Public support
Public support will be obtained by eduction. Posting of flyers, conducting presentations at public meetings and networking will be used to garner support for the Hawaii Anti Noise Bill.
Political Action
Public support leads to political action. There are those in the Hawaii State Legislature who are avid supporters of environmental issues. Noise has become a major environmental issue and we need to obtain sponsors for the legislation.
Orientation of the law
Current laws address the quantitative and the qualitative aspects of noise. The Hawaii law will have to be developed on both fronts
The qualitative aspect of noise determines what is annoying, punishing or downright maddening. The quantitative is simply the sound pressure, measured in decibels. An example of a fairly low sound level with a particularly irritating quality would be the venerable fingernails on the blackboard. This is a sound that many people will simply try to flee from. If unable to control it the adverse physical and psychological effects begin.
The sound from ATVs and dirt bikes have similar effects. The characteristics are abrupt and random changes in sound levels and pitch. The tone may vary from raspy to a roar to a screech. The unpredictability of the sound is what keeps the unwilling listener on edge.The unwilling listener often has no escape. They may be in their own home or outdoors on their own property, but are unable to escape. Frustration, anger and even rage are the byproducts of this exposure. Thus a qualitative component must be included in the Anti Noise Bill.
ATV's and off road motorcycles in California must have a maximum sound level of 96 db (A). (See side bar links.) Oregon limit has been reduced to 93 db (A). This is probably too liberal for quiet rural areas in Hawaii and should be reduced to 90 db (A). The sound is measured at a specific rpm 20 inches from the exhaust at a 45 degree angle. The measurement criteria is established by the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers). Limits may be imposed based on the time duration of the noise