STAND. COM. REP. NO. 706

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: H.B. No. 1201

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health & Homelessness, to which was referred H.B. No. 1201 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO NOISE POLLUTION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish:

(1) Noise generated by helicopters in excess of a certain decibel level as a public nuisance and a source of noise pollution in violation of the State's noise pollution law; and

(2) Fines and a private right of action for individuals to sue helicopter owners and operators for creating a public nuisance.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from two individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from Jack Harter Helicopters, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and Helicopter Association International. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Health and Department of the Attorney General.

Your Committee finds that noise pollution is a serious public health issue. Studies show a direct link between excessive noise and health issues, such as stress-related illnesses, high blood pressure, speech interference, hearing loss, sleep disruption, and lost productivity. Your Committee further finds that helicopters are significant contributors to noise pollution. This measure is intended to address excessive noise caused by helicopters by establishing a maximum allowable decibel level for noise generated by helicopters.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to June 30, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health & Homelessness that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1201, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1201, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health & Homelessness,

____________________________

DELLA AU BELATTI, Chair