Aircraft overflight noise in East Honolulu from tour helicopters over Koko Head is governed by federal FAA rules and HRS Section 261-12, not ROH.
East Honolulu experiences significant tour helicopter traffic arcing around Koko Head Crater, Hanauma Bay, and the Makapuu coastline. Aircraft noise is largely preempted by federal FAA regulation. State authority flows from HRS Section 261-12, which requires noise abatement procedures in tour-aircraft permits and directs the Hawaii Director of Transportation to adopt rules. ROH Chapter 41 Article 6 expressly excludes aircraft in flight, so neither the City nor its Police Department can cite overflight noise. Complaints must be directed to the FAA Honolulu Flight Standards District Office or the Hawaii DOT.
Because enforcement is federal, local violations do not apply. Persistent low-altitude overflights should be reported to the FAA and Hawaii DOT for review under HRS 261-12.
See how other cities in Honolulu County handle aircraft noise.
See how East Honolulu's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
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