KAPA'A, Kaua'i — Monday marks the start of an 18-month trial period in which dogs will be allowed on a designated portion of the bike path from Lihi Park to just south of the picnic shelter closest to Kealia Bridge.

"This will be a new endeavor for everyone," said Kylan Dela Cruz, deputy director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, in a press release.

Dog handlers who bring their dog(s) onto the path must follow these rules:

• Be in command and control of dog(s) at all times.

• Have no more than two dogs

• Have dog(s) on a leash that is no more than 6 feet long. Retractable leashes are not allowed.

• Immediately remove a dog if it exhibits aggressive behavior.

• Visibly carry the necessary instruments required for the removal and disposal of dog feces.

• Pick up and dispose of any and all feces.

• Have the dog(s) wear at all times a valid dog license tag that is clearly and visibly attached to the dog's collar

Anyone who violates the rules will be cited, with a first offense resulting in a fine of not less than $100 and a court hearing and a third offense resulting in a minimum fine of $300 and a court hearing.

Signs with the rules will be posted in five different locations along the path: the Lihi Park trailhead; an access point by the Kapa'a Beach Park; an access point by the Kapa'a Neighborhood Center; Kealia lookout trailhead; and Kealia Beach Park, between the north end of the bridge and the first picnic pavilion.

Bag dispensers provided by the Kaua'i Humane Society for disposal of feces will be installed next to these signs.

Throughout the trial period, a committee of stakeholders will monitor activities on the shared use path. Surveys, questionnaires and other data collection instruments will be used to evaluate the dogs on the shared use path system.

For more information, log on to the county Web site, www.kauai.gov, or call the Department of Parks and Recreation at 808-241-4460.