Question: This problem has being going on for years, but people on our street are fed up and really want this one neighbor to keep his dog on his own property. He lets the dog out free to do his business in my yard, and the dog causes other trouble up and down the street, such as fighting with other dogs that are on leashes or in their own yards, scaring people who are taking walks, etc. We have talked to the owner about the leash law, and he refuses to comply. … I am willing to file a complaint, and so are my other neighbors, but we need to know who to file it with so that the problem actually gets resolved. … Who should we call?
Answer: Contact the Hawaiian Humane Society, even if you had called the nonprofit in past years and been told there was nothing it could do. The Humane Society is once again investigating loose-dog complaints and enforcing violations because at the end of last year, the city government restored an animal-services contract it had let lapse in 2013.
This renewed funding means the Humane Society has resumed investigating leash and license violations, barking-dog complaints and other infractions. During the nearly three-year contract lapse, such calls went to the Honolulu Police Department, which had to prioritize them among more pressing emergency calls.
To report the offense to the Hawaiian Humane Society, you can fill out a citizen complaint online at 808ne.ws/1qXHoSY, print it and mail it to Field Services Department, Hawaiian Humane Society, 2700 Waialae Ave., Honolulu, HI 96826. Or you can call 356-2250 to report it.
In either case, be prepared to provide as much information about the incidents as possible, including the date, time and location of each offense; the identity of the dog and its owner (if known); and photographic evidence if you have it. You or another complainant must serve as a witness to the offense.
According to the complaint form, the animal’s owner, the prosecutor and the judge will have access to your statement if the matter goes to court; otherwise your complaint will remain confidential.
You mentioned the leash law, and there also are state or county ordinances regarding owners who allow their dogs to exhibit dangerous or annoying behavior. Dangers are usually related to bites and nuisance to noise (barking) and waste. You can see a summary of applicable laws at hawaiianhumane.org/Current-Laws.
Note that noise complaints require that the animal was barking, whining or making other noise continuously for 10 minutes or intermittently for a half-hour or more.
You can also call 911 if emergency assistance is needed, if, for example, the dog has bitten someone; police continue to respond to these types of complaints to render medical assistance, according to HPD.
Q: How do I request a crosswalk for my neighborhood?
A: Michael Formby, director of the city Department of Transportation Services, explains two ways you and others can make such a request:
“They can write or call their city councilmember, who will make a written request to DTS to evaluate whether a crosswalk is ‘warranted’ under the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and city policy. The MUTCD are guidelines approved by the Federal Highway Administration that, along with city policy, guide us on where crosswalks are appropriate. Alternatively, your readers may contact DTS directly by calling (808) 768-8321 and giving specifics regarding the request for a crosswalk to our traffic engineering staff. We will conduct an assessment. If the reader wants us to get back to them with our decision, we will certainly do so.”
Auwe
To whoever stole the ReUse Hawaii 6-by-12 cargo trailer at an Enchanted Lake (Kailua) home construction job site, please do the right thing and return it. ReUse Hawaii is a nonprofit group that recycles building materials. You only hurt those who want to help others. Please, have a conscience and do the right thing. — Hoping for the best
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Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
