KAPA‘A — Monday marks the beginning of an 18-month trial period in which dogs will be allowed on a designated portion of the bike path, from Lihi Park to just south of the picnic shelter closest to Kealia Bridge. “This
KAPA‘A — Monday marks the beginning of an 18-month trial period in which dogs will be allowed on a designated portion of the bike path, from Lihi Park to just south of the picnic shelter closest to Kealia Bridge.
“This will be a new endeavor for everyone,” said Kylan Dela Cruz, deputy director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, in a county news release on Tuesday. “Hopefully, the rules will be followed and the shared use path can be enjoyed by all users.”
Dog handlers who bring their dog(s) onto the path will need to adhere to the following rules:
∫ Be in command and control of dog(s) at all times.
∫ Have no more than two dogs under his or her control.
∫ Have dog(s) on a leash that is no more than six feet long at all times. Retractable leashes are not allowed.
∫ Immediately remove his or her dog if it exhibits aggressive behavior.
∫ Visibly carry the necessary instruments required for the removal and disposal of dog feces.
∫ Pick up and dispose of any and all feces left by dog(s).
∫ Have the dog(s) wear at all times a valid dog license tag that is clearly and visibly attached to the dog’s collar.
Anyone who violates the rules regarding dogs on the shared use path will be cited:
∫ First offense — a fine of not less than $100 and a court hearing.
∫ Second offense — a fine of not less than $200 and a court hearing.
∫ Third offense — a fine of not less than $300 and not more than $500 and a court hearing.
In addition, the county will have the right to avail itself of any civil remedy appropriate under the circumstances.
Dela Cruz noted that the rules regarding dogs on the shared use path are clearly stated in Section 19-1.4 of the County Code relating to General Prohibitions Applicable to all Parks and Recreational Facilities.
Signs with the rules will also be posted in five different locations along the path including: the Lihi Park trailhead; an access point by the Kapa‘a Beach Park; an access point by the Kapa‘a Neighborhood Center; Kealia lookout trailhead; and Kealia Beach Park, between the north end of the bridge and the first picnic pavilion.
As a convenience to dog handlers, bag dispensers provided by the Kaua‘i Humane Society for disposal of feces will be installed next to these signs.
Throughout the 18-month trial period, a committee of stakeholders will be monitoring activities on the shared use path.
Surveys, questionnaires and other data collection instruments will be utilized to evaluate the dogs on the shared use path system.
Only a portion of phase II of the bike path, from Lihi Park to Kealia Beach Park, is open. The Kealia Beach comfort station to Kuna Bay segment remains closed to the public and is expected to open next spring.
For more information, visit www.kauai.gov or call the Department of Parks and Recreation at 241-4460.
