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Hilo, HI
Noise Ordinance Overview

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Official Decibel Limits

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Residential Day
55dB
Residential Night
45dB

"Decibel limits apply to stationary noise sources and equipment related to agricultural, construction, and industrial activities. Noise levels shall not exceed these limits for more than 10% of the time within any 20-minute period without a permit or variance. Class A zones are primarily residential; Class C zones (agriculture, country, industrial) permit higher noise levels."

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AI Executive Summary

Gemini AI

Hilo, HI noise ordinances are primarily governed by Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 11, Chapter 46, "Community Noise Control," which sets maximum permissible sound levels. Residential areas (Class A zones) are limited to 55 dBA during the day (7 AM-10 PM) and 45 dBA at night (10 PM-7 AM) for stationary and construction noise sources. Counties, including Hawaii County, may adopt stricter local rules.

Specific Noise Restrictions

construction

Construction

Construction noise in Class A (residential) zones cannot exceed 55 dBA during daytime (7 AM-10 PM) and 45 dBA during nighttime (10 PM-7 AM). Permits are required for construction noise. No permit allows construction activities exceeding maximum permissible sound levels on Sundays and holidays. 'Off-hour roadwork' (6 PM-7 AM) requires a variance.

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Amplified Sound

Not explicitly detailed as a separate category beyond general noise limits, but liquor establishments have stricter sound limits between 10 PM and 7 AM.

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Animals

While no specific decibel limits for animals like roosters are provided, general noise limits under Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 11, Chapter 46 would apply if deemed an excessive noise source. Animal control handles lost, found, and emergency animal situations.

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Vehicles

Leaf blowers are unlawful in residential zones or within 100 feet of a residential zone, except between 8 AM-6 PM Monday-Saturday, and 9 AM-6 PM on Sunday and State & Federal holidays. Airport noise is subject to Federal Aviation Administration regulations and a Noise Compatibility Program for Hilo International Airport.

Noise Protection Score

BGood

How well does Hilo protect residents from noise?

Decibel Limits25/25

55 dB day / 45 dB night

Quiet Hours20/25

Extensive coverage

Penalties13/25

Standard fines

Coverage25/25

4 noise categories regulated

compare_arrowsCompare Another CityScore: 83/100 — Based on dB limits, quiet hours, penalties, and ordinance breadth

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the quiet hours in Hilo, HI?

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Hilo's quiet hours: 10 PM - 7 AM. During these hours, noise must stay below residential nighttime decibel limits at the property line. Violations can result in fines on the first offense.

What are the noise decibel limits in Hilo?

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Hilo's residential noise limits: 55 dBA dB(A) during the day and 45 dBA dB(A) at night. Commercial zones allow Not specified. Limits are measured at the receiving property line.

How do I file a noise complaint in Hilo?

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Call the Hilo police non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at (808) 961-8321 (Department of Public Works for building code related issues); (808) 586-4700 (State Department of Health, Noise Section, for industrial noise complaints). Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.

What is the fine for a noise violation in Hilo?

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Hilo's noise violation penalties: Operating an excessive noise source without a permit or variance is prohibited under Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 11, Chapter 46. For building code violations, if violations remain after a Notice of Violation, a Notice of Order is issued with daily fines until resolved. Specific fine amounts for general noise violations are not specified in the provided information.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.

What are the dog barking rules in Hilo?

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Hilo's rules: While no specific decibel limits for animals like roosters are provided, general noise limits under Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 11, Chapter 46 would apply if deemed an excessive noise source. Animal control handles lost, found, and emergency animal situations.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at (808) 327-3558 (Non-emergency/Lost/Found Pets); (808) 935-3311 (Animal Emergencies to Police Dispatch) or the police non-emergency line.

When can construction work start in Hilo?

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Hilo's construction noise rules: Construction noise in Class A (residential) zones cannot exceed 55 dBA during daytime (7 AM-10 PM) and 45 dBA during nighttime (10 PM-7 AM). Permits are required for construction noise. No permit allows construction activities exceeding maximum permissible sound levels on Sundays and holidays. 'Off-hour roadwork' (6 PM-7 AM) requires a variance.. Violations can be reported to code enforcement, which can issue stop-work orders for unpermitted or off-hours construction.

Are there rules about loud music in Hilo?

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Yes. Hilo's ordinance: Not explicitly detailed as a separate category beyond general noise limits, but liquor establishments have stricter sound limits between 10 PM and 7 AM.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.

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