THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	187
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

requesting the department of health to examine issues and barriers to enforcement to reduce noise from two-stroke engines, mopeds, and small off-road engines and make recommendations to the legislature to help reduce noise pollution from these sources.

WHEREAS, noise pollution is a serious, prevalent, and increasing problem affecting peace, tranquility, and quality of life in the State, particularly in urban areas, but also in suburban and rural areas; and

WHEREAS, Hawaii residents should not be exposed to noise pollution that is hazardous to their health or welfare as excessively loud and unabated noises can result in physiological, psychological, and economic damage; and

WHEREAS, efforts to protect this right have been codified under chapter 342F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and in chapter 11-46, Hawaii Administrative Rules; and

WHEREAS, in addition, section 46-17, Hawaii Revised Statutes, authorizes any county to adopt ordinances regulating noise, among other things; and

WHEREAS, existing regulatory measures lack effective enforcement and do not adequately address noise pollution; and

WHEREAS, loud two-stroke engines, such as internal combustion engine mopeds, are significant contributors that have raised ongoing concerns in communities throughout the State; and

WHEREAS, mopeds and other motor vehicles with after-market modifications to engine or exhaust systems are often many times louder than what is allowable; and

WHEREAS, small off-road engines, which are used primarily in lawn and garden equipment, can also emit excessive noise; and

WHEREAS, excessively loud vehicles and small off-road engines such as leaf blowers and other lawn and garden equipment are difficult to regulate because of the mobile and dispersed nature of this type of equipment; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-first Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2022, that the Department of Health is requested to examine issues and barriers to enforcement of restrictions to reduce noise pollution, including the possibility of funding commercial rebates or similar incentive funding to support the transition to quieter operations by zero-emissions mopeds and small off-road equipment; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Health is requested to prepare and submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than thirty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2023; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Health.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Noise Pollution; Engines; Mopeds