Outdoor concerts, luaus, and live music must keep sound within the HAR 11-46 property-line limits (45 dBA at night in residential zones). Commercial or amplified events that exceed the limit need a DOH community-noise permit or variance in advance.
Outdoor music falls under the statewide DOH Community Noise Control rules (HAR 11-46); there is no separate city ordinance since the County of Hawaii is the sole local government. Live music, luaus, and outdoor sound systems are stationary noise sources measured at the receiving property line and must stay within the Class A/B/C limits (residential 55 dBA day, 45 dBA night; resort/business 60/50 dBA). Resort and hotel venues on the Kona and Kohala coasts commonly operate under permits or in Class B zones with higher limits. Any event expected to exceed the applicable limit must obtain a DOH permit or variance before the event.
Unpermitted outdoor music over the dBA limit violates HAR 11-46; DOH may fine up to $10,000 per offense, each day a separate offense.
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