The Problem
An increasing threat to the peace and quiet of communities and rural residences alike, the sound from high powered bass from vehicles and homes can travel long distances and penetrate the walls of vehicles and residences. More and more people are choosing to install stereo systems which can produce sound that may be heard from far away.
The Technology
Low frequency sound requires large amounts of power and needs drivers that can reproduce frequencies in the double digit range. The BOOM BOOM KA-BOOMP you hear are in the 20 to 40 Hertz range. Low frequencies can travel very long distances and it is possible to hear them from 1000 feet away. Low frequency sound has been researched for military purposes to disrupt and immobilize an enemy. Now, it is the citizens who are being disrupted and terorized by the incessant BOOM.
The Mindset of the Boomers
Typically there is a lack of social responsibility and a strong desire to be recognized and acknowledged. These are the characteristics sometimes exhibited by the developing teenager but can be found in much older "Boomers". The "look at me" syndrome.
Noise Laws
Here on the Big Island we have laws addressing the issue:
"Section 14-18. Use of sound reproducing devices in public areas.
(a) It shall be a violation of law for any person or persons to play, use, operate, or permit to be played, used, or operated, any radio, tape recorder, cassette player, or other machine or device for reproducing sound, if:
(1) Such machine or device is located in or on:
(A) Any public property, including any public street, highway, building, sidewalk, park, or thoroughfare; or
(B) Any motor vehicle on a public street, highway, or public space; and
(2) The sound generated by such machine or device is audible at a distance of fifty feet from the machine or device producing the sound.
(b) Possession by a person or persons of any of the machines or devices enumerated in subsection (a) shall be prima facie evidence that that person, or those persons, operated the machine or device at the time in question, in violation of this section.
(1975 C.C., c. 6, art. 11, sec. 11; Am. 1990, Ord. No. 90-65, sec. 2.)"
Enforcement
Enforcement here on the Big Island is weak. Locations where laws are enforced have shown that stops for loud stereos frequently result in arrests for drugs, stolen property and parole violation. Crime rates decrease when the police actively enforce noise laws.
What can you do?
If you are tired of having unwanted noise penetrate your vehicle, home or personal space contact your local police station and provide details of the occurrence. If possible, get the license number of the vehicle or the address of an offending residence. If you encounter reluctance in enforcement cite the County Section 14-18 above.