Hawaii County Noise Ordinance?

[Punalawaia]

Curious to hear from anyone knowing of any noise ordinances in regards to loud ass generators running al night usually from 7pm-7am.
I live in Fern Acres for over 15 years and about a year ago had new neighbors move in next door. Since then this small section of neighborhood has been inundated with noise from either loud arguing, dogs running wild through peoples yards cars peeling out and now more recently a very loud generator running throughout the night.

I and other neighbors have brought it to their attention that the noise they produce is problematic and has diminished the quality of life for everyone within hearing distance.
Everytime getting the same response that "we're doing what we can".

This morning after another restless night listening to their generator I went over to nicely ask again about the generator and let them know that its super loud just running during the day but at night is ridiculous and basically was told that "thats what weare doing and not about to stop regardless of the issues its causing with the neighbors".

So now Im stuck with what to do...Bringing it to their attention has seemed to do nothing but ignite resentment toward myself and anyone else who is bothered by them. I hate calling the police especially on next door neighbors but I dont know what else to do as they dont seem to have any respect for anyone else close by.

Im at the end of my rope with these people and wondering if calling the police will even help or just cause more hassle with them.
I apologize for the long rant but as I said Im just stressed out about it and tired. Just curious to know if there is any specific enforceable law about loud noises all night???

[kalakoa]

Fern Acres is zoned "agricultural", which allows 70db at all times 24x7, unless preempted by a more restrictive CC&R.

Good luck with the police.

[davidr]

I am happy to be in an area that's zoned agricultural...lower taxes and an animal/plant friendly district. But, since this isn't like most mainland agricultural areas that have big distances between farmhouses, I wonder if Puna residents would be interested in some sort of hybrid agricultural area that would allow farm animals and machinery with restrictions. For example, farm animals and engines that have to meet noise limits. Since most people don't cause noise pollution, I would think this would be supported.

[kalakoa]

County already has "ag lite" zoning: RA and FA -- just rezone the subdivisions.

[missydog1]

Instead of calling the regular police, call Community Policing as one thing they are for is helping with problems between neighbors. I don't know anything about the Puna Division, but there should be one, as Mitch Roth worked on this and it was important to him.

Is there any chance they are growers? Have you found out why they need the generator? Do they have electric service?

Sounds horrible, best of luck.

[Bullwinkle]

Had the same issue at my other place "up canyon" on the mainland where we have much smaller lots

I bought a new honda 2000 - nice and quiet - and offered it to my neighbor for half price - with the promise they would only run quiet generators from then on .... one needs to remember its most likely noisy for them as well

problem solved

[Rene Siracusa]

Although the decibel limit on Ag land is 70, they might be exceeding it. Call the State Dept of Health, which is the regulatory agency.

A good point was raised, above, that they might be growers - this would account for the all day and night generator noise and also their unneighborly uncooperative behavior. Community policing in Puna: jpacheco@co.hawaii.hi.us and ask him to refer you to the CPO in your area. There is now a Puna Watch group again, where all the Neighborhood Watch groups get together and share. The CPOs attend. The next meeting is on Thursday, June 5 at 6 pm at the Keaau Community Center. I suggest you attend and ask to speak.

[bluesboy]

if you're gonna grow - grow responsibly !

[Punalawaia]

Been an exciting morning in Fern Acres thats for sure. Since my post earlier this morning I had a disgruntled neighbor come and physically threaten me because evidently in their eyes it was my bad for asking them to limit their generator use to "reasonable hrs".

Called police to report the threats and found out that in Hawaii County there is NO law or ordinance at all when it comes to generators, no matter how loud or at what time day or night they are ran. Does not matter the zoning if the generator is being used for "household purposes" (although I highly doubt that would fly if they lived somewhere else like Waikoloa or Puako?). I guess even if the purpose of it running is for lights to see to reload/light their meth pipe or to run their grow lights (or whatever it is they may or may not be doing all night).

It would be awesome if I had a grand or so extra laying around to buy my disrespectful neighbor a quieter generator but unfortunatly that is not the case.

Thank you for the info on community policing I will check into that.

Im just at a loss at what I should/can do...at this point looks like my only option is just deal with wearing earplugs to bed, live with it or just move from my land that Ive lived on over 15 years.

Awesome options!!

[Carey]

Unfortunately the neighbor probably would not want to cooperate with you right now, but maybe another neighbor can offer to assist them with a generator enclosure...

This enclosure is basically a sound proofing box for the generator...not too expensive to construct (have seen a few around the area, all the way from very rudimentary ones made from roof tin that limit noise to a small degree, all the way to double wall with thick insulation...)

At this point, if no neighbor wants to step in, it may be up to you to construct a noise reducing fence/wall near to the point of the noise generation (hopefully they at least have the generator low, & not raised up on their property... that would be a PIA to try to moderate!)

And look at noise reduction methods in your house on the side facing your noisy neighbors...