Report Title:

Policies to Allow Dogs in Parks and Beaches

WHEREAS, jurisdictional questions exist between the State and the counties as to which political body is authorized to permit dogs in parks and on beaches; and

WHEREAS, the lack of clear public policy and jurisdiction concerning the presence of dogs in parks and on beaches has led to conflicts and misunderstandings between park and beach users, enforcement agencies, and dog owners; and

WHEREAS, there are only two "off-leash" dog parks, both of which are located on the island of Oahu, one a private park at the Hawaiian Humane Society and the other a public/private partnership park; and

WHEREAS, recreation is an important quality of life issue for Hawaii’s residents, and public parks and beaches provide our community with places to recreate; and

WHEREAS, the two existing dog parks have demonstrated the high demand for "off-leash" facilities, and that these parks are compatible with their surrounding community; and

WHEREAS, these "off-leash" parks have gained such a level of community acceptance that people who do not own dogs often visit the dog parks; and

WHEREAS, recreational facilities and areas for golfers, tennis players, and hikers are being planned for development but none are being planned for dog owners; and

WHEREAS, ninety-six per cent of all Oahu residents believe that animal companionship is an important quality of life issue; and thirty-seven per cent or 142,800 households have at least one dog, which means that approximately 300,000 residents feel that dog companionship is an integral part of their lives; and

WHEREAS, national research confirms that pet owners get more exercise, experience less stress, and have a healthier lifestyle than non-pet owners; and

WHEREAS, allowing dogs in parks and on beaches has been a long-established practice in the continental United States, Europe, and Canada; and

WHEREAS, the vast majority of dog owners responsibly monitor and supervise their pets' actions, and are thoughtful about and considerate of other people’s needs and rights; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-First Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2001, that the Department of Land and Natural Resources, in conjunction with the several counties, is urged to establish public parks and beaches that allow dogs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to convene a working group of county representatives, dog clubs and organizations, humane societies, dog owners, and park and beach users to assist in establishing policies for dogs in parks and on beaches; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, the Mayor and the Chairperson of the Council of each county, and the presidents of the humane societies of each county, who in turn are requested to transmit copies to all dog clubs and organizations in that county.