Proposed rules on dogs in parks cause concern

By James Gonser
Advertiser Urban Honolulu Writer

Only two people testified yesterday at a public hearing on new rules and regulations regarding dogs in public parks, but the proposed changes will affect thousands of dog owners across O'ahu.

Johnna Thomas plays with her dog, Mya, at the Clark Hatch park, a private dog park. Proposed city park rules would put new restrictions on dog walkers and dog shows. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

But the city Department of Parks and Recreation also decided to do a major overhaul of rules for parks that allow dogs on leashes, and those changes — including rules that all dog walkers must be at least 18 years old and dog shows must purchase a $1 million insurance liability bond — are what worry some.

Pam Burns, president of the Hawaiian Humane Society, testified at the hearing and said 37 percent of all households on O'ahu have a dog. Burns said with only two off-leash parks now available, some dog owners are eager that the new rules be approved quickly and the Moanalua dog park open.

"These rules initially were going to be about creating off-leash dog parks," Burns said. "We have offered so many times to help them and work with them and were told, 'No, not until corporation counsel gets a chance to look at the rules.' Then the final version comes out, and they are a mess."

Burns asked that the city move ahead with its off-leash rules, but take more time with the on-leash park regulations.

Clara Ching was one of about 10 people at the 8 a.m. meeting but said she was not ready to testify because she had questions about the rules.

"This hearing is just to receive testimony and hear the public's views," Niino said.

The hearing, which was publicized as being held from 8 to 11 a.m., was closed by Niino at about 8:20 a.m. after Burns and dog trainer Ron Stebbins testified.

Manoa Neighborhood Board chairman Tom Heinrich arrived at 8:26 a.m. to testify and was told the meeting was over. Heinrich said he had expected some of the 600 members of the Manoa Dog Coalition who have been working on the issues of dogs in parks would show up at some point during the designated time. Heinrich said he planned to file a complaint about the early closing.

Before the meeting, Costa said the rules for off-leash parks are partly based on the two private O'ahu dog parks, at the Humane Society and the Bark Park park on Diamond Head Road.

Those rules include provisions that dog handlers clean up after their own dogs; all dogs must wear a collar and have a valid dog license; dogs must be disease- and parasite-free; no dogs in heat are allowed; and people use the park at their own risk.

Burns said the Humane Society has a few minor suggestions for changes for the off-leash rules but she has "major concerns" about the new on-leash park rules.

Burns said the restriction that a "handler" be 18 will mean that children will no longer be allowed to walk dogs in parks. The rules say that only a "canine organization" governed by by-laws qualifies for dog event permits in parks, and that excludes schools, groups or clubs from holding dog events, she said. Only parks that are currently designated on-leash would be available for dog events, which will exclude Ala Moana and Kapi'olani parks — frequently sites for such events, she said.

"Companion animals can improve the quality of our lives so much," Burns said. "Why in these stressful times are we trying to be so restrictive with something that brings pleasure to so many people? Why are we trying to make this place less pet friendly?"

Costa said parks director Bill Balfour will review the rules and the public comments before making a decision. No City Council input is needed to change administrative rules, she said.

Reach James Gonser at jgonser@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2431.

Correction: An incorrect name for the private dog park on Diamond Head Road was used in a previous version of this story.