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Clearing of kiawe next in dog park plan
Question: What ever happened to the dog park planned for Hawaii Kai?
Answer: East Honolulu residents, trying to find a place for their dogs to play in since 2004, passed a major milestone Oct. 25 when Mayor Mufi Hannemann helped break ground at the 1.5-acre site designated for a dog park in Hawaii Kai.
The nonprofit Hui 'Ilio Hawaii was formed in 2004 to promote public dog parks and responsible ownership because residents saw a need.
Based on census data, hui President Elaine Dobashi estimates there are more than 6,000 dog-owning families in her East Honolulu neighborhood. "There is simply no place in our community where dogs can legally run and play," she said.
The city has established two public dog parks in Moanalua and Mililani, and there are two privately run parks open to the public in Kaimuki and Moiliili, she said.
The group will file the plan to clear the kiawe-covered parcel adjacent to the Hawaii Kai Park and Ride by the end of February with the city Department of Planning and Permitting. The hui's goal is to start putting in fencing by April, Dobashi said.
The hui is responsible for the cost of fencing and park amenities, such as benches and bag dispensers, an estimated $57,500. The group will also be responsible for the cost of adding a potable water line in the second phase.
Services have been donated by Jim Lyon of Lyon Associates, for construction and plans to clear the area; and Ben Lee of Brownlie & Lee, landscape architects, for irrigation plans. Dennis Hashimoto of DJNS Surveying & Mapping Inc. donated the topographical survey and property staking.
The group is still trying to raise donations. Contact Dobashi through hui-ilio @hawaii.rr.com or by calling 386-3821. Send donations to Hui 'Ilio Hawaii, 845 Kii St., Honolulu 96825.
This update was written by Star-Bulletin reporter Pat Gee.
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