Noise Section
NOISE FORMS, FAQs, & ADDITIONAL LINKS »CLICK HERE«
Regulated Community Guidance for COVID-19 from Indoor & Radiological Health Branch’s (IRHB): https://health.hawaii.gov/irhb/covid-19/
The Hawaii Department of Health’s Noise Section is guided by the following program objectives and strategies:
Objective 1:
Achieve a tranquil, healthful environment.
Strategies
a. Respond to all regulated excessive noise complaints and seek resolution to noise problems. Regulated excessive noise sources include construction activities, industrial activities, agricultural activities, and stationary mechanical equipment.
b. Provide technical assistance to government agencies (e.g., County Liquor Commission, Department of Accounting and General Services, etc.) and develop partnership with other regulatory agencies involved in noise control.
c. Develop partnership with non-regulatory agencies. Work with project proponents to promote consideration of noise emissions prior to developing plans for building structures and business operations.
Objective 2:
Enhance efficiency in the review process of noise permits, variances, land use documents, planned projects, environmental impact statements, etc., to ensure that public health is protected.
Strategies
a. Assure quality communication between contractors and impacted communities.
b. After all information is provided by the applicant, evaluate and grant permits within thirty days, and variances within sixty days.
c. Provide evaluation and comments pertaining to potential noise impacts and mitigation within seven days.
Backhoes used in construction activities can create over 80 decibels of noise.
Objective 3:
Assure that noise emissions from permitted activities, including construction operations (day and night), stationary noise sources, and agricultural and industrial operations comply with specified conditions, standards, and rules.
Strategies
a. Inspect excessive noise sources for compliance with state laws, rules and standards.
b. Monitor permitted activities to ensure compliance with permit conditions; and respond to and resolve a violation of permit condition, rules and standards in a prompt and timely manner.
Objective 4:
Enhance education by ensuring a calm and serene learning environment.
Strategies
a. Conduct special monitoring, when requested, to ensure a quiet and tranquil classroom environment.
b. Monitor and assess noise levels within community environments.
Objective 5:
Implement effective public outreach programs by educating the general public and industry on health effects of noise.
Strategies
a. Conduct outreach programs to inform the general public on noise.
b. Train enforcement personnel on noise measurements, regulatory provisions, and methods and procedures for noise control every two years.
If you have any questions concerning noise, please contact the:
Indoor and Radiological Health Branch
Noise Section
99-945 Halawa Valley Street
Aiea, HI 96701
Phone: (808) 586-4700
Fax: (808) 586-5838
Shawn Haruno, Noise Section Supervisor
Last update: August 1, 2024