Let's Lower the Volume on Noise in our Neighborhood
Aloha!
As a candidate to represent one of the most densely populated and lively districts in our state, I know noise issues are important to address.
Strides have been made recently to help reduce noise pollution from sirens and loud vehicles, but I trust most of us still share in frustrations as it relates to excessive sound.
This week I am happy to share with you the current laws as it relates to noise and recent efforts to tackle this bothersome problem.
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Mahalo,
Jillian Anderson
What Are The Current Laws As It Comes To Noise?
Currently, loud/modified mufflers are subject to a $72 fine.
Excessive noise audible from 30 feet away on the road can lead to a $100 fine.
The City and County of Honolulu's definition of "excessive noise" is "noise in excess of the usual noise that would necessarily result from the operation of a motor when reduced to the minimum by a muffler."
Despite these laws, very few citations are given out in our district each month for loud mufflers.
The main challenge faced by HPD to enforce excessive noise is that an officer must observe the violation in person and not by a witness. In other words, violations must be "on view." In addition, HPD has shared that some motorcycles are equipped from the factory with loud mufflers (i.e. Harley-Davidson) making it difficult for officers to identify a stock muffler from an after-market add on.
I support the proposal to include decibel checks as part of safety inspections. Currently, only mopeds are subject to decibel limits during their safety inspection (100dBs at half throttle). Motorcycles and vehicles are not checked for excessive noise. Despite the idea having been put before the Legislature in the past, it has not gained enough traction to become law.
When it comes to other loud noise, it is unlawful for any person to play, use, or operate any device that reproduces sound on any public property or from any vehicle on a public street if the sound generated is audible from 30 feet away.
This "boom box" law does not apply to amplifying one's voice or a sound as it falls under the Freedom of Speech and Expressive Activity of the First Amendment.
I am proudly endorsed by our State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO) and am eager to work with our officers to provide them with greater authority to enforce laws that reduce excessive noise in our community.
Recent Efforts to Curb Noise
Last year, the Legislature passed SB346 (Act 16) that allows emergency vehicles to not use their siren when they do not find it necessary.
Where I live in Waikiki, I have heard a noticeable difference since this bill went into effect and hope that you have too.
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While EMS has responded positively to this loosened law, in appearances at the Waikiki Neighborhood Board our Honolulu Fire Department has stated they continue to use their sirens when responding to calls, especially at nights when there is less visibility. Moving forward, it will be important to even further evaluate the needs of our first responders with noise pollution in our neighborhood.
In 2023, Act 63 (SB588) was signed, giving $2.5 million to our State Department of Transportation to create a pilot program to use noise detection traffic cameras to address excessive traffic noise. The Department of Transportation has until the end of 2025 to implement this program.
In practice, these noise detection cameras will use microphones and cameras to monitor and record vehicles that exceed noise limits. When a vehicle emits a noise above a certain threshold, the camera will take a picture of the license plate, allowing law enforcement to send a warning or fine to the vehicle's owner.
Why Are Refuse Companies Permitted
to do Trash Pickups in the Middle of the Night?
For some Waikiki residents, an unwelcome wakeup call comes far too early as private refuse companies are permitted to begin their activities in Waikiki whenever they please -- in some locations as early as 3AM.
This problem has been in front of the Honolulu City Council for years, with the specific proposal to limit trash pickup before 6AM as is the industry standard across the country as well as in other neighborhoods in our state.
The stance of private refuse companies, as well as City Councilmembers, is that waiting until 6AM to start work in our district will result in negative impacts to traffic and the operations of the refuse companies to service other communities, therefore resulting in the failure of legislation to regulate pickup times as of yet.