WAILUKU, Maui — Each district in Maui County could get a dog park under a plan being developed by the Department of Parks and Recreation, The Maui News reported yesterday.

Eventually, the county could also work with the state to designate times or areas where dogs could run free on beaches, parks officials said. But first the department is trying to change the law to allow for dog parks, since the county code now requires dogs to be leashed at all times.

The County Council Public Works and Facilities Committee voted 5-0 Wednesday to recommend changing the law.

"Our ultimate goal is to have at least one dog park in each district, including Moloka'i and Lana'i," said John Buck, recreational program planner. "At least the owners will have a place to go."

The parks department would work with dog owners to identify possible locations for dog parks — or "parks for people with dogs" — and would focus on unused portions of existing parks or open spaces, he said. Potential locations include unused areas of Keopuolani Park and Eddie Tam Memorial Center, he said. Drainage retention basins are also large, grassy areas that could be good space for dogs, he said.

In general, each dog park would have a fence, double-gated entry area, and a sign posting the rules. People entering the park would get a "pooch pass" for their dog. If a dog misbehaves, "their doggie pass would be revoked," Buck said.

He said the county believes dog parks could reduce problems with loose dogs in other places.

While Maui already has a small dog park at Kilohana, the park, created by private citizens, technically is illegal because of the county's leash law, Buck said.

Changing the law to allow dogs to be off-leash in designated areas would make the Kilohana park legal and allow the county to develop more dog parks, he said.

The plan got support from local dog lovers.

Forty-three percent of Maui residents have dogs, and yet they have no place to let their pets run and play, said Maui Humane Society Executive Director Jocelyn Bouchard.

She said communities with dog parks tend to have fewer dog problems, including attacks and leash-law violations.

Attorney and dog owner Anthony Ranken said he's seen dog parks work in communities on the Mainland.

Upcountry dog owner Liz Suter said dogs that get exercise are quieter and calmer — making them better neighbors.

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