Advertisement - Click to support our sponsors.
Kokua Line
Question: Last year, you reported that after receiving complaints about the Humane Society messing up Kapiolani Park with its PetWalk the head of parks had decided that the Hawaiian Humane Society would no longer be allowed to have its PetWalk at Kapiolani Park, where animals are not permitted. Dogs allowed in
Kapiolani Park areasBut I recently read that the PetWalk will be held again at Kapiolani. What's going on? They're also saying there will be a pet costumes contest. How can dressing be considered humane treatment of animals? What's more, what enforcement will there be in the weeks and months after the PetWalk to police the park, when people bring their animals to the park because the Humane Society was allowed to do so?
Answer: The city had talked with the Humane Society about moving the fund-raiser to a different venue, acknowledged William Balfour, director of the Department of Parks and Recreation. But "we had never frozen them out" of Kapiolani Park, he said.
One alternative looked at was Thomas Square. However, because of "the size and magnitude" of the Humane Society event, no other park was found suitable, Balfour said. So the fund-raiser will be held again at Kapiolani Park.
"I realize that there are those who feel it is inappropriate, but we need to try and be responsive to all people," Balfour said. "I think the education that is derived by allowing this (event) probably outweighs problems it may create."
One of the goals of this year's PetWalk is to help dog owners understand where they are allowed all the time and which areas they can enjoy only during PetWalk, said Human Society President Pamela Burns.
As mentioned in last August's Kokua Line, there are three Kapiolani Park areas where dogs are allowed: the triangular park at the Diamond Head-makai end of the park, near the water fountain; a small park at the Ewa-mauka end of the park, bounded on three sides by Paki, Monsarrat and Leahi avenues; and the sidewalks encircling the park.
"We have already included mention in our news releases, entry forms, and newsletter that our access to Kapiolani Park is by permit only," Burns said. Flyers with this information also will be included in participants' packets, as will plastic bags for cleanup of any messes.
Burns said the Humane Society "has always been meticulous about leaving the park clean," with volunteers not only picking up anything dropped during PetWalk, but any other trash as well.
"We have never had a complaint about messing the park," she said.
In the meantime, the Humane Society is working with the city to help establish more parks designated for full-time use by dogs, Burns said.
"We also believe that the 56 percent of Oahu residents who have a pet and the many others who participate in PetWalk to raise money to help homeless animals have the right to use Kapiolani Park for three hours on a Sunday in June," Burns said.
As for pet costumes, we'll leave that to be debated in other forums.
Mahalo
To Ige's Lunchwagon & Catering and Craig Shigemasa. I recently received a check and apology letter from Mr. Shigemasa, who had determined that I had overpaid on my catering order and sent me a reimbursement. I was impressed by Ige's and Mr. Shigemasa's integrity. Not only good food, but also good people. -- Mary M. Hakoda
Need help with problems? Call Kokua Line at 525-8686,
fax 525-6711, or write to P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu 96802.
Email to kokualine@starbulletin.com