Residents of Hawaiian Gardens voiced concerns over persistent noise and pollution from Long Beach Transit buses during a recent government meeting. A local resident described a distressing weekend experience where multiple buses failed to turn off their engines while idling on a residential street, leading to significant noise disturbances and safety hazards. The resident recounted having to approach bus drivers directly to request they stop their engines, highlighting a lack of awareness among the drivers regarding the impact of their actions on the community.

The resident emphasized that the situation is not only a nuisance but also a safety issue, citing a near-miss incident involving a neighbor and a bus. They urged city officials to support efforts to resolve the issue, recalling a similar problem from a decade ago that was addressed by installing cement platforms to manage bus layovers.

In addition to the bus concerns, the resident reported a spike in noise from fireworks and car alarms over the weekend, suggesting that increased police presence could help mitigate these disturbances.

The meeting also featured a celebratory moment as the city recognized the Hawaiian Gardens Titans, California District 38 Major Softball Champions. The mayor expressed pride in the young athletes' achievements and dedication throughout the season, honoring each player present with certificates of recognition. This acknowledgment of local youth accomplishments provided a positive counterpoint to the earlier discussions of community challenges.