Memorials, Academic Achievement - Anthony Tran, Valedictorian, Arlington High School -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Rose

SR 165 asks Hawaii DOH to adopt rules setting a maximum decibel level for concerts at private venues in residential areas, reducing neighborhood noise for residents.

Signed by Senate Speaker

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Purpose

SR 165 is a Senate resolution from the 2025 Regular Session of the Hawaii Legislature that addresses noise pollution from concerts and events at private venues located in primarily residential areas. Its intent is to prompt state action to reduce community noise impacts by asking the Department of Health (DOH) to establish regulatory limits on noise from such events.

Key provisions and changes

As introduced in the SD1 version, the resolution requested that DOH convene a Community Noise Working Group to:

Discuss policies and legislation related to community noise sources.
Include specified members (DOH Director as chair; one senator and one representative; a Honolulu City Council member; representatives from the Attorney General, Department of Law Enforcement, Honolulu Police Department, Office of the Public Defender, City & County of Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney; a noise measurement expert; and other invitees).
Submit findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the convening of the 2027 Regular Session.

The enrolled/final version moves from formation of a working group to a direct request: the DOH is asked to adopt rules establishing a maximum decibel level for concerts or events at private venues generating noise in primarily residential areas.

The resolution transmits a certified copy to the DOH Director (and, in SD1, to multiple state and local law-enforcement and legislative officers).

Who would be affected

Department of Health — asked to begin rulemaking or convene the working group (depending on version).

Private venue owners and event promoters conducting concerts/events in residential areas — potential new decibel limits and compliance obligations.

Residents of primarily residential neighborhoods — potentially reduced noise exposure and related health impacts.

Local and state law enforcement, prosecutors, and public defenders — potentially involved in enforcement or adjudication of any new rules.

Honolulu City & County government — local impacts on enforcement and permitting practices.

Timeline & legislative status

Introduced: February 24, 2025.

Committee activity: Referred to HHS; public hearing held; SD1 adopted in committee (HHS) and on the floor.

Report requirement (SD1): Working Group to report by 20 days prior to 2027 Regular Session (if that version were implemented).

Final status: Enrolled and signed by the President of the Senate; sent to the Secretary of State on June 5, 2025.

Related measure: SCR 205 (companion).

Practical effect and considerations

SR 165 is a resolution requesting administrative action; it does not itself create binding law. Its primary function is to direct and encourage DOH to take rulemaking or convening actions.

Any enforceable decibel limits would require DOH to use its rulemaking authority (including public notice, hearings, and statutory compliance) before becoming binding.

Implementation could raise questions about measurement standards, time-of-day exceptions, permit processes, enforcement mechanisms, and exemptions for certain events.

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