Island Voices
Let's show aloha for our pets on beaches

By Anne Shigeta
O'ahu resident with dog, Ol' Yeller

We have taken our dog to the beach almost every weekend for the past three years. I have never seen a problem with dogs on the beach with one another or with any beach-goers, nor have I seen any poop or experienced the smell of urine in any areas.

The following is what I did encounter recently at Kahala: Garbage, beer bottles, cans, soda, fast food rubbish, a half-full jug of wine, all of which I threw in garbage cans.

In the past three months, I have encountered police or DLNR officers on six separate occasions to monitor dogs on the beach.

Why not consider parks that include space for dogs? Many people consider their pet as part of their family. A family outing includes the entire family: kids and dogs. And a trip to the beach or leash-free park is a wonderful reward for working dogs in our community, such as those that serve our police force.

According to our local Humane Society, 40 percent of O'ahu homes have a registered dog with the city. My zip code alone, 96816, includes 2,000 registered dogs. There is a need for these parks.

Also, dogs that are at the beach and walked are usually well-socialized animals that are taught how to behave around people. Socialized and trained dogs don't just "flip out" and bite people. There are aggressive breeds that do bite (pit bulls), which I have never seen at the beach. Other dogs that tend to be aggressive are ones that are chained in the yard all day and rarely are taken out.

Children's safety comes first, and I believe that children are safe on the beach. There have been complaints (none that included biting), but don't ban all dogs from the beach just because of the actions of one.

Let's all show some aloha. Beach-goers: If you have a legitimate complaint, please call the police and the Humane Society immediately with the description of the owner and the dog. Leave the time of the day; it would help determine whom the person and dog might be.

Dogs are allowed by law on-leash at Kahala and Kailua beaches. Lanikai, Ala Moana, Waikiki and Waimanalo are dog-free. Biting or attacking dogs are removed from owners after three documented complaints.

Dog owners: Try to limit beach outings to quieter times of day such as mornings or evenings when there are few people around.