Author Archive
County Press Release on Signing Bill for Dogs on the Path
Lihue—Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr. signed into law on May 21, 2010 an ordinance that allows dogs on the majority of the county’s coastal shared-use path — Ke Ala Hele Makalae — under certain conditions.
Dog owners may now take their dogs on current and future portions of the path except for a segment that runs along the coast from the main Lydgate Park entrance (Nalu Road) north toward Hikinaakala Heiau.
The ordinance takes effect immediately.
“We still have union issues and enforcement concerns regarding this bill,” said the mayor. “However, I am thankful that we have renewed and expanded public-private partnerships which will, in part, assist us in addressing these issues.”
Earlier this week, the mayor discussed his concerns with Dr. Becky Rhoades, executive director of the Kaua’i Humane Society, and Thomas Noyes of Kauai Path, Inc., a community organization dedicated to advocating for and educating the public on the merits of improved walking and bicycling facilities.
The County and the two organizations have agreed on the following partnerships: The Kaua’i Humane Society and Kauai Path will work with the County to coordinate an “Adopt a Path” program, which will encourage stewardship of segments of path by private individuals and organizations. The Kaua’i Humane Society will provide and manage “dogi pot” bag dispensers along the path, so that dog owners will have readily-available biodegradable bags for disposal of dog feces. The Kaua’i Humane Society will augment the county?s enforcement effort of the ordinance conditions on a daily basis. The Kaua’i Humane Society and Kauai Path will work collaboratively with the County on educational efforts relative to dogs on the path.
”Kauai Path’s board supports this new activity on Kauai’s path systems because responsible dog walking has been shown to be a significant motivator, inspiring people to exercise regularly,” commented Noyes. “I personally applaud the council and administration for collaborating to assure that the present and future multi-use paths are attractive to law-abiding dog walkers.”
The ordinance was passed by the County Council on May 12, 2010 after two months of debate on the issue and an evaluation of the 18-month trial period for dogs on a portion of the path, which was set to end on May 31, 2010.
Dr. Rhoades offered her congratulations to responsible dog walkers all over Kaua’i: “You proved during the trial period you deserve the privilege to walk your dogs responsibly on the path. Keep up the good work.”
The ordinance requires that the dog owner must: Be in command and control of the dog at all times. Have no more than two dogs under his control. Immediately remove the dog from the path if it exhibits aggressive behavior.
Visibly carry the necessary instruments required for the removal and disposal of dog feces. Pick up and dispose of any and all feces left by the dog. Have the dog wear at all times a valid current dog license tag that is clearly and visibly attached to the dog’s collar. Have the dog on a leash that is no more than six feet in length at all times. Retractable leashes are not allowed.
Parks and Recreation Director Lenny Rapozo cautioned dog owners to be mindful that dogs are allowed only on the path and with their handler in comfort stations accessed directly from the path, and not in adjacent county parks such as Lydgate, Lihi, and Kapaa Beach Parks.
“We will be actively enforcing to ensure that dogs stay within six feet of the path at all times,” said Rapozo.
The County will be working with the Kaua’i Humane Society to put the bag dispensers and necessary signage in place as quickly as possible.
Dogs on the Path
Congratulations to all responsible dog walkers! We will soon be allowed to walk our dogs on the entire path except for the Lydgate Beach Park area fronting the swimming pond. Your good dog stewardship during the trial period proved to our community that we can be responsible with our dogs. Keep up the good work and be polite with your dogs in public: yield to pedestrians, bicyclists and others; pick up the poop whether it’s your dogs or others; bark at others who aren’t following the rules and enjoy the walk!
You did it!
Council Meeting Wednesday May 12 9am
Tomorrow morning the Kauai County Council will vote on the amended Bill #2354 which will allow responsible dog walking on the shared-use path in it’s entire length except for the section fronting the Lydgate swimming area. We support this amendment and want to thank all council members for their diligence and leadership establishing new rules for allowing the privilege of responsible dog walking on the path.
The Kauai Humane Society thanks all volunteers, the county parks department, responsible dog owners and the public for working so hard during the past 18 month trial period testing this shared use of the path. Dog owners were good stewards of their dogs and walked responsibly.
In order for Kauai to become more dog friendly, dog owners must be responsible by leashing their dogs when walking, licensing their dogs, carrying a poop bag and promptly disposing of their dog’s droppings. These are the laws regarding dogs everywhere on Kauai and punishable by a minimum fine of $100 and a court appearance.
