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Boom Cars On The Big Island - Enough Already!

2/21/2022

4 Comments

 
Comment:

Aloha,

I live in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii and have been experiencing extreme noise pollution while in my house with the windows closed, sitting in traffic, walking in public via boom cars/trucks. As a 59 year old my hearing is compromised through the natural progression of aging and yet i can not only hear the music 3 blocks away my body also feels it.  Researching Hawaii noise laws i see there are laws against such extreme noise, unfortunately law enforcement is either overwhelmed with more pressing violations or not interested in enforcing the law.  Is there a way to stop the runaway train on our own islands before we become victims the boom car industry as witnessed on the mainland ?  Similar to the negative effects invasive species have on the islands, the long term effects will only lead to more frequent invasions accompanied by increasing in decibels. 

Please if you have any suggestions on what can be done to stop this physically audible or is it audibly physical assault i would be very grateful.
​
Mahalo Nui


Quieter O'ahu Response:


​Aloha,

You've stated very succinctly the problem heard, and felt, by many, many people throughout our Islands.  This stereo industry has long been out of control.  They continue to grow and the noise continues to increase because, simply, there's a lot of money on the line in the aftermarket, high-powered, stereo, amplifier, and speaker industry.  These systems literally cost thousands of dollars.  Each time there has been the emergence of a "Legislative Champion" who attempts to legislate stronger laws with fewer loopholes, the industry steps-in with campaign donations and other incentives that makes these initiatives suddenly disappear.  It's a corrupt industry who doesn't care about the health or quality of life of those subjected to this unreasonable and unhealthy noise, and that corruption is rivaled only by the political corruption of elected officials who refuse to do anything about it.

You are correct, however, in your observation that there are already existing noise laws "on the books."  And it is NOT the case that our law enforcement is "Overwhelmed" with other, more pressing, crimes. They have just decided to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to these violations.  And why not, they are seemingly never held to account.

We urge those who have had enough to be unrelenting in letting your displeasure be known to your elected officials.  Your voice, and the voices of your friends, family, and acquaintances telling your representative that you have had enough and "if they don't take a stand you'll find someone who will" remains the best strategy.  Only when politicians believe there are enough people aligned against this plague of noise, and that their seat in the legislature, or other elected position, is in danger, will we see change.  That change may be in the form of tougher laws, or pressure on law enforcement, including our Prosecutors, to prosecute offenders.  We hope that it will be both.  We know there is already a loud grass-roots voice, and we encourage others to join in the chorus.  Yes, it will take time, depending on how many are vocal, and how loud their collective voices.

Thank you for contacting us.  Wish the response was more optimistic.  We will post your note (without identifying information) and our response to our noise blog for the benefit of others.

Mahalo,
Quieter O'ahu 
4 Comments

IMPORTANT NOISE LEGISLATION Information From "A Quieter And Healthier Maui" - A Partner Against Noise!

2/8/2022

0 Comments

 
We are sharing this IMPORTANT information from our Partner Against Noise, A Quieter and Healthier Maui.  Please read and support by submitting testimony and signing online petitions as provided below.  

Thanks for signing our vehicle noise petition or filling out our survey in the past.

Among multiple noise pollution bills working through the Hawaii legislature right now, there is an important one that would have the Hawaii Department of Health directly regulate and address vehicle noise for the first time and prohibit the sale or use of vehicles that exceed a specific volume.

Most bills that come up every year don't make it through the process, especially without clear community support/pressure, so our representatives need to hear from us! There are actually 2 bills, one in the House (HB1545) and one in the Senate (SB2127).

At your earliest, can you please support this effort through at least one of the following:

1) Submit an Online Comment ("testimony")
It can be brief, and please select "Support" in the form.
Click the blue Submit Testimony button at the top of the page:
SB2127 - deadline: officially this Tuesday at 1:15 pm, but could be submitted "late" until Wed at 1:15 pm

HB1545 - deadline: officially this Wednesday at 9 am, but could be submitted "late" until this Thursday at 9 am
We've submitted testimony, but it doesn't show right away.

2) Give a Verbal Comment at the Hearing this Week
You are able to give up to 2 minutes of live/verbal comment at the video conference hearings this week. To sign up, there is an option when clicking Submit Testimony as described in #1 above (note deadlines above).
SB2127 - Hearing is this Wednesday at 1:15 pm. Even if you don't sign up to comment, you can still watch it here.

