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 engaging in conduct that alarms or seriously annoys another person without legitimate purpose. This can cover a range of actions, including those mentioned. For noise-related issues, local noise ordinances should be consulted, as these can vary by county. If the conduct is threatening or abusive, it may also fall under the purview of stalking or trespassing laws. In cases of criminal conduct, contacting the police is appropriate. For non-criminal but disruptive behavior, a restraining order or injunction may be sought from civil courts to prevent the neighbor from continuing the behavior. It's important to document incidents and, if possible, to attempt a courteous discussion to resolve the issue before escalating to legal action. If the situation is an emergency or feels immediately threatening, calling 911 is the recommended course of action.