UPDATE—MORE ACTION REQUIRED: Hawaii Advances Bill to Unfairly Toughen Exhaust Noise Penalties
DON’T DELAY! Please contact lawmakers to request their opposition to these proposals:
Overview: Hawaii has introduced SAN-opposed legislation (H.B. 2251 / S.B. 2350) to reform the enforcement of its exhaust noise laws, which was amended to create enhanced penalties for repeat offenders. However, the underlying laws are fundamentally flawed. Similar legislative proposals have failed to be approved in prior years, including last year. Currently, Hawaii prohibits mufflers that “noticeably increase the noise” and mandates that mufflers must be identical to their factory setting. The current law is unenforceable as it is vague, subjective, and unfair. S.B. 2350 has passed the Senate Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts and is scheduled for a hearing by the Senate Committee on Judiciary on Wednesday, February 28, 2024. H.B. 2251 awaits consideration by the House Committee on Transportation and the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.
Hawaii must implement a fair testing procedure and decibel limit for vehicle owners accused of unreasonable exhaust noise violations. Other states have adopted a decibel limit of 95 decibels when tested under an SAE International procedure, which provides a fair and reasonable working system. This SAN-supported SAE test is conducted in a controlled environment using objective methodology. This solution offers Hawaii a clear standard with a proven record of success.