Honolulu Advertiser story on ATVs in Hawaii 8/28/06

ATVs stuggle to find niche amid concerns

This well written piece addresses the concerns of many in Hawaii about the effects of these vehicles on the environment. It points out that they cause erosion and run off and some riders have marked up ancient volcanic cinder cones. The piece did not touch on the noise pollution aspect. I emailed the writer the following:

Aloha Mike,

Mahalo for the article on ATVs in Hawaii. Their effects on the landscape and the environment are well outlined in your article.

However, there is another environmental concern: noise pollution. Here on the Big Island we are plagued by indiscriminate use of ATVs and dirt bikes on private property and the noise they produce. Some riders remove the mufflers completely or install loud aftermarket exhausts. The Hawaii County administration does not respond to legitimate, documented complaints.

Clearly the state needs to look at regulating these vehicles with regard to their compliance with safety and noise specifications and also must restrict locations where they may be used.

The issue is addressed on our web site and blog: http://www.noisefreehawaii.org/