Petition for the Establishment of a Dedicated Off-Leash Dog Area in Pahoa Park Complex, Hawaii County

To Whom It May Concern,

We, the undersigned residents of Hawaii County, come together to propose the establishment of a dedicated off-leash dog area within the Pahoa Park Complex. Recognizing the significant number of dog owners in our community and the limited availability of safe, designated spaces for dogs to exercise and socialize, we believe this initiative will greatly benefit both our canine companions and the community at large.

Proposal for Off-Leash Dog Area:

We propose the creation of a fenced, off-leash area for dogs and their owners, designed with the following features and essential amenities:

 • Fenced Area with Secure Gates: A designated space, size to be determined based on available park land, enclosed with fencing and equipped with secure gates to ensure dogs can roam freely and safely without risk of straying.
 • Water Station: The installation of a water station within the area to provide hydration for dogs, ensuring their well-being during play and socialization.
 • Cleanup Station: A cleanup station, equipped with a roll of bags for dog waste and a designated trash receptacle, will be provided to maintain cleanliness and hygiene within the area.

Optional amenities:

1. Benches for owners to sit while supervising their dogs. 

2. Covered area to provide shade on hot or dry supervision area for rainy days. 
 
3. Sand pit where dogs can freely dig in order to avoid any other places in the park being dug up. 
 
4. Water feature: a cement area that has a timed water fountain that shoots water straight up into the air a few feet & either drains away or is recycled back to a reservoir.

5. Bulletin board: Lost & found pet announcements, animals for adoption or for sale, spay/neuter clinics, or other services or events related to animals. Dog sitters/boarding houses, dog walkers, groomers etc. 

6. Donation based bin dedicated to dog toys/balls that are free to use or take home. 

7. Area on the outside of the gate intended for donations or collection of food for dogs. (Enclosed wooden or metal box with a hinged lid, secured by a latch to prevent pests) 

Proposed Operational Guidelines:

To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all park users, the following guidelines are proposed:

 • Capacity and Usage: The area will have a defined maximum capacity of dogs allowed at any given time, based on the final size of the designated area, to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety, on a first come, first admission basis) 
 • Hours of Operation: The off-leash area will follow the park’s general hours of operation, providing ample time for use while maintaining order and security. (Potentially starting opening the area an hour after the primary park hours and then 1 hour before closing to ensure the safety and security of the park & to give the park officials less chance for having to ask people to leave.) 
 • Admission Requirements and Restrictions:
 • Dogs must not be left unattended within the area to prevent accidents and ensure responsible pet ownership.
 • Aggressive dogs will not be permitted in the area to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all users. If a dog is presenting aggressive behavior then they are required to leave the premises immediately. 
 • Owners are required to clean up after their dogs, using the provided waste bags and trash receptacles.
 • Dog owners will assume full liability for their pets and actions taken by them within the park, promoting accountability and responsible pet ownership. 

Benefits:

The establishment of this off-leash dog area is anticipated to yield numerous benefits, including:

 • Enhanced Community Engagement: Serving as a gathering space for dog owners, fostering social connections and community spirit.
 • Improved Dog Welfare: Providing a safe space for dogs to exercise and socialize, contributing to their physical and mental health.
 • Increased Safety: Mitigating risks associated with dogs being off-leash in undesignated areas, enhancing safety for the community.
-Providing a safe environment for residents to participate in community activities that include their pets. 

Support and Engagement:

We invite our fellow community members to support this initiative, recognizing the positive impact it will have on the quality of life for dog owners and their pets. We are committed to collaborating with local authorities and the community to plan, establish, and maintain this valuable addition to the Pahoa Park Complex.

Conclusion:

In light of the outlined benefits and community support, we respectfully request that the Hawaii County parks consider our proposal for the establishment of a dedicated off-leash dog area within the Pahoa Park Complex. We believe this initiative will significantly enhance the community’s recreational offerings and promote a more inclusive, pet-friendly environment.

We thank you for considering our proposal and look forward to the possibility of making this vision a reality for the betterment of our community and our beloved pets.

Sincerely,

(Signatures from the community)