24-04-2025
Feedback sought for more on-leash dog park options on Oahu
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Big changes could be coming to public parks on Oahu.
The City is asking for input as it considers expanding dog-friendly parks.
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Only a fraction of Oahu's 308 City parks allow dogs, and even fewer have designated off-leash areas, but that will soon change as the Parks and Recreation Department launches a new initiative to make more parks accessible for pups on leashes.
'So we wanted to get input from the community about where it would be appropriate, but what do we need to have in place? What type of signage? What type of reminders? Having stations where people can pick up extra bags so we're sure that they can pick up their waste,' said DPR director Laura Thielen.
Anyone can weigh in through hearings at their area neighborhood board.
'Ideally, they would let us know which park locations they would like to see on-leash privileges. And if there is one where they do not want to see it, they would list that as well too,' said DPR spokesman Nate Serota.
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That feedback will be collected in September, and the first parks could see rule changes as soon as October. Dog lovers celebrated the idea and also made sure there was a focus on keeping everyone safe.
'Nobody likes to go out and leave their family members at home. At the same time, making sure those family members act responsibly and we all act responsibly is something that's important,' said Sen. Chris Lee.
A new law that will take effect in July 2025 defines what qualifies as a dangerous dog and includes felony charges if someone is maimed or killed — owners said they hope more designated spaces to take on-leash canines will discourage such encounters.
'But I think having a good representation of pets who are well behaved with good pet owners is going to help transform the way that community believes that pets should be included in public space,' said dog owner Hollie Patterson.
A new off-leash option is also in the works. The Pearl City Neighborhood Board just passed a resolution that requests DPR approve the construction of a dog park in a portion of Blaisdell Park.
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'Not only for Pearl City, but Aiea and Waipahu can come here, relax with their pets and if we build it right with all the obstacles for dogs and make it fun for the families,' Pearl City Neighborhood Board chair Larry Veray said, 'we can use it for dog shows!'
Click here for more information about the proposed changes and an interactive map of dog-friendly parks on Oahu.
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