City panel defers noise
curfew for WaikikiA police officer urges the Council
to beef up existing laws insteadStrengthening laws already on the books would be preferable to a bill designed to curb excessive vehicle noise in Waikiki, a Honolulu police officer told a City Council committee yesterday.
"Instead of looking at something like this ... maybe what we should do is put more teeth in the law that we already have that is really effective and is working well for us," Waikiki officer Leland Cadoy told the Public Safety Committee.
But Councilman Charles Djou, who introduced the bill, said that the measure was aimed to help, not hinder police officers. "The intent of this law wasn't supposed to be that it replaces existing, but adds another arrow to your quiver, supplements it."
The bill, which the committee deferred, prohibits vehicle noise on Waikiki streets over certain decibel levels between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Emergency vehicles, authorized maintenance vehicles, backup alarm devices and authorized warning devices are exempt.
Police would be able to ticket violators, who could be fined $100 for the first offense and up to $1,000 for the third offense.
Cadoy suggested ways to beef up the current laws, including making fines stiffer and giving police the power to confiscate a motorcycle that has repeatedly violated the noise standards.
"Most people would not become a repeat offender if they were going to lose a $2,000 to $3,000 bike because of a modified muffler," Cadoy said.
Djou said that noise pollution is the No. 1 complaint he receives. Waikiki residents also told the committee that something needs to be done because the combination of different sources of noise in Waikiki is more than residents and tourists can handle.
"Sometimes it's maddening," said resident Louis Xigogianis.
Other residents also suggested that civilians cooperating with police either be deputized or given the power to enforce noise levels.
City & County of Honolulu
