Helicopter noise intrusion in rural areas of Hawaii is described, and the impacts on exposed and nonexposed communities are compared using a mail-back survey. Analysis of variance, factor analysis, and logistic regression revealed factors underlying the attitudes and perceptions of residents, their preferred choice of filing complaints, and their level of tolerance to helicopter flyovers. Among the most important attributes were residential location, level of exposure, general attitudes toward growth, and propensity to complain. Specific recommendations are made. Whereas most results are specific to one geographic area, the methodology, general behavioral findings, and recommended actions could be useful elsewhere.

This paper describes the major findings of a study sponsored· by the Airports Division of the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT), which, in its role as operator of the statewide system of airports, is facing a growing problem with helicopter noise. The study (J) developed a set of recommendations based on (a) a literature review of human response to helicopter noise (2),(b) identification of the problem's extent in rural areas of the state and a comparison of the impact on exposed and nonexposed communities via the analysis of a mailback survey (this paper), and (c) measurement of ambient, traffic, and helicopter noise in exposed communities (paper in preparation).