Harassment by neighbors can take many forms, including yelling obscenities; loud and disruptive noises (especially at night) from parties, fights, or other activities; threatening or abusive behavior; or damage to your home or yard by pets.

If your neighbor’s behavior is merely annoying and not abusive, threatening, or criminal conduct, you may be able to resolve the issue with a courteous discussion. But if your neighbor’s conduct is threatening, abusive, violates a noise ordinance, or is a criminal offense such as stalking, trespassing, or peeping, for example, you may be able to get assistance from the police (call 911 in an emergency) or from the civil courts in the form of a restraining order.

In Hawaii, harassment by neighbors is addressed under various state statutes and local ordinances. If the behavior includes yelling obscenities, loud noises, threatening or abusive behavior, or property damage, it may constitute a violation of Hawaii's harassment laws. Under Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 711-1106, harassment is a misdemeanor offense that includes, among other things, conduct intended to annoy or alarm another person, such as making repeated communications after being told to stop. Noise complaints, especially at night, may also violate local noise ordinances, which are enforced by the police. In cases of stalking, trespassing, or peeping, these actions are criminal offenses under Hawaii law and can be reported to law enforcement. For non-emergency situations that are still serious, such as ongoing harassment or threats, individuals may seek a restraining order (also known as an order for protection) from the civil courts to legally prevent the neighbor from continuing the behavior. It's important to document incidents and, if safety allows, attempt a courteous discussion to resolve the issue before escalating to legal action. However, in any emergency or if there is a threat to personal safety, calling 911 is the appropriate response.