The Kauai Humane Society shares the responsibility of educating dog owners on the laws related to walking dogs and enforcing the rules. We have zero tolerance for dogs off leash and for owner’s not picking up poop in public areas.
We are offering to strategically place dogipot dispensers along the path and are asking if the community can support us by sponsoring a dispenser for a one year period for a donation of $100, fully tax deductible as allowed by law- which will cover the cost of refilling the biodegradable bags. We are asking the sponsor to adopt the section of the path adjacent to the dispenser and monitor the grounds for dog waste, litter, etc. – similar to the adopt-a-highway program.
If you are interested in sponsor a dogipot station, please contact me at drbecky@kauiahumane.org
Again, thank you to the County Council, the County administration, dog owners & non-dog owners for creating a more dog friendly Kauai.
Dr. Becky
This is it!
This is it! Wednesday, 9:30 am at County Council to show support for Dogs on the Path. We need to fill the room. The county administration is hung up in a union issue regarding employees not willing to accept dogs. WE SAY they have had plenty of time to address this and WE will not accept for a reason to prohibit responsible dog walking. County administration doesn’t think dog walkers matter because very few compared to all others using the path. WE SAY IT DOES! Parks presentation got it wrong with saying other islands don’t allow dog walking – ALL OTHER ISLANDS HAVE DOG WALKING ALLOWED. Please, show your support NOW!
HB 2725 passed!
New law change establishes better standards for pet confinement. To see the law go to:
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2010/lists/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2725
Thanks everyone for helping support the passage of this bill!
CLARIFYING WHY DOGS ON PATH BILL DEFERRED AND KEPT IN COMMITTEE
Question from TM: Good morning Mr. Bynum. In regards to the bike path. I just read in the newspaper that you suggested the delaying of the new bill allowing dogs on the path? Please explain. I thought you were for them? Why delay it when it was so close,when we had the three votes needed? Im very curious. Thank you.
Answer: First, you are correct that my position is that dog walking should be allowed on the entire shared use path; if the current bill passes without amendment that will be the standard now and for future segments of the path. However, amendments of the bill could change that dramatically, for instance a member could propose what the Mayor is recommending (i.e. outlaw dog walking everywhere on the existing and new path segments while allowing only a limited area as an exception). Although I do not support any restrictions, if there is to be any restriction it should allow dog walking everywhere on the existing and new path segments while outlawing dog walking in only a limited area. There is a huge difference.
It is also my hope that what we decide now does not require revisiting this issue again (i.e. every time a new segment opens.) In my opinion when new segments open, dog walking should be allowed.
The standard practice at Council is that any introduction of substantive amendments happens in committee. There were three votes in committee to recommend passage of the bill without changes; two other committee members indicated they may have amendments. If so any proposed amendments should be worked on and deliberated in committee. That is why a deferral to the May 5th committee meeting was appropriate. It would, perhaps, be different if there were four votes in committee to recommend passage without amendments because four votes prevail in a full Council. Therefore any amendments should be introduced, considered and votes taken on May 5th.
The bill (in whatever form it comes out of committee) should have a final vote on May 12th. I know this may be confusing for people who are unfamiliar with the process at the County Council. Sincerely,Tim 652-4575
Everyone needs to meet with indidual councilmembers for Dogs on the Path
Responsible dog walking on the path? Are you in support or against? Why only Kealia end proposed? What are the maintenance issues? What are the immunizations county workers are asking for?
Our position is to allow responsible dog walking on the county shared use path system as defined in the ordinance. This would include the concrete path and 6 ft on either side.
Please voice your opinion now!
Mahalo
Got Cats? Let’s get ‘em fixed!
Free Feline Fix Day in Hanapepe, this Wednesday at Banana Patch Studios. 8-10 drop off cat, 2-4 pickup. We have plenty of humane traps available! Call 632-0610 for more info
Need support for Dogs on the Path
Sunday, April 11th, 7:30am Lihi Park
$10 registration includes tshirt, bandana and more
Please join us for a morning walk or bike ride to show support for dogs on the path!
House drops resolution in support of cockfighting
Thank you Representative Tokioka and to all who voiced their opposition!
Kauai Humane Society Blog 