Aloha June Watanabe,

Star Bulletin

Thank you so much for your interest in the meeting on February 11, 2009.

 

We did meet with the Director of Parks & Recreation, Lester Chang and the Regional Director, Toni Robinson, Mike Smith, Manager of East Honolulu Parks and also Ron Lockwood, Chairman of the McCully/Moilili Neighborhood Board plus Pierre Jaffuel our Planning Director, Shaunna Tabor our Founder and myself, Sandy Edrich, Chairperson of the Ala Wai K-9 Playground Association.

We presented our Master Plan for our Approved Park which was graciously donated by Lester H. Inouye & Associates.   The Approved Park won't be ready for us for 3 to 5 years after the Sewer Project is completed. 

 

We spent the majority of our time reviewing options for the Temporary Park.  We had 2 bids from contractors at a cost of $25,000  and we also turned in a bid for a 'Rent a Fence'.  This is the most promising because we have the funds & can have this build immediately.  The cost for this is $5,000 for installation and removal and $400 a month.  I know that seems like a lot of money for just a temporary park but we don't have a lot of choices and the need for the off-leash dog park is growing.  Once we have a safe and secure area, we can have a fundraiser to help with the cost of this park and our future park. 

 

The most important thing is that we would have a totally enclosed area that is safe for our puppies and safe for the public and all the school activities.   We won't have to bother the police by having complaints called in and be asked to leave.  I want to say that the police have been very understanding and have tried to help us through a difficult time. 

                                                                               

The  coaches have also been very supportive.  We have been co-existing for the last few years with very few incidence and we try and communicate any problems as soon as possible.  The coaches know that we are all in the same boat as we both lost our fields due to the Sewer Project.

 

The officials said they would be back with an answer for more logistic questions within a month.  They also have a difficult task with so many variables on how this park will serve the public the best.  They want to work out all the issues so the problems are at a minimum once we open the park.     

 

We will 'Build A Dog Park & Build A Community' 

 

Thank you June and the Star Bulletin for your interest.  If you have any other questions please feel free to e-mail me or call.

 

Mahalo,

 

Sandy Edrich, Chairperson

Ala Wai K-9 Playground Association