East Honolulu, HI Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Animal noise in East Honolulu is governed by the City and County of Honolulu's animal nuisance ordinance, Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH) Chapter 12, Article 2 (Animal Nuisances). The definition of 'animal nuisance' includes any animal that 'makes noise continuously and/or incessantly for ten minutes or intermittently for one-half hour or more and disturbs any person at any time of the day or night,' or that barks, whines, howls, crows, cries, or makes other unreasonable noise. ROH 12-2.3 prohibits an owner or person having control of an animal from allowing it to become an animal nuisance. Noise is considered unreasonable if it interferes with reasonable individual or group activities such as communication, work, rest, recreation, or sleep. Complaints are typically handled by the Honolulu Police Department: a first offense generally results in a written notice of animal nuisance complaint, while repeat violations within two years can lead to a citation and escalating fines.