STAND. COM. REP. NO. 335

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 376

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred S.B. No. 376 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO NOISE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to prohibit the use, sale, alteration, or installation of loud motor vehicle mufflers.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that aftermarket mufflers can be excessively loud and are a major source of noise pollution which negatively affects the quality of life of residents. Most, if not all, vehicles come stock from the manufacturer with mufflers that emit noise at levels that are reasonable. Therefore, if an owner of a motor vehicle needs to replace their muffler there are options available that would not contribute to excessive noise pollution and disrupt the quality of life for other residents. This measure will prohibit the sale, installation, or modification of mufflers that emit more than ninety-five decibels of sound.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 376 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,

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CHRIS LEE, Chair