Hi,
I have a question rather than a comment. We recently got new neighbors next door and they are loud during sleeping hours during the work week... The TV is blaring or they will have loud conversations at 2am that end up waking us up. Not to mention the numerous parties.
We have talked to them and they apologize but continue to be noisy during quiet hours.
We did call the police once on a weeknight, but they don't seem to get it.
I don't see any clear laws regarding quiet hours in neighborhoods and what is reasonable. Can you provide guidance please?
Quieter O'ahu Response:
Aloha,
Yes, there are guidelines and they are found in the Hawai'i Administrative Rules. If you check this link on our website you will find the noise levels for day and night in residential areas. The specific section is Title 11, Chapter 46, Community Noise Control. http://www.quieteroahu.com/the-quiet-you-are-entitled-to.html
For Residential (Class A zoning) and for Multi-Family (Class B zoning) the noise levels for day/night are (in dB(A):
ZONING CLASS DAY DECIBELS MAX NIGHT DECIBELS MAX
Class A 55 45
Class B 60 50
Of course these are expressed as decibels (dB(A)), so you might want to look at our page on understanding decibel readings for a better understanding. That link is at: http://www.quieteroahu.com/measuring-noise.html
So during daytime your residential areas should average a noise level equivalent to "Normal Conversation." At night it should be lower, that of a "Quiet Office."
HPD is the organization charged with enforcement of noise levels within the community, so you are correct in contacting them. Regrettably with some neighbors it may take more times than just once.
Oh, for additional reference, the O'ahu Noise Reference Manual which has quite a bit of useful information can be found at: http://www.quieteroahu.com/reporting-noise-violations.html
Good luck with your noise issue.