Question: Thanks for the information about dog parks (808ne.ws/kline629), but aren’t there guidelines on best practices or something? This is an issue in a lot of neighborhoods; we need more places for dogs to play, but a few vocal residents object.
Answer: Yes. The Hawaiian Humane Society commissioned a study in 2013 looking at optimal size, location and other factors for off-leash parks. Here are some highlights from that study:
>> Dog parks generally should be at least 1 acre large, allowing enough space to separate large dogs from small ones. On Oahu the largest dog park is in Hawaii Kai, at 1.65 acres.
>> Dog parks should be at least 200 feet from noise-sensitive areas, such as surrounding residences. It’s best not to have dog parks next to playgrounds, schools or areas where there might be a lot of children. Sites away from high-traffic areas also are preferred.
>> The park’s perimeter fencing should be at least 4 feet high, and it’s best to have shrubs or hedges surrounding the outside of the fence, to buffer dogs from passers-by and other distractions.
>> A double-gated park entry/exit is standard, to keep dogs from leaving without their owners.
>> It’s important to have ample parking near the dog park’s entrance/exit.
>> Although grass is the typical surface on Oahu, many dog parks in other cities use surface materials such as bark or wood chips, decomposed granite or sand.
>> Amenities such as separate areas for large and small dogs; shade trees or other shaded areas; drinking fountains (for dogs and people); and agility equipment all improve the experience.
Q: How are they going to keep people from ruining the fireworks for others who are there to see the show, and not the little machines flying around?
A: Honolulu Police Department officers will be at Ala Moana Regional Park on July Fourth to enforce park rules, which include a prohibition against unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, according to a news release from the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation.
Q: My teenage daughter gets vague, unsolicited letters about summer jobs. … Is this a scam?
A: Yes, most likely. Hawaii’s Better Business Bureau warns that job scams proliferate during the summer months, particularly targeting students and other young adults. Be wary of any prospective “employer” who demands fees for training or background checks, or who promises inflated pay despite an applicant’s lack of experience. Job hunters should verify a company is legitimate before entering any personal information on an application or website. One way to check is on the BBB’s website, bbb.org/hawaii.
Q: I lost track and let my state ID lapse. Can I still renew it, or do I have to start all over again?
A: You have 365 days after the expiration date to renew your state identification card, according to the city’s website. If you don’t renew it within that time period, you will be processed as a new applicant. A state ID is not required, but does serve as a convenient form of government-issued identification for people who don’t hold a driver’s license.
Mahalo
We were richly blessed by the generosity of a young couple seated at the table next to us at the Pearlridge Chili’s on May 28. After they left, our waitress informed us that our complete meal had been paid for by them. We were genuinely surprised. We did not know them, but their kind and generous act of love will always be a special memory of our 57th wedding anniversary celebration. To them we say, “A big mahalo to you! We will carry this kind act forward. God will abundantly bless you for the love that you shared.” — J.C.
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.
