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Should pet dogs be allowed to accompany their owners to a cafe or restaurant in Hawaii? The Hawaiian Humane Society thinks so. Read more

Should pet dogs be allowed to accompany their owners to a cafe or restaurant in Hawaii? The Hawaiian Humane Society thinks so.

The Humane Society, along with its fellow animal rescue organizations on neighbor isles, is pushing for a bill this legislative session that would give restaurant owners the discretion to adopt dog-friendly policies. It follows at least two other attempts to pass such a bill, with similar versions having failed in 2012 and 2015.

But Stephanie Kendrick, the organization’s public policy advocate, said she believes the time is ripe for a bill to pass, given that nine other states now have dog-friendly dining laws.

“A lot of momentum has built on the national level, so there’s a little more precedent for this sort of law,” she said. “Other states — New York and California — have figured out that they can do this without jeopardizing public health.”

Kendrick cited a study in 2013 that found the public health risks of allowing dogs in restaurants to be “very low” if safety, sanitation and hygiene practices were enforced. To gauge public support, the Humane Society recently launched an online petition calling for legalization of dog-friendly dining in Hawaii, and so far it has about 2,300 signatures from across the isles.

While many Hawaii businesses like shops and hotels have adopted pet-friendly policies, restaurant owners must meet health codes. Under federal law, only service animals as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act are allowed in establishments that serve food and beverages.

Bruce Anderson, director of the state Department of Health, said these rules are in place for health and safety reasons.

Dogs can defecate and transmit parasites and bacteria that can be harmful to humans, he said, plus compromise the sanitation of a food service establishment. In addition, some individuals may be allergic or might not like to dine next to a dog.

“The cleanliness of animals certainly can’t be assured, and they do defecate and carry fleas and other pests that can compromise the health of those in the restaurant,” said Anderson, who has three pet dogs.

Anderson said the state Health Department would not support a bill allowing dogs inside of a restaurant, but would possibly be receptive to one allowing dogs in outdoor eating areas as long as they are clearly separated from the food preparation area and are not being served food and drinks by employees.

An example of that might be a cafe where the consumer purchases food and drinks inside and then takes them to an outdoor chair and table.

A growing number of people seem to want to bring their pets with them wherever they go. Some who signed the Humane Society’s petition commented that other states allow dining with dogs, so Hawaii should, too. One said she would not only patronize pet-friendly restaurants, but give them good reviews online.

Indeed, there already are online review sites for anyone who wants to dine out with their dog. Yelp, as well as bringfido.com, a pet travel site, provide lists of Honolulu restaurants that are dog-friendly or known to offer an outdoor area where dogs are welcome.

The Humane Society has long advocated for a more pet-friendly community to support the human-animal bond.

“We’ve always been about people as much as we are about animals,” Kendrick said. “We want this to be a positive the whole community can embrace, that’s safe and fun for both people and animals. One of the things we also advocate for regularly is responsible pet ownership, and we think this can be a great incentive for pet owners to get their animals the socialization skills they need.”

Former Gov. Neil Abercrombie supported an earlier bill seeking to allow dogs in restaurants in 2012. He and wife Nancie Caraway are proud owners of a Shetland sheepdog named Kanoa.

“Dogs not only bring peace and joy and compassion into our lives, but link us to other people,” said Carraway in an email. “Wherever we go with Kanoa, people beam with pleasure allowing bonds between folks and encouraging community. In Europe and other parts of the world, it’s very common to honor dogs as beloved family members. We hope that same affection and warmth can be adopted here in Hawaii. It would enrich our lives immensely to be able to hang out with our beloved pets in cafes and restaurants.”

She added that at the same time, all pet owners must be responsible stewards, maintaining cleanliness and good behavior.

Rona Holub of Kakaako loves the idea of being able to bring along her poodle, Jack, whether enjoying a cup of coffee or dining. She recalled visiting places like Bar Harbor, Maine, where businesses were dog-friendly. A few years ago on a trip to Paris, she saw plenty of dogs in restaurants without much ado. In Kakaako in particular, where many residents have dogs, she said, it would be make sense to have dog-friendly businesses.

“My feeling is, if the dog is well behaved … as long as people are considerate, then why not?” Holub said recently while in a common area with Jack at Salt at Our Kakaako.

Lisa Kim, owner of Brew’d Craft Pub, who fosters dogs, said she would welcome customers with pooches at her gastropubs.

A new pub is slated to open at Keauhou Lane later this month, with plenty of outdoor seating, she said, and she would look forward to being able to accommodate customers with dogs, which seem to be part of the area’s demographic.

“In the Kakaako area with all the condos coming up, there is an abundance of people that have dogs,” said Kim, who has a rescue dog named Bender. “I cannot see telling a customer you can’t bring your dog into our place when the dog’s living with them. … If the restaurateur is OK with it, we should be allowed the opportunity to do so.”

Lane Muraoka, owner of Big City Diner, said he would welcome well- behaved and well-groomed dogs to the outdoor patios of his restaurants, as long as they do not cause discomfort to surrounding diners. “They’ve got to be well behaved,” he said.

The push for a bill comes just as a new law took effect Tuesday imposing fines for passing off a pet dog as a service animal, which was supported by Jim Kennedy, executive director of Hawaii Fi-Do Service Dogs. The nonprofit is not against a place being animal-friendly, he said, as long as dogs are well behaved and clean.

Kendrick said a proposed bill would include health and safety provisions. Dogs would not be allowed on furnishings, including tables and chairs, for instance.

“We really believe in the integration of pets into our daily lives,” she said. “We are in favor of pet-friendly workplaces and pet-friendly housing, and this is just one more step in that direction.”