SCR 182 Summary

• Requests the Department of Health, in consultation with the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, to conduct a study on cumulative health effects of persistent urban noise in Honolulu.

• Study should examine the extent of urban noise, its effects on quality of life, and possible solutions from other urban environments that may be effective in Honolulu.

• Identifies numerous specific noise sources including buses, fire truck sirens, garbage trucks, car horns, motorcycle engines, bar music, leaf blowers, power washing, and harbor noise.

• Department of Health has jurisdiction over noise pollution under Hawaii Revised Statutes chapter 342F and is responsible for preventing, controlling, and abating noise pollution in the state.

• Department of Health must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by September 1, 2021, with copies transmitted to the Director of Health, University of Hawaiʻi School of Medicine Dean, City officials, and neighborhood board representatives.