2 days ago
Justice found for victim of vicious dog attack in Manoa
MANOA, Hawaii (KHON2) — An Oahu dog owner thought she would never get justice after her beloved pet was killed in a dog attack in 2024, but that has changed after some persistence and attention.
A walk in a Manoa Park turned deadly for Emogene Yoshimura's Bichon, Kiki, when a large unleashed dog attacked in 2024.
Beloved dog slain in Manoa attack: 'It could have been a child!'
'He came out of his yard, chased us, knocked me to the ground and he bit Kiki on her neck and punctured her trachea,' Yoshimura said.
The case was initially dismissed, but was reopened after attention was brought to the issue in 2024. Yoshimura was awarded restitution that included all expenses for her new Bishon puppy, Calia, paid for by the owner of the dangerous dog after a court ruling in April 2025.
'It was such a nightmare when I lost Kiki. And I had nightmares about every night until this one appeared,' Yoshimura said. 'It was a nightmare experience and I hope no one ever has to live through that again.'
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Emogene said that she will never walk around the park again with her new pup and while the restitution will not bring Kiki back, she hopes her story will serve as encouragement for other victims to come forward and file a police report if they have gone through a similar situation.
A new law to increase punishments for owners of dangerous dogs will take effect on July 1, but the Hawaiian Humane Society said the community has to be the initiator.
'Really, you need to be your own advocate because we're not at a point yet, where the system in and of itself takes these cases seriously,' said Hawaiian Humane Society Community Engagement Director Steph Kendrick. 'Think about the community and make that report.'
Oahu woman still seeking justice months after brutal dog attack
HHS had a message for owners who like to walk their dog off-leash.
'It does not matter how 'friendly' your dog is, it does not matter how 'friendly' the on leash dog is. You are threatening that dog,' Kendrick said.
Yoshimura's legal battle paid off and resulted in a bit of closure and a new companion.
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'It's important to advocate for justice because even though Kiki will never come back, at least I have the satisfaction of knowing she won her court case,' Yoshimura said.
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