Report Title:

Noise; Decibel Weighting

 

Description:

Requires department of health to change its decibel weighting system from the dBA system to the dBC system for purpose of community noise control.

 


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

61

TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT


 

 

relating to noise.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the method of measuring noise used by the department of health is the dBA weighting system.  The dBA system measures sound in decibels (dB) using the "A weighted" measurement, dBA, such that sound levels measured in dBA correspond to what the human ear hears.  An alternative dBC weighting system also measures sound levels but includes measurement of the lower frequencies that cause physical objects such as windows and walls to vibrate.  Because these lower frequency sound waves are not perceived by the human ear as measured by the dBA weighting system, even though they are physically felt through strong vibrations, the sound levels generated do not currently constitute a violation of the community noise control law.

     The purpose of this Act is to require the department of health to substitute the dBC weighting system for the current dBA weighting system for purpose of community noise control.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 342F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§342F‑    Noise measurement; rules.  The department shall adopt rules in accordance with chapter 91 to exclusively employ a dBC sound level measurement system for purposes of community noise control."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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