HB1545 - Hearing is this Thursday at 9 am. Even if you don't sign up to comment, you can still watch it here.


3) Contact your Representative Directly 
Please mention your support of any bill that fights vehicle noise pollution, including SB2127 and HB1545. If you don't want to leave official testimony as described in #1 or 2 above, this can be an effective alternative for ensuring real progress this year.
In particular, the following Maui representatives are on the committees that the bills are currently with:
Senate (SB2127)
Senator Rosalyn Baker, South & West Maui, contact info
Senator Lynn DeCoite, Upcountry / Hana, contact info
House (HB1545)
There isn't a Maui rep in one of the current relevant committees for this bill, although it should be noted that multiple Maui representatives have already signed on as supporters of the bill: Rep. Wildberger (South Maui), Rep. McKelvey (West Maui), and Rep. Hashimoto (Wailuku)!

Thank you in advance for voicing your support for these bills! We are tracking other relevant bills (e.g., HB1856 / SB2126) and will try to let you know about other opportunities to help get these into law this year as well.

Please feel free to share this email with others, as well as our active petition.


0 Comments

Senate Committee(s) Hearing on Bill SB2127 - Relating to Noise - ZOOM MEETING ON 2/9

2/7/2022

0 Comments

 
This is yet another important piece of Noise Legislation for which your attention and voice is needed.

The next hearing on this Bill will be before the Senate Health and Transportation Committees on 9 February.

Senate Bill2127 Synopsis:
RELATING TO NOISE POLLUTION.
Directs Department of Health to adopt rules for the control, prevention, and abatement of noise pollution emitted by vehicles in the State.  Prohibits the use, ownership, and sale of excessively loud vehicles.  This is similar to SB2126 which we addressed in an earlier Blog Entry, but further clarifies the scope of noise sources.  

Find and read entire Bill at following link.  The link will also tell you if they are accepting testimony and, if so, you can click the designated button to submit your testimony for this Bill online.

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2127&year=2022​

The meeting will be held on 9 February at 1:15pm via ZOOM.  The link and passcode to join this zoom meeting are:

HEARING_HTH-TRS_02-09-22

Join Zoom Meeting
https://senate-capitol-hawaii-gov.zoom.us/j/85627330539?pwd=eEtvWmkyTi9LV1V4T3FBUWMrbVoxQT09
 
Meeting ID: 856 2733 0539
Passcode: 266970

​

0 Comments

Noise Bills Appearing Before Hawai'i House and Senate Committees - PARTICIPATE!!!

2/6/2022

1 Comment

 

There are Four (4) Bills appearing before various House and Senate Committees in the near term.  These Bills are (HB = House Bill; SB = Senate Bill):

These Bills are IMPORTANT to mitigating noise.  We want them to be passed!!

HOUSE:

HB1854 Relating to Noise Control  

Synopsis of Bill:  
Enhances the control of low-frequency noise emitted from establishments regulated by county liquor commissions by setting a maximum permissible noise level in dBC measurements. Clarifies that emission of noise that exceeds the maximum permissible noise level constitutes a noise violation. Allows noise violations to be enforced by summons or citation issued by law enforcement officers. Allows county liquor commissions to adopt rules to issue fines for noise violation. Allows county liquor commissions to revoke or suspend a liquor license, deny the application, renewal, or transfer of a license, or withhold issuance of a license when the licensee or applicant fails to take corrective action to address noise complaints or violations.

Find and read entire Bill at following link.  The link will also tell you if they are accepting testimony and, if so, you can click the designated button to submit your testimony for this Bill online.

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1854&year=2022


HB1856 Relating to Transportation (Noisy Mufflers) (Companion Bill is SB2126)

Synopsis of Bill:
Increases the minimum and potential maximum fine for violating certain provisions relating to the installation of a noisy muffler.

Find and read entire Bill at following Link.  The link will also tell you if they are accepting testimony and, if so, you can click the designated button to submit your testimony for this Bill online.

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1856&year=2022


HB1545 Relating to Noise Pollution

Synopsis of Bill:
Directs Department of Health to adopt rules for the control, prevention, and abatement of noise pollution emitted by vehicles in the State. Prohibits the use, ownership, and sale of excessively loud vehicles.

Find and read entire Bill at following link.  The link will also tell you if they are accepting testimony and, if so, you can click the designated button to submit your testimony for this Bill online.

