Who let the dogs out? Community celebrates opening of pooch park in Keauhou Mauka

KEAUHOU MAUKA — Tails were wagging Saturday for the opening of Hawaii Island Humane Society’s Central Bark Dog Parks.

Several dozen dogs and their people came out for the celebration of the first phase of the humane society’s Animal Community Center on 12 acres off Mamalahoa Highway, north of Haawina Street off Kuakini Highway. From large canines to little pups, the dogs quickly took to the fresh grass and doggy amenities as soon as they were let off their leashes.

They frolicked for quite some time, enjoying the open space, running laps, playing in the fountain, and, of course, doing those things dogs do.

The first phase, which cost about $3.5 million, includes site and utility work for the entire 12 acres, a large-dog park, a small-dog park and administrative building. The dog parks are the first public ones on Hawaii Island.

“Without the generous donors, this wouldn’t be happening,” said Scott Dodd, who co-chairs the Animal Community Center Capital Campaign with Barbara Kildow.

The campaign committee is fundraising to complete subsequent phases, which include bigger areas to house more animals, a cat barn, welcome center, veterinary clinic, kupuna room and an education center. Ultimately, the Hawaii Island Humane Society will move all of its Kona shelter operations to the Animal Community Center.

The large-dog park is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday, and there is no cost to enter. Eventually, it will be open seven days a week. While the small-dog park is also open, Dodd asked those with small dogs that are comfortable around bigger dogs to use the big-dog park because the grass within the small-dog park is still getting established.

For more information and to donate, visit www.hihs.org.