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Does Makiki need a place for dogs to roam?
I have received a number of e-mails and phone calls regarding the need for a dog park in Makiki. Are there folks out there interested in working towards identifying a place for dogs to roam? What do you think about the need for a dog park in Makiki? Reply here, or contact me here at Makiki Talks to let me know that you would be willing to help organize such an efffort!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Berna Fo on -
Oh goodness, do we need a dog park! Not necessarily as a place for dogs "to roam" but to play and socialize (without a leash) with other dogs. In a growing urban environment as dense as Makiki, it is even MORE important. Makiki District Park seems like a good location...
American Kennel Club:
http://www.akc.org/canine_legislation/dogpark.cfm
Additional question, are there any AKC members in the neighborhood? They would be good partners on a project like this...
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Permalink Reply by Nicole Ann Guiles on -
I would rather not see Makiki District Park become an off leash dog park. It is extremely high use, with children there at all times, and soccer and other sports filling the field on evenings and weekends. Mary Knoll and a few of the other private schools even use it for their PE classes in the mornings. Personally, I don't feel that allowing an unregulated number of dogs to run around is a good idea in a park designed for the communities' children. There is also the issue of irresponsible owners, and their lack of courtesy in cleaning up after their dogs. Not a fun thing with kids running all over the field. How about looking to the park by the water pump up on Makiki Heights drive? It's shady, and large. There's also a "mini park" on the corner of Makiki St. and Nehoa. That's my 2 cents!
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Permalink Reply by Daisy on
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Dog owners are a part of the community too and we'd like to be able to share in the use of a community park. Can't a small area be set aside for dogs and their owners to enjoy? Irresponsible dog owners make it hard for all of us, but there are ways to deal with bad behavior but it shouldn't be to deny all responsible dog owners a place in the sun.
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Permalink Reply by Berna Fo on
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Well, didn't mean to suggest turning Makiki District Park into an "off-leash dog park," but more that Makiki needs a dog park or dog run--a fenced and usually double-gated area of the park where dogs and their owners can meet and socialize. There are many successful off-the-leash parks, where a whole portion of the park is designated for dogs to run without leashes--minus the fence, in dense urban areas around the country as well, but personally don't see it for MDP.
I've only witnessed as the AKC website suggests MORE responsible dog ownership as a result of a well-run local dog park. I believe it takes a responsible owner to bring their dog to a dog park and adhere to the park rules that govern canine AND human behavior. Owners usually bring their dogs to these parks out of concern and care for their dogs mental and physical well-being (esp. considering concerns for animals raised in city apartments and dense urban environs). And one of the main purposes of having a dog park is about community for both pets and owners. Example...we have a family friend who started up one of the online pet MD sites with another dog owner after multiple unplanned visits at their neighborhood dog run.
NYC has several examples of parks with a fenced/unfenced kids playground and fenced dog park/run just yards from each other (often in parks a quarter the size of MDP). Dogs remain on the leash until they get in the fenced area. Some parks even have a separate section of the dog park/run for smaller dogs to play apart from the big ones.
I don't know, I hope this idea isn't eliminated without some actual research into the way it will serve the Makiki community. Is it possible to have an AKC rep present at a neighborhood board meeting?
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Permalink Reply by Della Au Belatti on
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All good, thoughtful discussion here. Would love to hear what others in the community think about issue and explore ideas for what might actually fit the community-at-large.
A group of civic-minded community members have proposed & are putting together a community meeting to have such a discussion:
DATE: Wed. July 15, 2009
TIME: 5:30-7:30 PM
PLACE: Makiki Community Library, Fasi Citizen Resource Center (mezzanine level)
For more information about this meeting, if you'd like to attend, or just have questions, please contact Philip Rockwell here at Makiki Talks or at phillip.rockwell@yahoo.com.
Also, please let's keep the discussion going here. Others with thoughts on MDP as place for animals, what about other sites in Makiki, what about experiences in other urban areas? Lots to take a look at & consider....
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Permalink Reply by Susan Tamanaha on -
Makiki is one of the most pet-friendly districts in Honolulu. Just a block in each direction from where I live, I count 12 high rise condos and apartment complexes that allow pets and at least a half dozen private residences where the owners have dogs. But dogs in urban areas need a place to exercise and play. A walk around the block or two - although necessary - is not enough to keep a dog in shape. So, I'm very much in favor of designating an area for a dog park within Makiki District Park. There are several places in that park that aren't being utilized that could serve this purpose and Gerry did a good job taking pictures of those areas. I think the meeting on the 15th was a good start. I do have one suggestion - I think that it's important to determine just how many dog owners reside in this district. (Strength in numbers!) So, I'm asking that others who are keeping track of this issue encourage dog owners to sign up at this site and just post a photo of your baby. Or you can send me an e-mail at toytama@yahoo.com. I am hoping to have a website set up just for this purpose (will ask a friend of mine if he can design one). Until then, I'm willing to keep track of all sign-ups.
Or dog owners and other supporters can come by our booth during the Sunset in the Park event. I'll be working at our table on Saturday, July 25th, from 10-2pm. I'll have free doggie treats available (while supplies last).
Hope to see you there!
Susan Tamanaha
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Permalink Reply by Phillip "Rocky" Rockwell on -
Check the Events page for details on the meeting tomorrow (7/15) at the MCL. Thanks, hope to see everyone there.
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Permalink Reply by Phillip "Rocky" Rockwell on
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More than expected showed up which is good and they were all excited about the prospect of a off-leash park in Makiki. When I asked for volunteers to help get the process started all I heard was crickets. It is a good start to have so many people show up to support the cause but in order to accomplish anything it will take players not spectators. This will be a time consuming commitment so I understand people being hesitant, hopefully they come around though. Our next meeting is set for 5:30 on Aug 12th at the Makiki Community Library, Fasi Citizen Resource Center.
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Permalink Reply by Berna Fo on
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How goes the volunteer recruitment? I'm sorry I can't be of more help, am geographically challenged--currently not in Hawaii. Is it a matter of promotions/getting the word out?
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Permalink Reply by Tanya Bruno on -
I'd love to see a dog park in Makiki but maybe we could start by allowing leashed dogs in Makiki park.
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Permalink Reply by Giacoma Mina on -
There will be a meeting for all that wish to attend and discuss this matter on August 12, 2009 at the Makiki Library @5:30pm. We welcome everyone regardless of opinion. Late comers are always welcome as well.
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