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1545&year=2022



SENATE:

SB2126 Relating to Transportation (Noisy Mufflers) passed the first committee hearing on 2/1/22 (Companion Bill is HB1856)

Synopsis of Bill:
Increases the minimum and potential maximum fine for violating certain provisions relating to the installation of a noisy muffler.

Find and read entire Bill at following link.  The link will also tell you if they are accepting testimony and, if so, you can click the designated button to submit your testimony for this Bill online.

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2126&year=2022
​


IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT NOISE IN OUR STATE, TAKE THE TIME TO READ, FOLLOW, AND PROVIDE COMMENTS ON THESE BILLS AT EVERY STAGE OF THE COMMITTEE AND LEGISLATIVE PROCESS, AND CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE AND SENATOR AND EXPRESS YOUR SUPPORT!

A Quieter O'ahu


1 Comment

Honolulu City Council Bill 43 - Relating to Amplified Noise In Waikiki

2/6/2022

0 Comments

 
As this Bill progresses through the City Council process, it will be heard on 2/8 by the Transportation, Sustainability, and Health Committee.

A Quieter O'ahu submitted the following Testimony online:

Quote:

This testimony from A Quieter O'ahu, a Hawai'i 501C3 Organization, speaks to the concerns of our hundreds of active website subscribers/followers. (https://www.quieteroahu.com).  

We have had enough, more than enough, of the unabated assault on our quality of life by those who have no respect for the residents of this City and to a greater extent, this State.  Noise is everywhere - car stereos that can cause permanent hearing decline; exhaust systems that can be heard a mile away; noise from low flying aircraft; and on and on.  Noise everywhere in our neighborhoods and in our City.  It has become impossible to enjoy a quiet day at the beach, or even a quiet evening in a downtown restaurant, for the noise, noise, noise.  Noise that is, in fact, proven to negatively impact quality of life, and health.  
We ask this Council to take a stand and say "No More" by passing Bill 43.

Unquote

Bill 43 can be found at this link:   https://hnldoc.ehawaii.gov/hnldoc/document-download?id=12368

Read the Bill!  It's not perfect, but it is a step in the right direction.  If you're reading this, please considering submitting testimony to City Council in support of this Bill.  You can submit your testimony online at this link.  The Bill is "Bill 43 (2021) Relating to Amplified Noise in Waikiki,"  The meeting date is 8 Feb 2022.

You can submit your testimony at this link:   https://www.honolulu.gov/ccl-testimony-form.html?view=form

A Quieter O'ahu
​
0 Comments

Honolulu Bill 43 (2021) A Bill for an Ordinance Relating to Amplified Sound in Waikiki - Readers:  Consider linking to the testimony page (see below) for this Bill and submitting your support for approval and enactment of Bill 43!

11/9/2021

1 Comment

 
Comment:
Aloha!

I saw you speak at the Waikiki Neighborhood Board 2 or 3 years ago and appreciated your presentation very much.

Tomorrow at the full Council meeting Tommy Waters is going to introduce his bill about amplified noise in Waikiki. It is focused on how the street performers' amplified music is adversely affecting Waikiki residents. It is so much worse than ever because now ALL performances have amps that they put up very loudly. The sound bounces off the Kalakaua buildings and up into the night air and we residents on the MAUKA side of Kuhio have to hear it all evening.  

Past efforts to control it were challenged in the courts and the street performers won because it seemed like the little guys against big business. I believe this bill may have a better chance against challenges because it is trying to protect actual RESIDENTS.  

I know your main focus is modified mufflers, but would you be kind enough to write testimony today to support Bill 43 about amplified noise from street performers? Your expertise on how unhealthful it is for Waikiki residents would go a long way :)

Thank you for your kind consideration.


The bill
https://hnldoc.ehawaii.gov/hnldoc/document-download?id=12368

For testimony (sorry for the last minute request, needs to be done urgently if the council will see it in tomorrow's meeting packet)
https://www.honolulu.gov/ccl-testimony-form.html


Quieter O'ahu Response:


Aloha,
Will be happy to submit testimony.

With that said, even if this passes, it is on its face unenforceable.  Horribly, horribly written.  Perhaps that's the point.  Pay lip service to the community by introducing a Bill; cave to business interest by making it unenforceable.

For example, wording from the Bill:
Quote
“Noise disturbance” means any sound that:
(1) Is unreasonably loud or disturbing;
(2) Endangers or injures the health of humans;
(3) Annoys or disturbs a person of normal sensitivities at a distance of 30 feet from the sound amplifier; or
(4) Exceeds ___ decibels measured from a distance of 30 feet from the sound amplifier.
Unquote
Let's look at that key wording, upon which all enforcement would rely.

