Hawaii Senate Bill SB128

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/20/23

Caption

Relating To Noise Pollution.

Impact

The introduction of SB128 is expected to increase compliance with state noise regulations, potentially decreasing the prevalence of noise pollution in urban areas. It mandates the establishment of a special fund related to the monitoring system, which will facilitate the procurement and maintenance of necessary equipment. The law will come into effect on July 1, 2023, with an emphasis on annual reports to the legislature detailing the performance of the monitoring systems, including the number of violations detected and fines issued.

Summary

SB128 aims to implement a Photo Noise Violation Monitoring System in the State of Hawaii to manage and enforce noise regulations related to motor vehicles. This bill establishes a program intended to monitor and penalize excessive noise produced by vehicles operating on state and county highways. The proposed system will utilize mobile or fixed sensors combined with decibel readers to capture violations photographically, thereby holding the registered vehicle owners liable for any infractions against prescribed noise limits.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding SB128 involve concerns over privacy and the potential for overreach. Critics may argue that automated enforcement mechanisms could lead to inappropriate fines and issues regarding the accuracy of the photo monitoring systems. Additionally, the effectiveness of the proposed legislative measures in genuinely reducing noise pollution will be under scrutiny. There may also be debate about the balance between state enforcement and local governance, especially if counties adopt stricter measures than those outlined in state regulations.