The City of Honolulu is seeking community feedback as it explores the expansion of dog-friendly parks on Oahu. Currently, only a small fraction of Oahu’s 308 public parks allow dogs, and even fewer have designated off-leash areas. However, the Parks and Recreation Department (DPR) is considering changes that would make more parks accessible for on-leash dogs.
DPR Director Laura Thielen emphasized the importance of community input in shaping this initiative, including suggestions for park locations and what amenities would be necessary, such as proper signage, waste bag stations, and reminders for responsible pet ownership.
Community members can voice their opinions through hearings at their local neighborhood boards, and feedback will be collected until September, with possible rule changes taking effect as early as October.
The initiative has been met with enthusiasm from dog owners, many of whom expressed the desire to bring their pets to public spaces while ensuring everyone’s safety. Senator Chris Lee highlighted the importance of responsible pet ownership in preventing incidents, especially with the new law coming into effect in July 2025, which defines dangerous dogs and imposes felony charges for serious attacks.
Alongside the on-leash initiative, there are plans for new off-leash dog parks. The Pearl City Neighborhood Board recently passed a resolution requesting DPR to approve the construction of a dog park at Blaisdell Park, which would serve residents of Pearl City, Aiea, and Waipahu. The park would include fun, dog-friendly obstacles and could even host dog shows, according to Larry Veray, the Pearl City Neighborhood Board chair.
This is a great opportunity for pet owners to engage in the decision-making process and help create spaces that are both safe and enjoyable for dogs and their owners.
For more details, including an interactive map of dog-friendly parks on Oahu, visit the DPR website.