10 rules for unincorporated Hawaii County, Hawaii.
Verified from official government sources
Hawaii County has no separate city curfew because the county is the only local government. Statewide DOH rules (HAR 11-46) drop the nighttime noise limit to 45 dBA in residential (Class A) areas from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
HAR 11-46-4
Class A: 55 dBA daytime (7 a.m.-10 p.m.), 45 dBA nighttime (10 p.m.-7 a.m.). Noise levels shall not exceed the maximum permissible sound levels for more than ten per cent of the time within any twenty minute period.
Under the state DOH Community Noise Permit program, construction on the Big Island is generally limited to 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. weekdays and 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Saturdays, with no work Sundays/holidays and noise capped at 78 dBA at the property line without a permit.
Persistent barking, howling, or crowing that disturbs neighbors is treated as a public nuisance under Hawaii County animal-control rules and the statewide noise program; the county contracts animal-control enforcement and officers respond to habitual-barking complaints.
State law (HRS 342F-30.8) makes it unlawful to run a leaf blower or similar powered equipment outside 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday, or outside 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. on Sundays and holidays, when within or within 100 feet of a residential zone.
HRS 342F-30.8
Unlawful when the activity occurs outside the hours of 8:00 am - 7:00 pm, Monday through Saturday, or outside the hours of 9:00 am - 7:00 pm on Sunday and/or a State/Federal Holiday, AND within a residentially zoned area OR within 100 feet (30.48 meters) of a residentially zoned area.
Amplified music, PA systems, and loudspeakers must stay within the HAR 11-46 dBA limits at your property line (55 dBA day / 45 dBA night in residential zones). Exceeding them requires a DOH noise permit or variance.
Aircraft noise is preempted by federal law (FAA), so neither Hawaii County nor the state DOH sets aircraft noise limits. Complaints about tour helicopters and planes are handled by the FAA and the State DOT Airports Division, not the county.
Industrial and agricultural equipment, generators, compressors, and AC units are stationary noise sources under HAR 11-46. On agricultural or industrial (Class C) land the limit is 70 dBA day and night; near homes the lower Class A limits apply at the property line.
HAR 11-46-4
The maximum permissible sound levels ... apply to stationary noise sources; and equipment related to agricultural, construction, and industrial activities. Class C - 70 dBA daytime and nighttime.
The state DOH sets maximum sound levels by zoning class: Class A (residential) 55 dBA day / 45 dBA night; Class B (apartment, business, resort) 60 / 50 dBA; Class C (agriculture, industrial) 70 dBA at all times, measured at the property line.
HAR 11-46-4
Class A - 55 dBA daytime, 45 dBA nighttime; Class B - 60 dBA daytime, 50 dBA nighttime; Class C - 70 dBA daytime and nighttime. The maximum permissible sound level for impulsive noise shall be ten dBA above the maximum permissible sound levels specified in Table 1.
Outdoor concerts, luaus, and live music must keep sound within the HAR 11-46 property-line limits (45 dBA at night in residential zones). Commercial or amplified events that exceed the limit need a DOH community-noise permit or variance in advance.
Statewide law (HRS 291-24.5) bans using or installing a muffler that noticeably increases a vehicle's noise above the factory level. Hawaii has begun deploying acoustic noise cameras, and police enforce loud-exhaust violations island-wide.
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