STAND. COM. REP. NO.  53

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

 

RE:   H.B. No. 1447

 

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.B. No. 1447 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO NOISE,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this bill is to reduce excessive noise produced by loud motor vehicles and mopeds by:

 

     (1)  Establishing motor vehicle and moped noise restrictions, including for areas near any structure used for lodging;

 

     (2)  Providing for increases in fines for a second, third, or subsequent violation of the noise restrictions; and

 

     (3)  Providing for the seizure and impoundment of a motor vehicle or moped used in violation of the noise restrictions.

 

     An individual testified in support of this bill.  The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) opposed this measure.  The Judiciary and Hawaii Transportation Association submitted comments on this bill.

 

     Overly excessive noise emitted from motor vehicles and mopeds is a nuisance and affects the quality of life for many residents, especially those living in densely populated areas such as Salt Lake, Waikiki, and Ala Moana on the island of Oahu.  This is especially pronounced in the late evening and early morning hours.

 

     Although your Committee understands the concerns raised by HPD that it lacks the equipment to enforce the specific decibel levels established in this measure, and that current ordinances and statutes appear to address this problem, the continuing number of complaints received regarding motor vehicle and moped noise necessitates further action and this measure deserves further consideration.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1447 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

 

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

JOSEPH M. SOUKI, Chair