Qualitative and quantitative characteristics of noise.
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.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
A responsible ATV rider speaks out.
Today I was introduced to an interesting fellow by a mutual friend. Local born and raised, he had some interesting things to say about ATV problems. He is a mature man and really enjoys the freedom his ATV gives him to explore beautiful areas on the Big Island that would otherwise be inaccessible. Once a month or so he gets permission from a friend that has a large area of ranch land and takes his grandchildren on ATVs to explore.
Before they ride he gives them the rules: Stay in one gear, no unnecessary revving of the engine, no racing or other foolishness. The first violation results in instant termination of the ride. He has asked for, and received permission many times to enter the property. The reason he is allowed to ride there is because he a responsible citizen trying to protect the environment and the rights of others.
He also told me of the joys of riding in pristine areas of Mauna Kea. Then one day he looked up and saw ATV tracks on a pristine volcanic cinder cone that had been untouched for a long time. Shortly thereafter riding was banned in the area, thereby taking away this responsible citizen's right to enjoy the lovely spot.
He lives in a rural area as I do and he told me of the distant roar of ATVs in the night that get louder and louder until they rocket past his home disturbing his family and his animals. He has called the police but the riders are gone before the police arrive. He also mentioned that he observed a vehicle towing a trailer with three or four ATVs pulling over to the side of a road by a wooded area near his home. The folks in the vehicle obviously were parents. They dropped their kids off to "have a good time" and would pick them some hours later. The kids tore up the area and made a lot of noise Someone called the police so now there is no riding in that area.
These people, in their selfish pursuit of their own enjoyment, have no idea that they are eroding the ability of their fellow riders to enjoy their activity. This gentleman is justifiably angry that the actions of a few uncaring individuals are affecting the enjoyment of his outdoor recreation.
Today I was introduced to an interesting fellow by a mutual friend. Local born and raised, he had some interesting things to say about ATV problems. He is a mature man and really enjoys the freedom his ATV gives him to explore beautiful areas on the Big Island that would otherwise be inaccessible. Once a month or so he gets permission from a friend that has a large area of ranch land and takes his grandchildren on ATVs to explore.
Before they ride he gives them the rules: Stay in one gear, no unnecessary revving of the engine, no racing or other foolishness. The first violation results in instant termination of the ride. He has asked for, and received permission many times to enter the property. The reason he is allowed to ride there is because he a responsible citizen trying to protect the environment and the rights of others.
He also told me of the joys of riding in pristine areas of Mauna Kea. Then one day he looked up and saw ATV tracks on a pristine volcanic cinder cone that had been untouched for a long time. Shortly thereafter riding was banned in the area, thereby taking away this responsible citizen's right to enjoy the lovely spot.
He lives in a rural area as I do and he told me of the distant roar of ATVs in the night that get louder and louder until they rocket past his home disturbing his family and his animals. He has called the police but the riders are gone before the police arrive. He also mentioned that he observed a vehicle towing a trailer with three or four ATVs pulling over to the side of a road by a wooded area near his home. The folks in the vehicle obviously were parents. They dropped their kids off to "have a good time" and would pick them some hours later. The kids tore up the area and made a lot of noise Someone called the police so now there is no riding in that area.
These people, in their selfish pursuit of their own enjoyment, have no idea that they are eroding the ability of their fellow riders to enjoy their activity. This gentleman is justifiably angry that the actions of a few uncaring individuals are affecting the enjoyment of his outdoor recreation.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Second hand smoke and second hand noise.
Society has finally realized the hazards of second hand cigarette smoke. Many areas of the country have laws restricting smoking in areas where the by-products may affect others.
In the area of noise pollution we have a long way to go. Quiet areas are increasingly hard to come by. We are adversely affected on our own property and even inside our homes. Public awareness needs to be raised by various media campaigns. Cigarette manufacturers air anti-smoking ads as a result of lawsuit settlements. ATV, motorcycle and boom sound manufacturers would do the same if motivated by class action suits.
Society has finally realized the hazards of second hand cigarette smoke. Many areas of the country have laws restricting smoking in areas where the by-products may affect others.
In the area of noise pollution we have a long way to go. Quiet areas are increasingly hard to come by. We are adversely affected on our own property and even inside our homes. Public awareness needs to be raised by various media campaigns. Cigarette manufacturers air anti-smoking ads as a result of lawsuit settlements. ATV, motorcycle and boom sound manufacturers would do the same if motivated by class action suits.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Friday, July 21, 2006
Coqui frog noise = $4.9 million, ATV/dirt bike noise =$00.00.
The coqui frog is an invasive species that produces an incredible amount of noise. In some areas of the island people cannot sleep at night because of the racket. Funds allocated to eliminate these creatures are well spent.
The question arises: why has the coqui frog problem attracted public and administration attention and concomitant funding? Simple. The little frogs inhabit rural and suburban areas. Lots of people are annoyed by the sound and their public outcry has justifiably been heard.
In the case of noise from ATVs and dirt bikes, the effects are great but they only affect a small number of people due to the large land areas involved. Thus, the outcry is at a relatively low volume and the administration and legislator responses are indicative of the volume of complaints. What if someone rented a powerful boom box and played actual recorded sound from an affected property for the Mayor and Planning Department Director to enjoy during their work day. There is absolutely no doubt that it would get a prompt response.
