Amplified Music & Events: East Honolulu vs Urban Honolulu
How do amplified music & events rules compare between East Honolulu, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI?
East Honolulu has fewer restrictions than Urban Honolulu.
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 →Urban Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Urban Honolulu tightly limits outdoor PA and amplified music where Waikiki resort zoning, Kakaako mixed-use, and Ala Moana commercial districts meet housing.
View full Urban Honolulu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | East Honolulu | Urban Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | - |
| LUO Section | - | ROH §21-4.80 |
| Companion | - | ROH §41-6.1 |
| Key Area | - | Waikiki resort |
| Urban Mix | - | Kakaako, Ala Moana |
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.
Urban Honolulu FAQ
Can Waikiki hotels host outdoor concerts?
Only under design and operating standards compatible with ROH §21-4.80 when adjacent apartment or resort districts would be affected. Permits and conditions usually apply.
Does the LUO rule apply to the zoo or stadiums?
Public facilities often operate under special district rules; ROH §21-4.80 targets private commercial and industrial development adjacent to sensitive districts.
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See how East Honolulu and Urban Honolulu compare on other ordinance categories.
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