Question: I recently visited Keehi Lagoon Beach Park for the first time in a while. I was surprised at how pleasant it was and how much vibrant activity there was. There were many children playing as well as participating in canoe activities and many parents watching their children proudly. It saddened me to find out that this popular park does not have any power, because electrical wires were stolen for copper. This leaves the canoe area as well as the restrooms completely dark when the sun sets. It is surprising that the city would allow this situation to continue. Can power be restored as soon as possible for the safety of park users, especially children?
Answer: As expected, the cost of repairs is a major factor in the lights being out for more than a year.
For now, there is no set date regarding when the lights will be restored.
The cost is anticipated to be “upwards of several hundred thousands of dollars,” said Gary Cabato, director of the city Department of Parks and Recreation. He said he would work with the Department of Design and Construction “to see if we can have the funds reappropriated to affect the repairs.”
In the meantime, he said he would dedicate funds to plan and design the new lighting system “to move the project forward.”
Cabato said the copper thieves struck on or about March 16, 2011.
Auwe
To the lady whose black dog attacked my dog at Kailua Beach around 3 p.m. Thursday, June 7. I was quietly walking with my dog secured on his leash when your dog pounced out of your sun dome, ran down the beach and viciously attacked my 9-year-old arthritic dog. You cost me over $100 in vet bills! I think we are all a little lax about the requirement for our dogs to be leashed on the beach, but you need to abide by the rules when you own such a vicious and unpredictable dog. Your comment about how your dog is “normally tied up” didn’t help pay my vet bills! — Gail Godenzi, Kailua
The Honolulu Police Department “should be contacted immediately when any situation puts animals or people in danger,” said Jacque LeBlanc, spokeswoman for the Hawaiian Humane Society.
Anyone attacked by a dog, or whose pet is attacked, is also advised to contact the HHS. Call 356-2250.
At minimum, it can then educate the owner and document the incident, LeBlanc said. “If the incident warranted a citation, under the dangerous dog laws, (the) vet bill can be recovered if the judge chooses to award damages.”
She said the incident is certainly a leash law violation and possibly a “dangerous dog” case.
“Continued access for dogs on beaches requires cooperation of all dog lovers to share the shoreline responsibly,” she said.
State and county laws regarding animals can be found on the HHS website, www.hawaiianhumane.org/current-laws.html.
Under Article 7 of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, “A dog owner commits the offense of negligent failure to control a dangerous dog, if the owner negligently fails to take reasonable measures to prevent the dog from attacking, without provocation, a person or animal and such attack results in: (1) the maiming or causing of serious injury to or the destruction of an animal or (2) bodily injury to a person other than the owner.”
Mahalo
To Gordon and Joe, who work at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl. When I went to put flowers on family graves, I realized the vases were not there. I tried digging into the ground, but still could not find the vases. Both men were working at different sites, but when I asked them for help, they dug deep in the ground and found the vases in two different locations. Thanks to their help, the next time I visit, I know the vases will be there.
— Judy
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