East Honolulu, HI Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)
Construction hours in East Honolulu, HI, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- HAR 11-46-7(j)
- Weekday hours
- 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Mon-Fri)
- Saturday hours
- 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Sundays/holidays
- No permitted construction noise
Summary
Under HAR 11-46-7(j), a community noise permit may not authorize construction noise exceeding the limits before 7:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, before 9:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, or at all on Sundays and holidays.
(j) Specific permit restrictions for construction activities. (1) No permit shall allow any construction activities which emit noise in excess of the maximum permissible sound levels for the hours before 7:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m. of the same day, Monday through Friday; (2) No permit shall allow any construction activities which emit noise in excess of the maximum permissible sound levels for the hours before 9:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m. on Saturday; and (3) No permit shall allow any construction activities which emit noise in excess of the maximum permissible sound levels on Sundays and on holidays.
Full Breakdown
Construction noise in East Honolulu is regulated by the state Department of Health under HAR Chapter 11-46. Because construction equipment routinely exceeds the residential 55 dBA daytime limit, contractors generally must obtain a community noise permit, and section 11-46-7(j) sets specific permit restrictions for construction activities: no permit may allow construction noise above the maximum permissible sound levels before 7:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. the same day Monday through Friday; before 9:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. on Saturday; or on Sundays and holidays. Permit fees are $25 per year for single-family-dwelling work and $50 per year for all other construction (11-46-7(i)). Work outside these hours (including off-hour roadwork between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.) requires a noise variance under 11-46-8, which carries a $100-per-year fee plus public-notice costs. Section 11-46-6 also requires that on-site vehicles and construction equipment be operated with a functioning, unmodified muffler.
Violations & Fines
Violating the permit hour restrictions or operating without a required permit/variance is subject to HAR 11-46-16 penalties of up to $10,000 per day, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hours can construction make noise in East Honolulu?
Can a contractor work outside those hours?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in East Honolulu
How East Honolulu compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·Compare East Honolulu to another location·View the Hawaii noise ordinances overview
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