Dog Lovers Digging In For New Park
By Kerry Miller
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The Rev. Kordell Kekoa offers a traditional blessing Oct. 25
during groundbreaking on the site of the future Hawaii Kai
dogpark. Photo by Byron Lee, staff photographer.
The dream of a dog park for Hawaii Kai is finally becoming a reality.
Thanks to the non-profit group Hui`Ilio Hawaii, volunteers began the process of clearing the land makai to the Hawaii Kai Park and Ride in preparation for the park last Saturday, just three days after its official groundbreaking.
“There were a lot more people there then we expected. We were very very pleased,” said Elaine Dobashi, president of Hui`Ilio Hawaii, noting that about 70 people showed up for the ceremony Oct. 25.
Volunteers have completed the first phase of the land work, and three-fourths of it was already cleared. The city Department of Parks and Recreation will clear more land, and then install irrigation. Following that, Hui`Ilio volunteers will fence the area. Other construction has not yet been scheduled.
“We’ve been trying to pin down parts on that,” Dobashi said.“What it all boils down to is: This is a large project. It was a huge milestone just having the ground breaking. We’re really hopeful the park will be open next spring, by April or May.”
The idea started two years ago when a group of East Oahu dog owners proposed an off-leash, public dogpark location to the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board.As a result, the 501(c)(3) group, Hui`Ilio Hawaii, was established to promote public dog parks and responsible dog ownership. With the board’s support, the City Council approved a resolution in 2005, designating the land parcel makai of the Hawaii Kai Park and Ride for use as a dog park. Hui`Ilio members testified to include dogpark funding in the 2006 budget, and the City Council approved the request, allotting $12,000 for planning, design and construction of the park. (The actual cost of construction is estimated to exceed $90,000.)
“We’re not quite halfway there,” Dobashi said.“We still need a lot more money.”
Hui`Ilio was assisted by civil engineer Jim Lyon of Lyon Associates in designing the park. Dennis Hashimoto of DJNS Surveying and Mapping Inc. did the topographical survey and perimeter staking, and landscape architect Ben Lee of Brownlie and Lee donated the irrigation plans. Construction plans were approved by the city departments of Parks and Recreation and Planning and Permitting.
Hui`Ilio is still seeking businesses, contractors and individuals to help bring down the construction costs as a donation to the community. For more information, visit the Hui`Ilio website at www.hui-ilio.org
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