Posts Tagged ‘Dog Walking’

As a dog lover and dog owner, I was completely astonished to hear the latest news story on Honolulu Police Department giving citations to dog owners walking their leashed dogs along Kapiolani Park in Honolulu.

HPD says that there had been recent complaints to them about dogs in Kapiolani Park.  As most people know Kapiolani Park is not a pet friendly park, like most City and County parks and beaches on the island it prohibits dogs.  What most people don’t know is that there is an area of sidewalk that runs along Kapiolani Park that also included in this no dogs allowed law.  The “sidewalk” is actually considered part of the park and also prohibits dogs.  Last week Friday, September 25, 2009 HPD ticketed a handful of dog walkers who walked thru this area of sidewalk.  This citation that was issued is a criminal offense, considered a petty misdemeanor prohibiting animals in parks.  This citation is not simply a fine, but does require a court appearance.

The island of Oahu does have many off the leash dog parks that owners can take their dogs to.  The problem with this story is that the parties that were ticketed for the offense did not have their dogs off the leash and running around Kapiolani Park.  The parties were simply walking their dogs on the sidewalk.  When has it been a crime to walk your leashed dog?

Everyone has enjoyed the island’s public parks and beaches and have taken the time to read the signs prohibiting various items.  A few of those items besides no animals include: no alcoholic beverages, no camping, and no fires.  I think we would all like to see HPD crack down on these more serious offenses that the general public violates on a regular basis.  These violations can lead to drunk driving, the homeless camping in the parks and beaches, and arsonists.  HPD could spend their time more wisely monitoring those park and beach violations rather than ticketing responsible pet owners for exercising their dogs thru one stretch of sidewalk.

The local dog community was appalled by this story and have voiced their opinions on pet community websites and some are even starting petitions to over turn this ridiculous situation.

Kyra, the beagles, & I at Manana Trail June hike

Every last Saturday of the month the Hawaiian Humane Society’s Paws on the Path hiking club meets and explores Oahu’s pet friendly hiking trails.  The hikes generally average three miles long and can take about two hours to complete.  All dogs must remain on a leash throughout the hike.  Hikers are advised to bring along poop bags, water, and snacks for people and dogs.  This club is great for dog lovers and their dogs to exercise, socialize, and enjoy the beautiful trails of Oahu.

Meeting times are 8:30 am and the hike starts at 8:45 am.  Here is the list of their monthly hikes:

January - Makapu’u Light House

February – Old Pali Road

March – Maunawili Gulch Trail

April – Waimano Valley

May – Kaunala

June – Manana Trail

July – Maunawili Golf Trail

August – Likeke Trail

September – Aiea Loop Trail

October – Waimano Ridge

November – Maunawili Ditch

December – Peacock Flats

For more information call 808.356.2217 or visit www.HawaiianHumane.org .

It’s Veterans Day and that means we celebrate all those men and women who have fought for us to work and play in this great country.  THANKS!!!  It also means that a lot of people get the day off, and while lately that phrase doesn’t seem to mean much to me, I decided to take today off (or at least work a little from home.)

What better place than to spend the day off than in Kailua.  I can’t think of one right now.  The day started with catching up on a few emails from the 9 – 5, reading some news, and checking in on the stock market.  From there, it just got better.

My wife and I are lucky enough to live just at the beginning of Lanikai so walking to Kalapawai Market is a normal occurance, but on this day it seemed even better.  Probably because I would normally be working.   A day like this should start out with a nice walk down the bike path, already filled with beach cruisers, runners, and parents pushing strollers.  The park was no different, filling up fast with people enjoying a day off.

Now normally during the week I don’t get to enjoy Kalapawai.  It’s a great crowd during the week.  People on cell phones, everyone seems to have a dog, and the coffee counter is busier than the weekend it seems. (Of course on a Holiday maybe everyones on vacation.)  We grabbed a coffee, juice, and a yougurt bowl and headed to the picnic tables outside to enjoy the fresh air and people watch.

After that, what else would you do in Kailua but walk on the beach.  Our plan was to head to the music store near McDonald’s but they didn’t open until 10 am.  So to the beach we went.  A great sideshore wind brought every kitboarder within driving distance to the beach.  Teachers were out, newbies getting lessons, and a whole group of people with way more experience than the next.

Kailua Beach, like the park was filled with walkers, dogs, and yes, even a stoller trying it’s luck in the sand.  The walk was nice, a few jelly fish here and there, a high tide, and people enjoying the ocean.  We decided to stop short at Kalama Beach, wash our feet off, and head up the road to the music shop.

A pack a guitar stings, another cup of coffee from 7 Eleven, a stroll back through a neighborhood – the beach park, and we were home.

All this before noon makes for a great day off in Kailua!