A pack of mutt-loving locals is mulling ways to install more public off-leash dog parks throughout the Big Island.
Parks, Not Pounds, a community group with about 35 members, formed in December to discuss the feasibility of the idea — building multiple fenced, off-leash dog areas within already existing public parks.
Hilo-based organizer Carl Oguss said doing so would provide much-needed public exercise space for dogs — particularly beneficial for pet owners who lack fenced yards.
Hawaii County code requires that dogs remain leashed in county parks. Dogs are forbidden altogether in the county’s beach parks. Hawaii Island Humane Society operates two dog parks at its Keaau and Kona shelters, currently the only off-leash dog parks on the island.
“Research shows dogs need two hours of aerobic exercise and three hours of walking every day,” said Oguss, who teaches noncredit, dog psychology and training courses at Hawaii Community College. “If they don’t get that, then over a period of several years they will develop emotional and or behavioral problems.”
Oguss thinks a single park could be constructed for about $1,500, which he says could be funded with private donations. Oguss said the group’s eyeing a handful of possible locations but said specifics would be set after more input from the community.
“In many local parks, there’s a fair bit of open space within the park itself, more than what’s actually needed,” he said. “So we’re proposing adding fencing to some small section and therefore allowing that area to be a dog park and used by the public for free, to promote the exercise of dogs.”
The idea’s garnered favor from at least one lawmaker. Puna Councilman Greggor Ilagan supports the general dog park concept, but is pushing for one plan specifically: a government-funded dog park to be located within the proposed 20-acre community park in Hawaiian Paradise Park. Private funds could be used for additional bells and whistles, such as a doggie drinking fountain, Ilagan said.
“(A dog park) just means more recreational opportunities for people and allows people to be able to walk their dog and take their dog off the leash,” Ilagan said. “It’s more opportunities to go outdoors and enjoy other people’s company. It’s bringing the community closer and interacting with more people, rather than just staying home.”
Ilagan said the County Council will vote to accept the park’s land parcel at its meeting today. Should that happen, Ilagan said he’ll need to continue ironing out potential issues with the dog park addition, such as developing a training standard for park volunteers and owners.
Eventually, Ilagan would like to see the dog park area written into the community park’s master plan. Meanwhile, he plans to work with Oguss’ group, along with other dog park supporters, to vet ideas.
Oguss is looking for more community feedback on the idea. He can be reached at easthawaiidogpsychologycenter@yahoo.com.
