Kauai Council OKs noisy-dog measure

The Kauai County Council approved a proposed ordinance that could address incessant barking from dogs.

The Council voted 5-1 Wednesday for Bill 2516, introduced by Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura, which imposes fines for people who fail to silence their pets.

Councilman Ross Kagawa was the sole dissenting vote, contending the measure will only heighten tension between neighbors. Council Chairman Jay Furfaro was absent.

The ordinance will be sent to the mayor’s office for consideration.

Kauai County is the only county in the state that lacks a barking dog ordinance. Under the bill, which would take effect upon approval, dog owners would be fined if they fail to correct the noise nuisance from barks, cries or howls that last for 20 minutes within a 30-minute period or incessantly for 10 minutes, disturbing any person day or night.

Pet owners would be fined $35 for the first violation, $75 for the second violation, and up to $300 for the third and any subsequent violation. The court may also order dog training classes in addition to the fine.

The Kauai Humane Society and the police department would enforce the new law.

Humane Society Executive Director Penny Cistaro said some residents have taken extreme measures to avoid exposure to incessant barking.

"We have had testimony of people who sold their house or soundproof the back of their house or switch their bedroom to a different part of the house," she said. "If a dog is barking constantly, it can make people crazy." 

A dog owner has about three weeks to resolve the issue after a complaint is made. Owners will first receive a letter notifying them of the complaint and a packet with materials on techniques to curb their dog from barking as well as how they can work with their neighbor on the issue.

If the nuisance isn’t corrected within 10 days of receipt of the letter, the complainant will be asked to jot down the duration of the barking over a seven-day period in a log sheet.

The log, Cistaro said, will help authorities determine whether there is a nuisance pattern.