So Far, So Good

KAPA‘A — A few days into the 18-month trial period, capturing an elusive chihuahua remains the biggest issue the county has faced since it opened up a portion of the multi-use path for residents to walk their dogs, Kaua‘i Humane Society Director Becky Rhoades said yesterday.

“We have a little dog we’re trying to catch at Lihi Boat Ramp, but other than that it’s been fairly uneventful,” she said. “What I have witnessed is good compliance, very respectful people and everyone trying to be grateful for the opportunity.”

The Kaua‘i County Council grappled with the legislation for more than three months before approving a compromise bill in August. The new law allows community members to walk their dogs with nonretractable leashes a maximum of 6 feet long on the stretch of the coastal path that runs roughly two miles from Lihi Park in Kapa‘a to south of the picnic shelter nearest Kealia Bridge.

They are required to pick up their pets’ feces and visibly carry on their person a means for doing so, such as a baggie. The humane society, true to its word, provided multiple “Dogipot” dispensers that park caretakers installed along the path.

To roll out the new law, the county: established a committee of stakeholders; park rangers discussed the rules with path users; signs with the rules were posted; and informational flyers were distributed.

A volunteer team is monitoring compliance. The group submits a daily summary sheet reporting the number of bicycles, walkers, joggers, dogs and other pertinent details, Rhoades said.

The humane society has officers patrolling once a day at different times each day in addition to county park rangers’ enforcement, she added.

“So far, so good,” Rhoades said. “We’re not aware of any major complaints or issues.”

Park rangers have not issued any citatations thus far, county spokeswoman Mary Daubert said yesterday afternoon.

“According to the Department of Parks and Recreation, things are going smoothly so far on the shared-use path,” she said. “No complaints have been filed about dogs since they were allowed on the path on Dec. 1. Also, a couple of people stopped by our parks office expressing their pleasure with being able to walk their dogs on the path.”

Sometime in early 2010 before the law sunsets, the council is expected to use the data collected to help decide if the ordinance should be made permanent, allowed to expire or be amended.

The humane society has taken a “zero tolerance” approach to enforcement, Rhoades said.

“If we see a dog off leash on that path … we will issue a ticket,” she said.

Under the new law, the fine for a first offense is at least $100 and requires a court hearing.

To help educate pet owners, path rules are handed out with new licenses, Rhoades said. Additionally, cards have been distributed that say, “Leash it. Clean it. Or Lose it. Please do it.”

Monday, the first day a portion of Ke Ala Hele Makalae became open to dogs, marked a celebration for pet owners who strongly advocated for the bill’s passage last summer. Some went out to bless the path.

“There were feelings of elation,” Rhoades said.

Councilman Tim Bynum, who introduced the bill in May, said he walked the path Tuesday with Kapa‘a resident Sue Hansen and her dog “Jack.” She was one of many, he said, who have not walked their pets on the coastal path for months because they are law-abiding citizens.

“We passed people walking their dogs who were celebrating,” he said. “The folks are committed to being good stewards.”

The practice accords with national standards for shared-use paths, Bynum added.

The public information meeting on the next phase of the multi-use path, from Lydgate to Lihi Park, is at 7 p.m., today, at the main pavilion at Lydgate Beach Park.

For more information, visit www.kauai.gov or call the Department of Parks and Recreation at 241-4460.

• Nathan Eagle, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or neagle@kauaipubco.com