BUREAUCRACY BUSTER
Cleanup rule covers all pets
By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Staff Writer
Q. You recently referred to a city ordinance — on owners being legally responsible for cleaning up dog poop — that would seem to cover other animals such as birds and cats. Is that true? Doesn't that affect cat owners and people taking responsibility for cats by feeding them in public areas?
• • •
A. O'ahu pet owners are required by city ordinance to clean up after their pets, said Eve Holt, spokeswoman for the Hawaiian Humane Society. And, yes, that includes any kind of animal poop.
That ordinance is part of the city's anti-litter law, which is enforced by police officers.
Of course, that doesn't stop people from calling the humane society to complain about pet messes. Holt said the humane society generally receives about an equal number of complaints about dog and cat poop from the community.
The bottom line? "People are responsible for picking up after their pets," Holt said. "And we certainly do encourage everyone to be responsible."
When people have a continuing problem with specific animals, such as a neighbor's pet, she urges people to try to work out the problems by talking with the owners.
As for cats, the humane society has put together a brochure devoted to "Solutions to cat-related problems." That includes suggestions on keeping them out of your yard: using repellents, not poisons; putting in some plants they avoid, such as marigolds, rosemary or basil; and spraying them with water.
Holt said many people who care for cat colonies clean up after them. "The vast majority of pet owners are good and responsible," she said.
• • •
Q. At the intersection of Anoi Road and Paleka Road in Kane'ohe, there are signs that say "No Parking on Footpath." But cars frequently park there, blocking the view of oncoming cars. Is there something we can do to get these cars towed or ticketed?
A. After receiving your question, Kane'ohe police made checks for parking violations on the footpath from April 9 through 11 at various hours. Sgt. Milton Yamada said there were no violations during those checks.
"We will continue to monitor the area for these violations because we know these problems exist at times," Yamada said. If you have any questions, call him at the Kane'ohe Police Station at 247-2166.
• • •
Do you ever get frustrated or confused trying to navigate the various layers of government? Are you looking for an answer to a simple question but can't figure out where to start? If you have a question or a problem and need help getting to the right person, you can reach The Bureaucracy Buster one of three ways:
• Write to:
The Bureaucracy Buster
The Honolulu Advertiser
605 Kapi'olani Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96813
• E-mail: buster@honoluluadvertiser.com
• Phone: 535-2454 and leave a message.
Be sure to give us your name and daytime telephone number.
