Amplified Music & Events: East Honolulu vs Waipahu
How do amplified music & events rules compare between East Honolulu, HI and Waipahu, HI?
East Honolulu and Waipahu have similar restriction levels.
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 →Waipahu, HI
Honolulu County
ROH Section 21-4.80 restricts outdoor amplified music at Waipahu commercial sites that abut the CDP's dense surrounding residential zoning.
View full Waipahu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | East Honolulu | Waipahu |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Section 21-4.80 |
| Adjacent Districts | - | Residential and apartment |
| Park Events | - | ROH Section 41-6.1 |
| Enforcement | - | DPP and HPD |
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.
Waipahu FAQ
Can Waipahu Town Center host outdoor events?
Yes, but amplified systems must comply with LUO Section 21-4.80 because the center adjoins residential zoning. Operators typically cap volume and end times for Waipahu neighbors.
What about cultural festivals at Hans L'Orange Park?
Permitted public events may get noise variances, but baseline ROH 41-6.1 audibility standards still apply unless the permit expressly authorizes higher levels.
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