Posted on: Friday, May 25, 2001

State enforcing leash law for dogs on beaches

By Suzanne Roig
Advertiser East Honolulu Bureau

KAHALA — Pet owners and beach-goers are finally finding common ground along this stretch of beach.

For the past three weeks, a state enforcement officer has been patrolling the beach and warning people whose pets aren't on a leash.

But starting next week, no more warnings: Tickets that carry a $50 fine will be issued for unleashed pets on the beach.

Michael Harlan, state Department of Land and Natural Resources conservation resources enforcement officer, said he made 26 warnings.

The Wai'alae Kahala Neighborhood Board has been talking about the problem of dogs on the beach since October. Residents complained about animals jumping on them while they walked along the beach and about pet owners not picking up after their pets.

Pet owners say they are responsible, but their reputation suffers from just one or two pet owners who are not.

To address the problem, the community has formed the Committee of Concerned Dog Owners, a group of 10 citizens — dog lovers and beach lovers. The committee has been patrolling the beach, too, passing out fliers that outline the laws and responsibilities of pet owners.

"We're working toward the same purpose, to reduce the impact of pets on the beach," said David Gray, committee chairman.

For their part, pet owners are confused.

For example, police enforce the ban on dogs at beach parks if there is a sign, as there is at Wai'alae Beach Park.

But a city legal opinion says pets are allowed to go into a beach park to get to the beach as long as they don't stay in the park, said Pamela Burns, Hawaiian Humane Society president.

"It is extremely confusing and we've been trying to clarify it," Burns said. "How are pet owners supposed to be responsible if no one knows the law?"

The law makes it clear that pets are allowed on some beaches, and that a leash must be attached to both pet owner and dog.

What isn't so clear is what beaches pets are allowed on, Burns said. Nowhere is it written that leashed pets are only allowed on Kahala, Kailua and Lanikai beaches, she said, but that's what is being cited as law.

Burns has asked members of the City Council to address the problem, but has not heard back from them, she said.