Dogs are increasingly an important part of many people’s lives. Among the bits of evidence backing up this observation: U.S. spending on pets has risen from $17 billion in 1994 to an estimated $72 billion in 2018, according to the nonprofit American Pet Products Association.

It’s fine to traverse Hawaii’s streets and parks tethered together by old-fashioned dog leash; tote a pint-sized pooch in large purse or sling carrier; even, maybe, tuck an easily fatigued canine in contraptions akin to baby stroller.

There’s a lot to like about the Hawaiian Humane Society’s push for a more pet-friendly community. The man’s-best-friend bond contributes to happier and healthier lives.

However, we should draw the line at dining with dogs in tow at restaurants. It’s a matter of health-and-safety concerns as well as customer courtesy.

The Hawaii Association of Animal Welfare Agencies, which includes the Honolulu-based Humane Society along with Hawaii Island Humane Society, Kauai Humane Society and Maui Humane Society, plans to request the introduction of a bill at the 2019 Legislature that would give restaurant owners discretion to adopt pet-friendly policies.

The push for a bill — following two unsuccessful bids in the past five years — comes as a new state law took effect last week imposing fines for fraudulently representing a pet as a service animal. That law is well-intended, but difficult to enforce due to American with Disabilities Act requirements.

While some types of Hawaii businesses have pet-friendly policies, state law bars the presence of animals other than service dogs in restaurants for valid health code-related reasons.

Among them: Allowing pets through a front door ushers in varying degrees of dog cleanliness, which can compromise food-service sanitation and touch off the transmission of parasites and bacteria that can be harmful to humans. Also, some diners may be allergic or just plain uncomfortable about being seated next to a dog.

Bruce Anderson, director of the state Department of Health, has said the DOH would not support a bill allowing dogs inside a restaurant, but may be receptive to a measure limiting access to outdoor eating areas separated from the establishment’s food prep spots. Also, food and drinks would not be served by employees in the designated areas.

This sort of not-yet-legit arrangement is already up and running, of course. A pet travel website, bringfido.com, notes 133 Honolulu eateries welcome dogs at outdoor tables. The trend surfaced about a decade ago, when dog-friendly policies took hold in some hotels and retail shops. Apparently, enforcing the state’s ban on pets at restaurants is low priority.

The local trend is part of an ongoing nationwide change in how companion animals are viewed. Still, in fairness to unsuspecting restaurant patrons, as long as regulation tied to Hawaii’s al fresco dining remains a gray area, business owners should at least post their policies.

Nine states now have laws that allow for canines in outdoor dining spots, with some requiring local municipalities to first enact an ordinance allowing the activity.

Most of the laws are rightly attached to a lengthy list of provisions including: an outdoor entrance requirement; a prohibition against dogs on chairs, tables and other furnishings; keeping pets leashed and under control; proper handling of pet waste; and hand-washing for employees and patrons that touch dogs.

Also, some require a system to document and respond to complaints. In Rhode Island, which has the newest law (2016), a restaurateur can set limits on the size and type of dog entering the area.

Collectively, these laws add up to a tall order for vigilance — and potentially more government bureaucratic wrangling — for the sake of more socializing with pets. Hawaii should opt to maintain current restaurant health and safety standards by reserving all spaces for people and service dogs only.