Oahu Residents Demand Action on Excessive Noise Pollution

Letter calls for government to address health impacts of unabated car, moped, and motorcycle noise

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:05am

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A minimalist design in the style of Keith Haring where the vehicles are defined entirely by vibrant neon lines against a deep, dark background, emphasizing the shape and energy of the noise pollution problem.Glowing neon outlines of vehicles symbolize the pervasive noise pollution impacting Oahu residents' health and wellness.Honolulu Today

A Kaimuki resident has written a letter to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser urging the local government to take action on the excessive noise levels from cars, mopeds, helicopters, and motorcycles on Oahu. The letter states that the unabated and unenforced noise is a significant health issue, impacting the sleep and wellness of tens of thousands of residents. The writer applauds the newspaper's recent endorsement of noise cameras but says the legislation is long overdue, criticizing the government for being slow to address this problem.

Why it matters

Excessive noise pollution is a growing public health concern, with studies showing that prolonged exposure to high noise levels can disrupt sleep patterns and negatively impact overall health and wellness. This issue affects a large number of Oahu residents, and the letter highlights the need for the local government to take decisive action to address the problem through enforcement and other measures.

The details

The letter writer, Pat Kelly from Kaimuki, states that the excessive noise from various vehicles on Oahu is "literally impacts tens if not hundreds of thousands of people's health every day." The writer criticizes the local government for being slow to address this issue, noting that they are "always behind" on problems like monster homes, homelessness, and short-term rentals. The letter calls on the Hawaii Legislature and the City of Honolulu to start taking this health issue seriously and make the island more livable for residents.

  • The letter was published in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on March 30, 2026.

The players

Pat Kelly

A resident of Kaimuki, Oahu who wrote the letter to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser about the excessive noise pollution on the island.

Honolulu Star-Advertiser

The local newspaper in Honolulu, Hawaii that published the letter from Pat Kelly.

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What they’re saying

“The unabated and unenforced noise levels on Oahu are a health issue. More and more studies are coming to the forefront that demonstrate good sleep is every bit a cornerstone of wellness as is diet and exercise. The excessive noise from cars, mopeds, helicopters and motorcycles literally impacts tens if not hundreds of thousands of people's health every day.”

— Pat Kelly, Kaimuki Resident

What’s next

The letter calls on the Hawaii Legislature and the City of Honolulu to take immediate action to address the noise pollution issue on Oahu, including through the use of noise cameras and other enforcement measures.

The takeaway

This letter highlights the significant public health impacts of excessive noise pollution on Oahu, an issue that has long been neglected by local government. The writer's call for decisive action to address this problem through enforcement and other measures reflects a growing concern among residents about the need to improve the island's livability and protect the health and wellness of the community.