Amplified Music & Events: East Honolulu vs Kapolei
How do amplified music & events rules compare between East Honolulu, HI and Kapolei, HI?
East Honolulu has fewer restrictions than Kapolei.
East Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Hawaii's state bass-noise statute (HRS 342F-31.5) deems nighttime bass sound over 60 dBC (50 dBC near residential or mixed-use areas) to exceed the maximum permissible nighttime level. Locally, the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu make it unlawful to operate a sound-reproducing device on public property or a vehicle so that it is audible 30 feet away.
View full East Honolulu rules →Kapolei, HI
Honolulu County
Outdoor amplified music and PA systems in Kapolei commercial developments adjacent to residential districts are restricted by ROH §21-4.80, while §41-6.1 bars amplified public-property sound audible beyond 30 feet.
View full Kapolei rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | East Honolulu | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | HRS 342F-31.5; ROH 41-6.1 | - |
| Nighttime bass limit | 60 dBC (50 dBC near residential) | - |
| Public device rule | Not audible 30 ft away (ROH 41-6.1) | - |
| Nighttime | 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
East Honolulu FAQ
Is there a bass / loud music limit at night?
Yes. HRS 342F-31.5 deems nighttime bass sound over 60 dBC (or 50 dBC near residential or mixed-use areas), measured at the complainant's site, to exceed the maximum permissible nighttime level between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Can I play a speaker in a park or on the street?
Not if it is too loud. Revised Ordinances of Honolulu 41-6.1 makes it unlawful to operate a radio or other sound-reproducing device on public property or a vehicle on a public street when the sound is audible 30 feet away.
Kapolei FAQ
Can festivals run past 10 p.m. at Kapolei parks?
Only if DPR or the facility operator grants an extended-hours event permit that specifies amplified-sound conditions.
Are shopping center DJ events regulated?
Yes. ROH §21-4.80 restricts outdoor PA use when the center abuts residential, apartment, or resort districts.
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