job. I am staying at the Ala Moana Hotel on the 20th floor. I was stunned tonight at the level of noise being created by motorcycle gangs passing by the hotel repeatedly on Atkinson. I contacted the Honolulu Police Department and was informed that I could file a complaint, but would need to meet the officer in person at the scene of the loud noise. I am flying out of Oahu tomorrow early morning, so I don't have time to pursue this.

Because I will probably be obtaining lodging in a high rise apartment if I accept the job offer I am having second thoughts about moving here because of the high noise levels. Is there any hope that this type of noise will eventually be controlled?

Quieter O'ahu Oct 12 (1 day ago)

Thanks for your note.

Yes, motorcycle noise is one of our biggest noise problems on O'ahu, and the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) does, for the most part, makes it as difficult as possible to register complaints.

Whomever you spoke with, however, erred in saying that you "must" meet with an officer. A complaint made to HPD of ordinance/law violation must be investigated, and the individual making the complaint should be given an opportunity to speak with an officer, but not required to do so. Personally, I take the opportunity to meet with them each time I register a complaint, so to put a face on the problem.

Take the job. O'ahu, despite our noise issues, is still a beautiful place to live. We'll keep tackling the noise problem and take every small victory we can as progress overall.

Aloha and Mahalo,
A Quieter O'ahu

1 Comment

Kenneth Cannon

9/22/2018 01:36:07 pm

Recently, I was visited by friends from Oslo, Norway and while having dinner at the Moana Surfrider a huge motorcycle “gang” rode bye on Kalakaua destroying the peaceful mood at the restaurant. The roar of their straight pipes and the stench of their exhaust was more than my guests could take.

Jan, visibly upset, said,”The motorcycle noise in Honolulu is the most outrageous example of the toleration of lawlessness in any civilized city, anywhere!” That, from a well traveled visitor from Norway.

A moment later, a Chinese Doctor and his wife visiting from Shanghai who happened to be seated at an adjacent table, recounted (in perfect English) an event that had happened just days ago on Kalakaua Ave.. As the light changed on Kalakaua and the pedestrian lights signaled a crossing, the elderly doctor stepped off the curb to cross. Simultaneously, a chopped motorcycle and it’s ragged rider appeared in front position at the light and revved his mufflerless engine while at a full stop.

The elderly physician said that it was so loud that he lost his footing and fell briefly into the crosswalk. The ragged rider did not offer help but LAUGHED at the physician knowing full well that his rev caused the fall.

Needless to say, the physician was shocked and slightly injured by the unnecessary fall but the memory will linger and survive thousands of tellings.

Is this how we want foreign visitors to remember their trip to Hawaii? This will come back to bite all of us!

Ken Cannon

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.

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 "More" on the menu bar) to let us hear from you. We will be compiling email addresses of those interested in reclaiming a quieter O'ahu and hope to have a newsletter circulating soon. The newsletter will update you on legislation and the positions of our legislators, provide information on what Neighborhood Boards are doing, and generally serve as a clearing house to get information out quickly so people can act TOGETHER for positive change.
Sign-in, share your thoughts, contact us - Let's take back the island!!

Your Choice!

In the space for "Name" on BLOG Comments you may use your name, initials, or just your location in Hawaii (e.g., Kaneohe).

Author

The author is just another Hawai'i resident who is tired of seeing the proliferation of noise on our beautiful O'ahu going unchecked.