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Kokua Line
June Watanabe
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Service dogs allowed on bus without papers
Question: I have been seeing people bringing dogs on city buses that look like pit bull mixes with no harnesses, just choke chains. When I mention my concern, the bus driver says the owner had papers saying the dog is a service dog. Who can do something about this? The bus drivers don't seem to care. They should require these questionable dogs to wear muzzles so no one will get bitten or mauled.
Answer: We don't know what "papers" the drivers are referring to, because people with disabilities are not required to prove with any type of certification or document that they have a service dog (See Kokua Line, May 25, 2006).
Furthermore, service animals are not required to wear muzzles or harnesses.
However, there is a place on disability bus passes to indicate the holder has a service animal.
"We do suggest to our disability riders who require a service animal to have it listed on their pass so there is no question when they board with their animal," said Michelle Kennedy, spokeswoman for Oahu Transit Services. But, again, it is not required.
Although it might seem bus drivers "don't seem to care," they are just following rules.
"Our policy states that if it is apparent that the animal boarding with the passenger is a service animal, the bus operator will not question the passenger," Kennedy said.
If it is not apparent that a passenger has a disability or that a dog is a service animal, the bus driver is supposed to "politely inform the patron that animals are not allowed to board city buses unsecured," Kennedy said.
Nonservice animals must be small enough to fit into a cage or carrier that can be placed under the seat, or on the passenger's lap, without inconvenience to other passengers, she said.
However, "If the passenger states that the animal is a service animal, the bus operator will not question the patron any further," Kennedy said.
Disabled persons are allowed to bring one service animal on the bus. It is "recommended" that service animals be placed near the disabled passenger's feet to minimize interfering with other passengers.
All that said, if a driver deems an animal's behavior poses a direct threat to the health or safety of passengers, the animal may be denied boarding, Kennedy said.
She said there have been no complaints or claims filed as a result of "an aggressive animal" on the bus.
Kaneohe Pool opens
A new impeller and new motor were installed Tuesday, and Kaneohe District Pool was able to reopen yesterday, earlier than expected (see
Kokua Line, July 31).
Adjustments were made, such as "right-sizing" the motor, that an engineer and pool maintenance experts believe will prevent future premature breakdowns.
"We are still working on other long-term fixes and will closely monitor the system operation," said city Parks Director Lester Chang.
Got a question or complaint? Call 529-4773, fax 529-4750, or write to Kokua Line, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210, Honolulu 96813. As many as possible will be answered. E-mail to
kokualine@starbulletin.com.
See also: Useful phone numbers