Our landblog reports:

It might seem like a beautiful and remote beach for residents to let their dogs run free and frolic in the waves, but it’s not, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. 

DLNR has recently cracked down on unleashed dogs at Polihale State Park beach, slapping their owners with $100 fines for first time offenses. And the department sent out an advisory today, alerting the public that such animal leniency is not allowed at any of state park beaches. 

From DLNR: 

State Parks rules state that no person shall enter a park with dogs, cats, and other animals unless they are crated, caged, on a leash which shall not exceed six feet in length, or otherwise under physical restrictive control at all times; unless posted signs state that animals are not allowed.   

State Park rules also state that no person shall enter public eating places, food stores, designated swimming areas, or beaches with animals. This rule does not apply to service animals accompanying their handlers. 

“Given the number of dogs that owners in the past have allowed to run freely on Polihale State Park beach, we have been fortunate that there were no serious incidents involving animals (dogs) on the beach,” said Francis Mission, DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement Kauai branch chief. “We will continue to be strictly enforcing this rule in the future.” 

Following citizen complaints, DLNR conducted a large scale enforcement sweep at Polihale State Park beach on May 19, to reinforce state parks rules. Four citations were issued to owners for allowing their dogs to be unleashed on the beach, which is a petty misdemeanor offense under Hawai‘i Administrative Rules, Section 13-146-10 (b) and subject to criminal penalties of: 
·        $100 for a first offense; 
·        $200 for a second offense; and 
·        $500 for a third or subsequent offense. 

Photo: DLNR, Polihale State Park beach