Posted on: Tuesday, August 5, 2003

Limit the right to bear leaf blowers

No doubt the 21st century is noisy and getting noisier. But do we have to suffer the ear-splitting whine of leaf blowers before breakfast?

In an article yesterday, Advertiser staff writer Mike Leidemann inventoried the cacophony of sounds that deafen paradise. And it surprised us to discover that gas-powered leaf blowers, weed whackers, edgers, lawn mowers and other noisy garden gadgetry are not regulated.

Two decades ago, leaf blowers were introduced as a way to reduce water consumption such as hosing down sidewalks. It's not unusual for these polluting noisemakers to pierce the morning tranquility around 7 a.m.

Several U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, have banned leaf blowers within a certain distance of homes. Apparently, a gasoline-powered leaf blower generates the same amount of tailpipe emissions in one hour as an automobile does over 350 miles.

Meanwhile, other communities have limited the use of leaf blowers to certain hours. Honolulu tried to in 1997, but failed. The proposal was to restrict leaf blowers in residential neighborhoods to weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. We opposed the plan because it meant that only those who could afford to hire yard workers could avail themselves of the benefits of leaf blowers.

That doesn't mean we approve of the unfettered use of leaf blowers. On the contrary, we suggest they be limited to the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week to keep early mornings and evenings peaceful.

And for those who want to groom their yards outside those hours, pick up a rake or a broom. It's good exercise.