(1) Is unreasonably loud or disturbing.  What does that even mean?  How is "Unreasonable" or "Disturbing" defined?  The person playing the loud music, for example, would find it neither unreasonable or disturbing.  And, lacking any legal, objective, definition for those two terms, it is unenforceable by law enforcement or the court.

(2) Endangers or injures the health of humans.  Really?  How would you legally "Prove" Endangerment; or legally "Prove" Injury?  You can't.  Again, legally unenforceable.

(3) Annoys or disturbs a person of normal sensitivities at a distance of 30 feet...  Again, how is "Annoy" and "Disturb" legally defined, and what - by a legal and enforceable definition - is "Normal Sensitivities"?  Being undefined, these, too, are totally unenforceable.

(4) Exceeds ____ decibels measured from a distance of 30 feet...  What kind of decibel?  A, B, or C weighted?  Who is going to measure?  HPD Officers are neither issued nor trained on the use of sound metering equipment.  And by the way, on the copy I have the dB level isn't even filled-in, would it be 85 dB(A); 90 dB(A) or something else?  And again, who measures? Who's the authority for the sound readings?

We will support this Bill, but would have preferred to see simple and enforceable wording such as:
Quote "Any sound-emitting device in operation in a public place will be considered in violation of this ordinance if it can be heard from a distance of 30 feet or more from any part of the sound-producing system.  For purposes of this ordinance, "heard" does not require an understanding or discernment of the musical lyrics or sound content, only that the sound is audible at a distance of 30 feet or more in any direction." Unquote
​

Anyone can measure 30 feet; and anyone can understand "Heard" as plainly written.
Will nonetheless submit testimony today.
Mahalo,
Quieter O'ahu

-------------Testimony Submitted on Bill 43 (2021) By Quieter O'ahu--------------------

Noise on O'ahu and across all of Hawai'i is out of control.  Noise pollution, like every other form of pollution, affects both Health and Quality of Life.  A Quieter O'ahu, a Hawai'i 501(c)(3) organization,  has for the past 14 years been a source of information to O'ahu and Hawai'i residents on the problems we have with noise.  You have but to visit our website at https://www.quieteroahu.com to read about this growing problem, this menace to health and individual well-being.  On our home page, for example, is a video from the TedMed series by eminent Psychiatrist and scientist Dr. Mathias Basner discussing the harmful effects of noise.  On our Noise Blog read dozens and dozens of submissions by O'ahu residents who tell story upon story of the negative impact of noise on their day to day life, and that seemingly there is no-one to help end the noise.  But apart from this, common sense should tell you that noise can't be good for people.  And to the subject at hand, uncontrolled noise on the streets of Waikiki, this is just one more onerous example of noise-out-of-control.  Like the aftermarket exhaust industry which equips vehicles with noise-producing exhausts that create noise that is illegal by current Ordinances and Statutes; and the aftermarket stereo industry who install mega-wattage stereo systems that produce noise that is illegal by current Ordinances and Statutes; this is but one more industry that seeks to make a buck at the expense of the health and quality of life of everyone else.  And we MUST stop it, and stop it now.  This Bill may not end the noise, but it is a step in the right direction.  A Quieter O'ahu strongly urges approval and enactment of Bill 43.




1 Comment

The Effect of Noise on Health and Quality of Life

11/9/2021

0 Comments

 
Comment:
Would appreciate adding the health impacts due to the excessive noise on your webpage. There is significant research available of the health impacts of this excessive noise in our community. I appreciate your website on identifying the problems and the lack of enforcement, but we need to educate the law makers the real impacts of this craziness. Mental health, blood pressure and heart disease are a few impacts. 

I don't appreciate the unpermitted drag racing down Kalakaua in the middle of the night and the landscape grinders who start work at 7am. You regulate leaf blowers in residential neighborhoods with time limit of 8am, but don't regulate the large grinders who impact a larger number of residents before 8am? We've created camera's for speed traps across the nation, someone needs to integrate into this design a DB readout as a way to identify the numerous abusers who like to announce their unwanted presence.

Looking forward to getting home to our quiet neighborhood to get a restful sleep.
 

Quieter O'ahu Response:
​
Aloha,

Mahalo for your note.