I suspect they would be on the phone to security or the police in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, the police do not respond to noise complaints emitting from private property, so that option is not available to residents. We will be working hard to make it available.
The coqui frog is an invasive species that produces an incredible amount of noise. In some areas of the island people cannot sleep at night because of the racket. Funds allocated to eliminate these creatures are well spent.
The question arises: why has the coqui frog problem attracted public and administration attention and concomitant funding? Simple. The little frogs inhabit rural and suburban areas. Lots of people are annoyed by the sound and their public outcry has justifiably been heard.
In the case of noise from ATVs and dirt bikes, the effects are great but they only affect a small number of people due to the large land areas involved. Thus, the outcry is at a relatively low volume and the administration and legislator responses are indicative of the volume of complaints. What if someone rented a powerful boom box and played actual recorded sound from an affected property for the Mayor and Planning Department Director to enjoy during their work day. There is absolutely no doubt that it would get a prompt response.
I suspect they would be on the phone to security or the police in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, the police do not respond to noise complaints emitting from private property, so that option is not available to residents. We will be working hard to make it available.
How long does it take for action? Here on the Big Island, it takes a while. For example, the ATV/dirt bike track began operating in in our neighborhood in early October 2005. The operator does not own the property but lives with the lady that does. Three letters were sent to the property owner in December 2005 attempting to arrive at some sort of compromise. These were ignored. Letters were then sent to the State of Hawaii Land Use Commission and the Hawaii County Planning department mid January 2006.
After numerous requests of the Planning Department to investigate they finally conducted an inspection of the property on March 7, 2006 and found (what else) a full blown dirt bike/ATV track replete with jumps. The Planning Department then sent a certified letter to the property owner advising them that such land use is not permitted and that a special permit is required. But, in the same letter they say: "if the property is used intermittently for dirt bike riding only by people residing on the property we are considering this to be below the threshold of activity that we will enforce, but it it exceeds this level, we consider it an activity that requires a special permit."
Either the property owner considered the letter a wink or she does not respect the county's authority. In any event, the use of the track by multiple machines from four to six hours every weekend, and sometimes on weekdays, continues.
This obviously means that the Hawaii County Planning Department does not want to bother with this issue. Our position is that arbitrary and selective enforcement is inappropriate and this has been forwarded to the Mayor and Corporation Council offices. The most recent letter, dated July 8,2006 from the Mayor's office says: "follow up will be done as soon as possible."
Stay tuned.
After numerous requests of the Planning Department to investigate they finally conducted an inspection of the property on March 7, 2006 and found (what else) a full blown dirt bike/ATV track replete with jumps. The Planning Department then sent a certified letter to the property owner advising them that such land use is not permitted and that a special permit is required. But, in the same letter they say: "if the property is used intermittently for dirt bike riding only by people residing on the property we are considering this to be below the threshold of activity that we will enforce, but it it exceeds this level, we consider it an activity that requires a special permit."
Either the property owner considered the letter a wink or she does not respect the county's authority. In any event, the use of the track by multiple machines from four to six hours every weekend, and sometimes on weekdays, continues.
This obviously means that the Hawaii County Planning Department does not want to bother with this issue. Our position is that arbitrary and selective enforcement is inappropriate and this has been forwarded to the Mayor and Corporation Council offices. The most recent letter, dated July 8,2006 from the Mayor's office says: "follow up will be done as soon as possible."
Stay tuned.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Thank you for visiting www.noisefreehawaii.org. From time to time I will post information on the progress of the mission of reducing noise pollution on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Currently there is no pending legislation in Hawaii to address the noise from recreational off highway vehicles. California provides us with a model of workable and fair legislation which provides riders an opportunity to continue their sport while mitigating the noise effect on residents.
Due to the wide open rural areas on the Big Island it would appear that we have the most potential for noise problems and may have to work hard to get statewide support for legislation. Therefore, we need to work at both the state and county levels.
In terms of county legislator response I must say that my particular district councilman is incommunicado. He does not return phone calls or respond to letters and emails. Some county departments are in the same boat. For example, the Planning Department also does not respond to any sort of communication. One might ask how difficult it is to reply with a form letter. It is incomprehensible that in this information age our representatives and agencies refuse to communicate.
We will continue efforts to stimulate response. We can also act with our vote.
Currently there is no pending legislation in Hawaii to address the noise from recreational off highway vehicles. California provides us with a model of workable and fair legislation which provides riders an opportunity to continue their sport while mitigating the noise effect on residents.
Due to the wide open rural areas on the Big Island it would appear that we have the most potential for noise problems and may have to work hard to get statewide support for legislation. Therefore, we need to work at both the state and county levels.
In terms of county legislator response I must say that my particular district councilman is incommunicado. He does not return phone calls or respond to letters and emails. Some county departments are in the same boat. For example, the Planning Department also does not respond to any sort of communication. One might ask how difficult it is to reply with a form letter. It is incomprehensible that in this information age our representatives and agencies refuse to communicate.
We will continue efforts to stimulate response. We can also act with our vote.
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