Hard to quiet uproar over leaf-blower noise

How loud is a gas-powered leaf blower? About 95 decibels, according to those who want the City Council to ban these items.

Note to the Council: There are many other items that are about this loud or even louder, and nobody is talking about banning them.

A quick scan of the Web reveals that a chain saw raises about 110 decibels, a circular saw roughly 90-100. A jackhammer is 112 decibels. A gunshot pins the meter at 140 decibels, and there’s less than no chance of anyone talking about banning guns.

The real issue is the appropriate time for using the items, and state lawmakers already curbed the hours for the leaf blowers. The City Council, it seems, could take a pass on this one.

Bieber fever: 2 earplugs and call us in the morning

Speaking of high decibels: Ever been to a Justin Bieber concert surrounded by screaming teenaged girls?

Now, that’s loud.

Yes, the heartthrob singer of six hit singles is coming to Honolulu for two concerts at the Blaisdell Arena, Oct. 8 and 9. Presale and VIP packages go on sale 10 a.m. Thursday (see www.bieberfever.com), with general sales to begin 9 a.m. Friday (www.ticketmaster.com).

Wonder how that famous hair of his will hold up in the Hawaiian humidity?