We try to provide educational material that focuses on the adverse impact of noise on health.  On our Home Page we feature a 10 minute TedMed video entitled "The Effects Of Noise On Health - And What You Can Do About It (From TEDMED Talks)."  We felt it was the most representative video on the topic that was available at the time, and from a respected source.  If you have another source, we would be happy to review and possibly update our current video.  Similarly, we try to identify relevant articles on the topic and provide links to those articles.  This is also on our Home Page.

https://www.quieteroahu.com

With that said, that you didn't notice the video tells us something.  So we have re-worked our home page to give the video greater prominence by moving it to the top of our Home Page and providing additional highlighting.  We hope this helps to get the message out about the effect of noise on health and quality of life.

You make additional great points about things that are needed to begin mitigating some of the more egregious noise that we all encounter day to day.  And we, and many others who subscribe to our site, have sent literally hundreds - probably thousands - of emails to legislators from City Council, to Legislature, Office of the Mayor, Office of the Governor, and HPD.  What we have learned is that there are ample ordinances and statutes to combat the problem of noise, but we lack the will to ensure enforcement of these ordinances and statutes so the problem continues.  Still, we continue to try to make a difference by keeping the community informed.

Again, Mahalo for your note.  We will post to our Blog, without attribution, for the benefit of others.

A Quieter O'ahu
0 Comments

Noisy, Inconsiderate Neighbors in Waianae and HPD Inaction - Again!

9/26/2021

1 Comment

 
Comment:

Hi and thank you for your extensive, well made website.  

My neighbors play loud boombox "noise" and music from their house or vehicle on a daily basis. I have called police over 150++ times to stop it to no avail. The police have finally contacted the owner but since there are never any serious consequences, the neighbors continue to play their "noise" whenever they feel like it. 

Having cited ROH 41-31.1 to the police, they clarified that it pertains to boombox noise from a vehicle on the road or on public property. Since these neighbors rent a house and park their vehicles in their driveway, ROH 41 does not apply to them. In addition, the police have directed the Dept. of Health to call me regarding my complaint but an inspector told me the DOH no longer deals with residence noise. They told me that Gov. Cayetano changed the law years ago because it somehow held the county responsible.

Is there any law that can effectively deal with the chronic, inconsiderate behavior of bad neighbors?  

Thank you,

Quieter O'ahu Response:

Sounds as if this is a source of constant frustration.  And it certainly sounds as though you've attempted engaging with HPD to solve the problem, but without success.

We cannot and do not recommend a specific course of legal action.  As a 501(c)3 we are chartered to be an information source for the community and provide education where possible about noise, its harmful effects, and laws, ordinances, statutes, etc., that have been enacted to safeguard the public from unwanted intrusion of noise into their daily lives and noise that disrupts or diminishes quality of life.

That said, we have recently added a new entry on our website under Hawai'i Noise Laws.  It is Hawai'i Revised Statute 711-1101 - Disorderly Conduct.  Included in the description of this petty misdemeanor/violation is "Makes unreasonable noise."  While not offering a legal interpretation, this certainly seems like a case of unreasonable noise.  You can find the description of this statute and the full commentary at the following Hawaii.Gov link.  You can also read the abbreviated version which we have added to our website.  

We hope this information helps.  We have posted your note, without your name or identifying information, to our website blog for the benefit of others.


Hawaii.Gov website link:   https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/vol14_ch0701-0853/HRS0711/HRS_0711-1101.htm

Quiter O'ahu Link:  https://www.quieteroahu.com/hawaii-noise-laws.html

Quieter O'ahu
1 Comment

The Noise of Waikiki - And The Shame Of HPD's Total Inaction.

9/23/2021

0 Comments

 
Comment:

Background: Architect with 35+ years of practice on the central coast of California, not a large population compared to Honolulu but we have traveled extensively over those 35 years and have stayed in high density cities i.e. Paris, London, Toronto, New York, Belaggio, Milan, and Barcelona. Been to all the islands many times over these years and settled on spending 3 months in a highrise in Waikiki. Just three weeks into our 3 months the noise levels have driven me to comment. The noise levels are significantly high compared to the many places I listed. We are located in a high rise at the corner of Kalakaua and Ala Moana. Being from California where we regulate everything, it has given me a new appreciation. it is surprising how noisy it is in this location during a pandemic. Many contributing factors include the following; 3 lane road into Waikiki, which turns into a parade of mufflerless motorcycles and cars, motorcycles who like speed, cars with boom boxes, cars that need mufflers, hourly EMS support vehicles (they might as well setup a trauma center downtown Waikiki) Numerous crazy people shouting expletives on the sidewalks, which bring police cars in a 5:1 ratio. 5 police vehicles to one crazy homeless fellow. Woken up several times to yelling on the streets at 5am this morning. Yesterday we burnt toast in our unit and our building alarm brought every life support person to our building. Good grief! I wonder all the sirens that go off during the day are events like our burnt toast? How many are legit emergencies? Do you keep statistics on the amount of emergency vehicle traffic and purpose of the chaos they create with their sirens?

