North Shore pet owners are hoping to unleash a dog park at Haleiwa's Kaiaka State Recreational Area.

“;I think the community deserves it,”; said Michael Lyons, chairman of the North Shore Neighborhood Board, which approved the park in May. “;We have a lot of people who would be willing to use it.”;

Dog park proponents have established the nonprofit organization, North Shore Woof Pack, and have been working closely with the Department of Parks and Recreation and other dog park organizations to secure plans for the estimated $60,000 project that would encompass nearly 1 1/2 acres of state land.

“;There's been considerable effort in looking into this,”; said city Parks Director Lester Chang, “;but we have not made the final decisions yet.”;

According to Chang, no timeline has been set for the project, which would be partially funded by the city but largely supported through volunteers and private donations.

Waialua resident and Waialua Doggies business owner Kyoko Nakayama has spearheaded the campaign, and said she is resubmitting the group's final proposal, getting the proper permits and trying to raise money.

“;Other than the dogs benefiting from the off-leash play and socialization with other dogs, the dog owners from the area will meet and get to know each other,”; Nakayama said. “;The dog park will be a gathering place, not only for dogs but also for humans, and that's always good for a community.”;

However, some opponents said the community did not have enough time to evaluate the proposal. North Shore Neighborhood Board member Jacob Ng said “;adjoining property owners were never notified.”;

“;We didn't even know about it, and it just appeared before the neighborhood board,”; Ng said. “;I think there are other parks that would be more conducive to having a dog park.”;

William Herron, a dog owner who lives next to the park, said he has been “;bitten numerous times”; by dogs owned by homeless people and claims that noise from the dogs would be bothersome to residents.

“;Every time someone has their dogs in the park, my dogs just go off,”; Herron said. “;I cannot sleep and enjoy my retirement.”;