Ask The Mayor: What’s Maui’s Leash Law Enforcement?

Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his staff.

Waipuilani Beach Park. PC: Courtesy file photo, County of Maui.

Q: Is Waipuilani Park considered a dog park since there are so many dogs without leashes roaming around? I like dogs, but owners let them loose bothering folks especially in the late afternoon. These dogs are a nuisance and the owners just don’t seem to care. What is the enforcement of leash laws on Maui?

A: I love dogs too, but you are correct — Waipuilani Park is not a dog park.

To report a leash law violation, please call the Maui Humane Society at 877-3680, extension 211; you can also document the violation if you have a cellphone or other camera handy. Maui County regulations are intended to ensure the humane treatment of Maui’s pets and the safety of our community, and restraint regulations such as leash laws protect public safety, as well as your pet, from any number of dangers.

Humane Society officers are tasked with enforcement of these laws; they also serve as educators and facilitators to pet owners all over the island. Under county and state statutes, MHS officers have the same authority and powers as a police officer to issue citations in the event that animal regulations or laws are violated, such as in the case of the dogs you observed at Waipuilani Park.

The Upcountry Dog Park is located in the Eddie Tam complex in Makawao. Debra Lordan file photo.

A loose dog presents a dangerous situation for both animals and humans. Dogs that are allowed to run loose are at great risk of becoming lost, injured or killed. For this reason, the county has opened three dog parks where pet owners can allow their dog to run leash-free in a controlled environment. The parks are located at Keōpūolani Park in Kahului, Kilohana Park in Kīhei and the Upcountry Dog Park at Mayor Eddie Tam Complex in Makawao.

Maui County Code requires that your dog be under restraint at all times on the owner’s property, or on property other than the owner’s, a dog must be secured on a leash of not more than 10 feet in length and a responsible person must hold the leash. This includes all beaches and parks in Maui County except leash-free dog parks.

Leash law violations bring a fine of not more than $500. The minimum fine is not less than $50 for a first violation; a fine of not less than $100 for a second violation within five years after a prior violation; and a fine of not less than $200 for a third violation within five years after two prior violations.

Want to ask the Mayor?

Submit your Maui County related questions to Mayor Michael Victorino by email at AskTheMayor@mauicounty.gov, by phone at (808) 270-7855 or via mail to 200 S. High Street, ninth floor, Wailuku, Hawaiʻi 96793.

Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column.