Hilo International Airport | Keaukaha Subdivision Airport Noise Attenuation

As the prime consultant, CSDA partnered with local Architectural, Mechanical and Electrical design firms to provide sound insulation designs for the Keaukaha Subdivision, located within the noise contours surrounding Hilo International Airport. CSDA was responsible for Policies and Procedures, acoustical analysis and reporting, design (including home assessments), preparation of construction documents and construction support, which involved submittal review, responding to contractor RFIs and final inspections of the properties.

At the onset of the project, CSDA worked with our clients and the project team to develop Policies and Procedures to ensure FAA and DOT compliance. The Policies and Procedures also provide guidance in terms of how homes with existing code violations will be treated and presents options for homeowner resolution of code violations, deferred maintenance issues or other existing conditions that impact the installation of the acoustical treatments. Additionally, included in the Policies and Procedures are Project Guidelines, which list the proposed acoustical treatments to meet the goals of the project; an average interior noise level of 45 dB or less and an average improvement of at least 5 dB.

CSDA conducted pre-construction acoustical measurements which showed an average interior noise level of 54 dB. In order to meet the mandated goals of the program, the proposed acoustical treatments would need to provide an average of 9 dB improvement to the building envelope. Due to the high interior noise levels, CSDA utilized acoustical noise modeling to estimate the level of improvements and found that in addition to installing new acoustically rated windows and doors, homes would also need attic and wall insulation and secondary ceilings in rooms with no attic space (e. g. at rooms with vaulted or open beam ceilings).

Post-construction acoustical measurements showed the acoustical treatments provided an average of 12 dB improvement in the Noise Level Reduction of participating homes. This resulted in aircraft being half as loud inside of the homes.