It's understandable why some Waikiki residents on Lemon Road are hostile toward the idea of yet another hostel on the street.

Some residents say the road's three existing hostels — low-cost tourist accommodations that tend to attract a youthful clientele — are already difficult to live near, citing loud parties and drinking until all hours of the night.

With the possibility of a walk-up being turned into a fourth hostel, residents say it's time to "take back" their neighborhood.

Calling for new regulations governing hostels and appealing to the mayor and the City Council to change zoning laws may not be the answer, however.

According to city officials, hostels are a permissible use on the street, and must pay the city higher taxes that come with the zoning. Of course, that doesn't buy them free rein over the neighborhood. Waikiki residents are right to voice their complaints, and should continue to do so if quiet hours are not enforced and illegal behavior occurs.

So far, the neighborhood pressure has brought some action. Residents' complaints have resulted in more police patrols to safeguard against vandalism. The city's Department of Planning and Permitting has also looked into possible illegal additions and violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In addition, the Liquor Commission must aggressively look into any instances of underage drinking. The state's Department of Health must also look into any complaints about noise.

Enforcement of laws governing tourist accommodations tends to be a matter of self-regulation when it comes to most Waikiki hotels. It's a simple matter of self-interest. Likewise, hostel owners must realize they bear some responsibility in getting along with the neighborhood residents by adhering to both existing laws and to their own hostel-imposed curfews on guests.