HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Some on Maui are sounding off on excessively loud sound systems, which prompted a proposal from an isle lawmaker, seeking stricter penalties for noise violations.

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“It’s very disturbing,” Maui County Council chair Alice Lee said, who introduced Bill 119, which aims to increase fines for drivers with blaring stereos.

Under the measure, first-time offenders would have to pay $250 instead of the current minimum of $25.

If caught a second time, violators would be charged $500, double the current maximum penalty.

The fine for third-time offenders would also double the current cap, to $1,000.

Debate grows over tougher penalties

“I decided that now is the time to send them a very strong message,” Lee asserted. “For safety purposes, for people’s peace of mind, I think those who are committing this should be more mindful and more courteous on the road.”

But others want more enforcement on the road.

“If this is something that they want addressed, then I think law enforcement leaders should be addressing it,” retired Maui Police Department traffic commander William Hankins argued.

MPD cites challenges

MPD said it is addressing the issue in the following statement a department spokesperson provided to HNN:

“The Maui Police Department believes traffic offenses should be treated as serious matters and that tougher penalties should be considered for dangerous moving violations and distracted driving. Issues such as cell phone use while driving, excessive vehicle noise, and other unsafe driving behaviors have contributed to increased traffic fatalities and serious injuries over the past two decades. Any legislation that promotes accountability and improves roadway safety warrants careful consideration.

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The department enforces traffic laws when violations are observed. However, offenses like excessive vehicle noise present practical challenges. Often, by the time a complaint is reported and officers arrive, the vehicle is no longer present, making enforcement difficult.

While we remain committed to proactive enforcement, additional tools and remedies may be worth considering. Some jurisdictions authorize vehicle impoundment or seizure of equipment for certain repeat or egregious violations. Measures such as towing vehicles that are unregistered, unsafe, or equipped with unlawful modifications could provide a more effective deterrent, enhance compliance with traffic laws, and ultimately improve public safety on our roadways.”

Council member calls proposal overreach

Council member Gabe Johnson opposes the measure.

“This is not a very important issue to me when it comes to community safety. I think we should focus on other issues,” Johnson said.

“I also feel like this is a little bit of an overreach for our local government. I call it a footloose bill, like from the old ’80s movies where really the person who should tell you not to play loud music is your grandmother, is your auntie, is your uncle. It’s really that kind of discussion should be at the dinner table, not in the county council,” he added.

Because the council did not reach a consensus on the bill in a committee meeting a few weeeks ago, they discharged it to the full council, which is set to discuss the measure on June 19.

“I encourage those who have been affected by this excessive noises to please feel free to come out and testify,” Lee said.

If the bill advances beyond the June 19 meeting, it will have to pass another reading in front of the full council before it can be sent to Mayor Richard Bissen for consideration.

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