LIHUE — If you’re headed out to the beach and planning to take Fido along, be sure you know where he’s welcome — or it could be a costly outing. Last year, the county gave out 20 $500 citations to
LIHUE — If you’re headed out to the beach and planning to take Fido along, be sure you know where he’s welcome — or it could be a costly outing.
Last year, the county gave out 20 $500 citations to people who took their animals to beaches where they weren’t allowed.
“This does not take into account the numerous warnings that are given to people found in parks with their animals,” said John Martin, parks permitting and security coordinator. “We warn and educate people found with animals in our parks before we even consider issuing a citation. Normally once warned, we don’t have a problem with that person again. A citation is usually issued only as a last resort, usually after the subject has been advised at least once that they cannot bring an animal into the park, or if the person refuses to remove the animal from that park or recreational facility.”
Animals aren’t allowed at campgrounds, and if you bring your pet, you can be asked to leave, he said.
“Signage is posted at the majority of our parks and recreational facilities,” he said. “We do have problems in certain areas where signage is repeatedly torn down and defaced, which is another reason why we will warn and educate first.”
Kalapaki Beach in Lihue, most sections of Tunnels Beach on the North Shore, and Mahaulepu Beach in Poipu are places where dogs are welcome to visit.
Dogs are allowed on state unencumbered lands, which includes beaches, said Deborah Ward, spokeswoman for Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. But if a dog is not leashed, the dog handler can be fined $500.
DLNR can apply criminal or administrative penalties, or both, she said.
County beaches — such as Lydgate, Haena, Hanalei, Anini and Poipu — and their corresponding beach parks are off limits, said county spokeswoman Mary Daubert.
But furry friends are allowed on the multi-use paths, Daubert said. Those paths are normally intended for bikes, but dogs can use them, too, as long as all the rules are followed, she said.
The dog handler can only have two dogs at a time on the path and must clean up after them, according to the county website. All canines, which should be wearing a leash that is no more than 6 feet in length, have to be licensed, and the license must be visible around the collar.
If you are cited for a violation, you will have to appear in court to pay the fine, Martin said.
“These rules are enforced daily. We currently have six park rangers and one ranger working supervisor on the road,” Martin said.
They provide coverage for all of the island’s parks and recreational facilities from 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., he said.
Exceptions are made for service dogs, but even they have rules to follow.
“The service dog cannot disturb or interfere with other users of a facility and cannot be aggressive to another service animal or person,” Martin said. “The person with the offending service dog can be asked to remove the animal from the park or recreational facility.”
But the island does have purely dog-friendly venues; there are dog parks in Wailua Homesteads Park, Freddie’s Dog Park at the Kauai Humane Society in Puhi and the North Shore Dog Park in Kalihiwai.
Hiking Sleeping Giant or Moalepe with your furry friend in Wailua is one option, and Kokee State Park at Waimea Canyon is another.
The Kauai Humane Society offers a convenient guide to taking a trip with furry companions.
