Every morning across Oʻahu, thousands of families begin their day with a walk that strengthens bonds, improves health and builds community connections.

Yet for nearly half our island’s households, this simple act of togetherness ends abruptly at park gates that welcome keiki and adults but turn away the four-legged family members who provide companionship and unconditional love to many of our neighbors.

Of the 308 city parks across Oʻahu, only 36 allow leashed dogs to walk with their owners. That means approximately 88% of our parks don’t legally allow pet owners to exercise with their dogs. Park access for leashed dogs is most severely limited in rural communities along the Leeward, Windward, and North shores.

As Hawaiʻi legislators who have championed both animal welfare and public health initiatives, we applaud the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation for taking a community-centered approach in its effort to expand park access for leashed dogs.

The scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports the community benefits of responsible dog access in public spaces. Research shows that companion animals reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation while increasing physical activity, social connections, and overall happiness. According to the National Recreation and Park Association, 90% of Americans agree that dog-friendly parks benefit communities.

This is particularly relevant here on Oʻahu, where Ward Research data commissioned by the Hawaiian Humane Society in July 2024 shows that 41% of households own dogs. When nearly half of island households include a dog, policies that separate families from their animal companions in public spaces risk excluding a substantial portion of our community from full participation in everyday recreational life.

While any discussion of dog policy must acknowledge safety considerations, these should be addressed through thoughtful solutions rather than blanket restrictions that exclude families who love their pets. We endorse policies that require leashing in all shared spaces and prohibit dogs from walking through playgrounds at all times, as well as across sports fields when in use.

Successful dog-friendly parks incorporate specific design elements that address legitimate concerns while creating vibrant, active public spaces. Of course, any expansion of access should also be paired with clear enforcement of leash and waste laws, along with community education on responsible pet ownership.

The principle of positive placemaking shows that well-used parks with engaged community members deter negative and dangerous activities. When families with dogs regularly use parks, they create community policing and stewardship that enhances safety for everyone.

Research shows that well-exercised, socialized dogs are less likely to develop behavioral issues that lead to public safety concerns. This is particularly important given that behavior problems are the main reason people surrender dogs to shelters, creating additional strain on our community resources.

Although park access is a City and County of Honolulu matter, we see it as part of a larger conversation about inclusion, well-being, and building stronger communities — goals shared across all levels of government. We encourage our fellow community members to engage constructively in this process with the goal of creating inclusive community spaces that serve all residents responsibly.

We can craft solutions that strengthen our communities while maintaining the safety and enjoyment of our beautiful public spaces for all.