Maui Parks Department hosts meeting on Dog Parks, August 26

The county parks department hosts an informational meeting tonight to discuss dog parks.  Guest speakers will provide information on the establishment of dog parks, maintenance, and non-profit fundraising.  The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Waikapu Community Center.
The public is invited to attend and provide input on establishing dog parks and dog park rules in Maui County.

One of the speakers is Elaine Dobashi, president of Hui ‘Ilio Hawaii, a non-profit organization that has partnered with the City & County of Honolulu to operate a dog park in Hawaii Kai. Ms. Dobashi will be sharing her experiences with organizing non-profits, fundraising and creating partnerships for dog parks. Hui ‘Ilio Hawaii raised more than $100,000 to get establish its dog park.

The other speaker, Toni Robinson, is past president of the Hawaii Recreation & Park Association and a recently-retired employee of the City & County of Honolulu Parks & Recreation Department. Toni will be sharing her experiences with dog parks while she was employed with the Parks & Recreation Department and the processes involved in creating, implementing and maintaining dog parks.

Draft copies of the County’s proposed Administrative dog park rules are available at all County of Maui Parks & Recreation district permit offices; copies of the draft will also be available at the meeting. For more information, call 270-8061.