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Dogs on Ke Ala Hele Makalae

As of December 1, 2008, dogs may be walked on a limited portion of Ke Ala Hele Makalae. Prior to the Department of Parks and Recreation assuming management of the Kapaa to Kealia section of Ke Ala Hele Makalae on February 15, 2008, path users frequently brought their dogs onto the path. County ordinances in effect at that time, however, prohibited bringing any animal into the County parks without a permit, thus making dog walking on the path an offense. Currently people may bring their dogs onto one specific area of the path, subject to the restrictions listed below.
Cheryl and Joy Claypoole were glad to meet Dianne Kennedy on the path--they both own Old English Sheep Dogs. Path Ambassador Thomas Noyes and Kauai Humane Society volunteer Randy Blake approached the dog owners to be sure they had poop bags and were complying with the county's requirements.

Key Points in the revised County dog control ordinances:

  • The amended laws took effect Dec. 1, 2008
  • Dogs may be on the Kapaa to Kealia section of Ke Ala Hele Makalae (the East Side's shared-use coastal path) only between Lihi Boat Ramp and Southernmost rest pavilion at Kealia Beach
  • Dogs may be on the paved portion of the path plus six feet on either side; in comfort, picnic pavilions, and rest stations; and led directly from trail head parking facilities to the path
  • Handler must be in control of dog at all times
  • No minimum age requirement for dog handler
  • Two dogs per handler max
  • Must have poop bag in evidence. (NOTE: The Kauai Humane Society will work with the Department of Parks & Recreation to donate and install several dispensers for bio-degradable "poop bags.")
  • Dog owner must remove and dispose of dog’s feces
  • Dog must be licensed
  • Maximum leash length 6 ft. (No extendable leashes allowed.)
  • Must leave path area if dog gets aggressive
  • 18-month trial period (December 1, 2008 - May 31, 2010)
  • A Dept. of Parks and Recreation and stakeholders committee will develop measurable objectives to help the county determine success/failure of trial period
  • A fenced off-leash dog park will be created at the Wailua Homesteads Park

 

Link to page on Path Etiquette

The Kauai Humane Society is seeking volunteers to monitor the path and gently coach dog owners on good dog etiquette! The intent is to show the community that pet owners can be responsible to build a more dog friendly future for Kauai. Brief 30 minute volunteer trainings will be held on the last Saturday of every month, 12:30pm in the classroom at the Kauai Humane Society.

More Info: Ms. Sue Hansen, 822-7721, dogs.on.the.path at hotmail.com
or Sheri Knapp, Volunteer Coordinator, Kauai Humane Society, 632-0610x102 or sheri at kauaihumane.org ### end ###