Kauai County, HI Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

Kaua'i County's Noise Control article, adopted by Ordinance No. 577 in September 1990, does not set a decibel meter test; instead Kaua'i County Code § 22-14.1(a) bans playing, using or operating a radio, tape recorder, cassette player or other sound-reproducing device on any public property, including a public street, highway, building, sidewalk, park or thoroughfare, or in a motor vehicle on a public street, highway or public space, if the sound is audible at a distance of 30 feet from the device. Subsection (b) makes simple possession of one of those devices in a covered location prima facie evidence that the person is operating it, shifting the practical burden onto whoever is holding the boombox or is in the car.

Police officers issue citations rather than arrest for a first violation under § 22-14.2, reserving arrest for someone who refuses to identify themselves or refuses to stop after being cited. The Chief of Police can grant a temporary written exemption under § 22-14.4 to commercial, religious, political, civic, charitable or athletic groups for events like carnivals, parades, fairs or public speeches; the application costs $5, must be filed at least five days before the event, and the Chief must grant or deny it within three days, with conditions like sound-level limits or mandatory breaks attached to any approval. Government activities of the County, State or United States are exempt outright under § 22-14.5.