The state DOH sets maximum sound levels by zoning class: Class A (residential) 55 dBA day / 45 dBA night; Class B (apartment, business, resort) 60 / 50 dBA; Class C (agriculture, industrial) 70 dBA at all times, measured at the property line.
Hawaii County follows the statewide Community Noise Control decibel table (HAR 11-46-4 Table 1), because the county is the only local government and noise is a state DOH program under HRS 342F. Class A covers residential, conservation, preservation, and open space (55 dBA daytime 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; 45 dBA nighttime). Class B covers multi-family, apartment, business, commercial, hotel, and resort (60 day / 50 night). Class C covers agriculture, country, and industrial (70 dBA around the clock). Levels may not be exceeded more than 10% of any 20-minute period; impulsive noise (e.g., hammering) may be 10 dBA higher. Limits apply at the receiving property line.
Exceeding the table without a DOH permit or variance is a HAR 11-46 violation, with fines up to $10,000 per offense and each day a separate offense.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Hawaii County, HI
Hawai'i County has no separate hoarding ordinance; the matter is handled under state cruelty law. Depriving pet animals of necessary sustenance is cruelty in...
Hawaii County, HI
Ordinance No. 25-63 (Bill 51, 2025) makes it illegal to feed feral animals, including cats, chickens, pigs and goats, on County of Hawai'i property, to prote...
Hawaii County, HI
Home composting is allowed and encouraged in Hawai'i County. The county runs green-waste diversion at its transfer stations and recycling programs, but there...
Hawaii County, HI
The County of Hawai'i has no ordinance banning or specifically regulating artificial turf on residential yards. Installation must still meet zoning setbacks,...
Hawaii County, HI
There is no county rule requiring native landscaping, but the Big Island is ground-zero for invasive-species control. Planting or spreading state-listed noxi...
Hawaii County, HI
Rainwater catchment is legal and common on the Big Island — many Puna and off-grid homes rely on it. The County Department of Water Supply does not recognize...
See how Hawaii County's decibel limits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.