Hawaii County, HI Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing rule
- HAR 11-46 (state DOH)
- Class C limit
- 70 dBA day and night
- At residential boundary
- 55 day / 45 night (Class A)
- Covers
- Generators, compressors, AC, pumps
- Exceedance
- Requires DOH permit/variance
Summary
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.
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.
Full Breakdown
Stationary industrial noise is regulated statewide by the DOH under HAR 11-46 / HRS 342F, applied island-wide by the County of Hawaii. Class C land (agriculture, country, industrial) allows up to 70 dBA around the clock, but the limit that matters is the one at the receiving property line: if industrial noise crosses into an adjacent residential (Class A) parcel, it must meet the 55 dBA day / 45 dBA night limit there. Stationary sources include mechanical air-conditioning units, exhaust systems, generators, compressors, and pumps. Operations that need to exceed the limits require a DOH permit or variance. Agricultural and construction equipment is expressly covered by the maximum-sound-level rule.
Violations & Fines
Industrial noise over the applicable limit without a permit is a HAR 11-46 violation, with DOH fines up to $10,000 per offense and each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
My neighbor's generator is loud - what applies?
Is farm equipment exempt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hawaii County
Compare Hawaii County to another location·View the Hawaii noise ordinances overview
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