Pickleball Disturbance Grapples Manoa: Pickleball, a sport gaining popularity across various age groups in Hawaii and beyond, has drawn concerns from residents living near local courts about the noise levels generated during play. In particular, those in the Manoa District Park area are voicing their apprehensions about the volume and its potential impact on health.
Community Voices
David Nagaji, Chair of the Manoa Neighborhood Board, expressed the sentiments of concerned residents during a conversation with Island News on Friday.
I’ve talked to community members who expressed concerns about the noise that playing pickleball causes, so they are trying to ask the state legislature, or the city council to pass a law or an ordinance, to reduce the amount of noise.” – (David Nagaji)
Resident Edward Suarez plans to raise his complaints at an upcoming public meeting in Manoa.
“In Manoa, the nearest homes are only 100-300 ft from where pickleball is being played from about 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, whereas it is well-established and recommended that pickleball courts not be located within 600-800 ft of homes. The grating, penetrating noise which is 80-120 decibels at its source, equivalent to gunshots in loudness and an ambulance siren in terms of tone, is nearly impossible to drown out or ignore, despite using all methods of ambient noise generators at home.” – (Edward Suarez)
Health Implications
The pickleball noise levels have raised alarms for some residents, with concerns over potential health issues such as increased blood pressure, headaches, poor concentration, impaired sleep, irritability, and a heightened risk of stroke, heart disease, and death. However, not everyone shares these concerns.
“I think it’s fine as long as you’re keeping the noise down to a minimum.” – (Manoa resident Draten Morisato)
Official Response and Solutions
Local official Nathan Serota from the Department of Parks and Recreation, City and County of Honolulu, stated,
“The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has attempted to work with Edward Suarez regarding his complaints of noise from the Mānoa Valley District Park pickleball courts.” – (Nathan Serota)
In June 2024, a study indicated that the sound generated by court users, park staff, and other ambient sounds in the vicinity did not exceed OSHA levels of concern. Additionally, plans are underway to plant approximately 55 trees around the pickleball courts to help buffer the sound, though this may take some time to implement.
Upcoming Meeting
A neighborhood board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 2nd, at 7 p.m. at Kapalama Hale, located at 925 Dillingham Avenue in Manoa. Concerns regarding pickleball noise will be a key topic of discussion.
News in Brief: Pickleball Disturbance Grapples Manoa
Residents near the Manoa District Park are raising concerns about pickleball noise levels affecting their quality of life and health. Chair of the Manoa Neighborhood Board, David Nagaji, noted community requests for legislation to mitigate the noise. Resident Edward Suarez highlighted the proximity of homes to courts, noting noise levels comparable to gunshots.
Meanwhile, some, like Draten Morisato, believe the noise is manageable. The Department of Parks and Recreation is working with residents, and a neighborhood meeting is scheduled for October 2nd to address these issues.
ALSO READ : Pickleball Scene Transforming in Oakmont: Dreams Take Shape
