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Kokua Line
Question: I am an avid animal lover, especially of dogs. However, recently, I've been going to Kahala Beach (fronting private homes) and been dismayed by the number of dogs walking with their owners. Is this a public or private beach and are dogs allowed? There are dog droppings on the beach, and I've only seen one lady carrying a bag and scooper. I feel even this is not acceptable. Would you want to sit on an area just cleaned of animal waste? Complicated rules
govern dogs in parksAnswer: In most cases, Fido would not be allowed on any beach, but in that specific area, owners may bring their dogs -- legally, if they are on leashes or physical restraint at all times.
Complaints about dogs on beaches, in general, are constant and longstanding. Officials "have been trying for a long time to get a clarification" of the law, said Hawaiian Humane Society spokeswoman Eve Holt. "There is a lot of confusion."
She referred us to Councilman Steve Holmes' office, which had requested a clarification from the corporation counsel.
City attorneys only dealt with city jurisdiction, but the issue is complicated because the state may have authority over some beach areas, a staff member from Holmes' office said.
But even with rules and laws, enforcement is the big issue.
Under city law, dogs are not allowed in any city park, unless it is a designated "dog park," or there is a dog show/class or otherwise by permit. If a beach is under city jurisdiction, it would be deemed part of a city park and dogs would be prohibited -- off leash or on leash.
At state parks, under state administrative rules, dogs, cats and other animals are prohibited unless they are crated, caged, on a maximum six-foot leash or "otherwise under physical restrictive control at all times," said state parks administrator Ralston Nagata, with the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
But animals are prohibited from "designated swimming areas or beaches," except guide, signal or service animals with their masters, he said.
However, people can bring "dogs, cats and other animals" -- except for horses -- on "unencumbered beach lands," which fall under the state, said Dean Uchida, Land Division administrator. That would cover the beach fronting homes in Kahala.
But the animals must be on leashes or otherwise under physical restrictive control at all times. Pet owners further must pick up "all domestic animal droppings" and dispose of them properly.
Given all this, Uchida noted that enforcement is another matter.
State enforcement officers probably would not be able to respond in a timely enough matter to any reported violation "to ascertain if a violation had occurred," he said.
Uchida said it would be better to report "any violation that may pose a threat to the public's immediate safety" to police.
But even then, catching violators in the act is difficult.
Mahalo
To the office staff at Holy Trinity School: Liz Kekoa, Colleen Fukuhara and Principal Monica Des Jarlais. Their friendly voices, bright smiles and warm personalities really make it a joy for parents. For a small school, they have big hearts. -- No Name
Mahalo
To the local families in two vans who were kind enough and smart enough to help when my car stalled the night of July 6 in the Honolulu-bound Pali tunnel. Thank you to the tow-truck driver who miraculously came along behind them. -- Ted O'Rourke
Need help with problems? Call Kokua Line at 525-8686,
fax 525-6711, or write to P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu 96802.
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