By Treena Shapiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

Q. The city built a beach park next to our home in Ma'ili. Every weekend, people take advantage of our beautiful beach and coastline. The problem is that people blast their car sound systems, in some cases until the early hours of the morning. Is there a city or state ordinance that disallows this type of noise and disturbance of peace? If so, are police required to respond? Where do I call to report the disturbance? What is the penalty for such a violation?

A. According to acting police Maj. Greg Lefcourt, it is illegal to use a sound system on public property without a permit if the sound is audible 30 feet from the device producing the sound. Specific regulations are in the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu Section 41-31.5. To complain, call 911 and police will respond in a timely fashion, Lefcourt said. The penalties: $100 fine for the first offense, $500 fine for a second offense within six months and a $1,000 fine, forfeiture of the sound system or its components or a combination of forfeiture and fines equalling $1,000 for a third offense within one year.

Q. The city transportation director has stated that traffic signals are synchronized; that may or may not be true. More importantly, does the city analyze the operation of each signal? Many are not operating correctly, including the signal at Ala Moana and Atkinson. 'Ewa-bound traffic gets a green left-turn arrow into Ala Moana Beach Park even when there is no car in the turn lane. This delays Waikiki-bound traffic for about 30 seconds during each cycle. With a camera at that intersection, why can't the camera operator see that the signal is malfunctioning? There are dozens of other intersections with the same problem.

A. Cheryl Soon, director of the city Department of Transportation Services, said at that particular intersection, the sensor that triggers a left-turn signal is damaged, which affects its efficiency. It is not a matter of the camera operator not knowing the light is not working properly, she said. While the city is aware of the problem, she said the state needs to replace the sensor. She added that all the traffic signals are synchronized, but they do break, and the city appreciates being informed when the signals are not working properly. The DOT said maintenance for the sensor has not yet been scheduled.

Do you ever get frustrated or confused trying to navigate the various layers of government? Are you looking for an answer to a simple question but can't figure out where to start? If you have a question or a problem and need help getting to the right person, you can reach The Bureaucracy Buster one of three ways:

• e-mail: buster@honoluluadvertiser.com

• Phone: 535-2454 and leave a message.

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