‘Bark Park’ In Talks For Hawaii Kai

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If all goes according to plan, dog lovers of East Oahu will soon have a place to bring their pooches for a stroll, to play or just to relax in the sun.

Thanks to the efforts of local non-profit group Hui`ilio Hawaii, the development of a dog park in Hawaii Kai has moved from an idea to the planning stage. The group’s mission is to promote safe and friendly places for dogs and their people to play, and to promote responsible dog ownership.

“We’re actively in talks with the Department of Parks and Recreation. Things are going very well,” said Hui`ilio president Elaine Dobashi.“We’re reviewing construction plans. Once the plans are approved, we can start getting bids from contractors. We intend to be soliciting business sponsors once we do have our budget.”

The proposed site for the park is at the corner of Keahole Street and Kalanianaole Highway, on city land adjacent to the Park-and-Ride. The total parcel is 5 acres (including the park-and-ride) and has no adjacent homes. No new parking spaces are needed, she said.

In June, Hui`ilio held its second annual Hawaii Kai Dog Walk to support development of the park. The event is not a huge money raiser for the cause, explained Dobashi, but rather a community awareness event, to keep dog owners updated on Hui`ilio’s efforts.

“It was great. The number of people who came was beyond our goal. It’s a great community event that people and their dogs can do together.”

Since 2004, Hui ‘Ilio Hawai’i has been working to establish a dog park in Hawaii Kai. Following a unanimous endorsement from the neighborhood board that same year and assistance from local councilmembers, the City Council passed a resolution in 2005 designating the unused city land next to the Park-and-Ride for use as a dog park.

Once open, the park will be maintained by the city Department of Parks and Recreation. Hui`ilio will post volunteers to monitor the area.