Noise – Forms and Links
APPLICATION FORMS FOR PERMITS & VARIANCES:
Noise Permit Application – Permit to exceed the maximum permissible sound levels for construction, stationary noise sources, agricultural &
industrial activities.
SUBMIT 2 – 4 WEEKS PRIOR TO START DATE
Noise Permit Application Guide for Construction – Guide to completing and submitting a noise permit application for construction activities.
Noise Permit Application Guide for Stationary Noise – Guide to completing and submitting a noise permit application for stationary noise sources.
Noise Variance Application – Variance to exceed the maximum permissible sound levels for construction activities outside of normal permitted hours.
SUBMIT AT LEAST 3 – 4 MONTHS PRIOR TO START DATE
Noise Variance Application Guide – Guide to completing and submitting a noise variance application for construction activities.
Noise Notification Form – Notification of Intent to Construct for a dwelling or project with a total cost of less than $250,000 based on the value of the project listed on the building permit.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What types of noise are regulated by Hawaii’s Department of Health (DOH) Noise Section?
Our section regulates noise resulting from construction, industrial, and agricultural activities and mechanical noise from stationary noise sources (pumps, air conditioners, generators, compressors, ventilation/ exhaust systems). Noises resulting directly from people such as loud parties next-door, verbal disputes, and nuisance noises from local animals, are not within our jurisdiction.
Consult the island-specific “Noise Reference Manuals“ below, under NOISE REFERENCE MANUAL BY ISLAND, for additional guidance regarding noise types not regulated by our section.
How much does a Noise Permit or Noise Variance cost?
Click HERE to find out!
I have a construction project–do I need a Noise Permit? When do I need a Noise Variance?
Click HERE to check if you need a Noise Permit, and HERE to check if you need a Noise Variance. You might need both.
I have a noise complaint about animal nuisance noise (dogs barking, roosters crowing), do I report to DOH Noise?
Animal nuisance noise on Oahu is covered by the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH), Chapter 12 “Animal Nuisances.”
Please contact the Honolulu Police Department.
What about radio noise or other sound reproducing sources (tape recorders & cassette players)?
Sound reproducing device usage is considered unlawful on public property as covered by the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH), Title 9, Chapter 41, Article 6 – Noise Control (Sect. 41-6.1 to 41-6.5). Please contact the Honolulu Police Department regarding sound reproducing device usage on public property.
Click HERE to obtain a permit for using such devices on public property.
Noises from sources located on private property are subjected to different criteria as to what qualifies a citation. Please contact the Honolulu Police Department regarding sound reproducing device usage on private property.
What about noises near hospitals or the use of sound amplifying devices in public buildings?
It is unlawful to make loud noises near hospitals per the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH), Title 9, Chapter 41, Article 7 – Noises In Vicinity of Hospitals (Sect. 41-7.1 to 41-7.2). Please contact the Honolulu Police Department.
No person shall use any sound amplifying device in a public building at any time without the prior written approval of the department head or the department head’s authorized subordinate who exercises jurisdiction over the specific public building in which the sound amplifying device is to be used, per the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH), Title 9, Chapter 41, Article 9 – Use of Sound Amplifying Device in Public Buildings (Sect. 41-9.1 to 41-9.4). Please contact the Honolulu Police Department.
When is noise considered in violation of State regulations for Community Noise Control?
Depends on the sound level of the noise, what time the noise was made, and in what Zone Class the noise was made.
Click HERE to learn more about Zone Classes & Hawaii’s Maximum Permissible Sound Levels daytime and nighttime.
RULES & REGULATIONS FOR NOISE:
Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 342F, Noise Pollution
Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 342F, 30.8, Weed Whackers; Leaf Blowers; Noise Regulations; Additional Restrictions
Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 11, Chapter 46, “Community Noise Control”
NOISE REFERENCE MANUAL BY ISLAND:
Noise Reference Manual – Big Island
Noise Reference Manual – Kauai
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS:
How do we hear? Click for a general overview of how sound waves in the air reach our brains to be “heard.”
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