A new leaf blower ban is in effect after Governor Linda Lingle let it become law without signing it.
Critics of the ban say it will hurt the landscaping business.
Stephen Hopkins says his company Hopkins Options, has already been forced to make adjustments by using an electric leaf blower, which is quieter than the gas powered blowers. With the law now limiting its use from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Hopkins says it will affect his bottom line.
"You can only do so much in a given day and start in at six you can at least get one account in average is around two hours the business that I do in estate management and maintenance we like to get in a early as possible so it will affect us as well."
On Sundays and holidays, leaf blowers are allowed from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hopkins says the law probably won't hurt him as much as the big commercial landscapers. "They like to get as many accounts in as possible their workdays begin at five so yes they definitely are going to have to make an adjustment," said Hopkins.
Violators will be fined $50 for the first offense, $100 for the second offense, and up to $500 if the violations persist. The question now is how the new law will be enforced.
"I think enforcement will be key for all of us cause I like to see the law really enforced that could be a hard thing to do," said Hopkins.
The law only applies to residential areas. It doesn't address weedwackers and lawnmowers which can be just as noisy. And that has some residents saying that the law is just a bunch of hot air.
"I think the law is a little bit ridiculous in the fact that if they're gonna start looking at an air blower law that you can't use this during certain times then they really need to start strictly enforcing other things like Harley Davidsons, loud noises in Kalakaua," said Hawaii Kai resident, John Browning.
