Police Crack Down on Boom Boxes 04-06-01

HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE POLICE CHIEF
PHONE: 961-2244
APRIL 6, 2001

MEDIA RELEASE

In response to numerous public complaints, the Hawaii County Police Department last month cited 57 motor motorists for playing their boom boxes excessively loud.

Thirty-eight of the boom box citations were issued in the Kona Patrol Division, and 14 were issued in the South Hilo Patrol Division.

Also during the period of March 5-April 2, police issued nine citations for excessively loud mufflers.

Police last month announced a crackdown on excessively loud noise from boom boxes and exhaust systems on motor vehicles and motorcycles.

Police Chief James Correa said he hopes motorists who are cited for excessively loud noise are getting the message.

“Although these violations may seem minor to some people, they are a major nuisance to many of our residents,” Correa said. “Motorists should be considerate of others by knowing that excessively loud noise from devices greatly annoy the general public.”

Section 14-18 of the Hawaii County Code defines a boom box violation as noise from a radio, tape recorder, cassette player or other machine or device for reproducing sound that can be heard from a distance of 50 or more feet and is located:

  • On public property, including a public street or highway.
  • In a motor vehicle located on a public street or highway or in a public place.

Violators are subject to a fine of up to $100 for first offense, up to $500 for second offense within six months of the first offense and up to $1,000 for third or higher offense within one year of the first offense. If the third offense occurs within one year of the first, the sound system or its components are subject to forfeiture.

In addition, Section 291-24 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes makes it illegal to “modify the exhaust system of a motorcycle or moped in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the motor.”

Section 291-24.5 also makes it illegal to “use on a public highway, sell, alter or install a muffler which will noticeably increase the noise emitted by a motor vehicle above that emitted by the vehicle as equipped from the factory.”

Violators of the motorcycle law are subject to a fine of up to $100; those who violate the motor vehicle law are subject to a fine of up to $250.

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