I reflect on our the memories of our time in Belaggio, Italy (not las vegas) where all roads into the village were closed to traffic, except at the perimeter with all service vehicles limited access on certain hours. Very pedestrian friendly. Waikiki could easily reduce the noise and enhance the pedestrian and resident experience by removing the highway that runs down Kalakaua Street. Only provide two lanes for service vehicles and give the streets back to the public. And restrict when these vehicles can enter into the Village of Waikiki. The City of Paris, provides dedicated lanes for city support vehicles. Modifying and/or removing traffic lanes will provide support to public transportation and make this a more pedestrian oriented place to live. 

There seems to be a real need for more mental health professionals to work with the homeless. Should be better muffler laws for better noise and air quality. New construction already require sound qualities within the units, but the older units need incentives to improve sound transmission quality. My goal of visiting Waikiki was for our mental health, with the hopes of a renewal of getting back to normal, remove the car from our lifestyle and enjoy the slower lifestyle. Unfortunately we didn't expect these noise levels nor the resurgence of a virus.  

We all learn from our life experiences and this is one we don't want to repeat. Mahalo from California Architect.

Quieter O'ahu Responser:

Well said.  It's the shame of HPD that they offer NO enforcement of these out of control cars and motorcycles.  A total and complete dereliction of their most basic duties.
0 Comments

Noisy Neighbors - Why Do People Choose To Be Inconsiderate??

7/25/2021

0 Comments

 
Comment:

(Paraphrased to remove identifying specifics - "neighbor" used instead of personal pronouns)

Aloha,

I'm new to Quieter Oahu but I am having a recent situation with a neighbor.

This neighbor, a renter, lives next door and very close to our house. Neighbor has been approached by others to ask to quieten the noise but the response is [gist] I'm just a loud person and am not going to change anything. [end gist] 

Our situation is that neighbor is very loud at night, sitting outside, about 10 feet or less from our sleeping area, and be singing and talking loudly, alone, into the late hours.  It can be heard all throughout our home.

Our concern furthers as neighbor drinks with some frequency and when intoxicated is louder and vulgar. 

I do not know if a one-on-one talk or a letter will work. I have considered maybe contacting the property manager/owner but they seem to be friends and I worry we might face some form of retaliation. 

Thank you so much for your time,


Quieter O'ahu Response:
Aloha,

Thanks for your email.  We hear many, many stories of noisy neighbors.  While we cannot advise you what action to take, we can share what is available to you.

Others have found it beneficial to address the problem to the property owner.  If you do not know the owner's name, it can be found at the Honolulu Real Estate Assessor website here:  https://qpublic.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?App=HonoluluCountyHI&PageType=Search .  By entering the property address you can find the owner's name, which is public record.  While there are limits to what the property owner can do, the owner could, for example, advise the occupant that future renting determinations can be impacted by the renter's record of complaints for infractions such as excessive noise that could appear on a background check.  The specific response, or non-response, by the owner is, however, completely at the owner's discretion.

It appears this issue has already been addressed to the neighbor, without success.  If you believe that because of the proximity to your dwelling, or hour of the day or night, that the noise is unreasonable, you can ask for an HPD Officer to come to the residence and address the problem to the neighbor.  You would dial 911, indicate that it is a non-emergency, and explain the problem.  Once dispatched, the HPD Officer will, upon his/her discretion, determine if the noise is unreasonable and, if so, may issue a warning or a citation.  It is your right to contact HPD on each occasion that you believe there is a noise problem.  You might share with the responding officer your video example that you shared with us.

We wish there were something more that we could do.  We always hope that people living on O'ahu will appreciate the problems of so many people in so little space and behave responsibly and with Aloha. That is unfortunately not always the case.  

Thank you again for your email.  We will post your email to our Noise Blog without your name for the benefit of others.

Quieter O'ahu
0 Comments
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