Rain Marks Opening of Lānaʻi’s New Dog Park

LĀNAʻI CITY, April 29, 2025 – Construction on Lānaʻi’s new dog park finished ahead of schedule, and despite steady rain, the park officially opened Tuesday afternoon with a blessing, speeches and giveaways. Cotton candy, shaved ice and dog toys were handed out under tents as a few families brought their pets to mark the occasion.

“This all started because Alberta came up to me and said this was a need,” said Councilmember Gabe Johnson. “I told her to prove it — and she did.” Johnson explained that Alberta de Jetley organized a petition, collected signatures and launched a Facebook page to show community support. “People came up,” he said. “Yeah, and they all had the paw prints on the signatures, and everybody came out and they signed.”

Director of Parks and Recreation Patrick McCall walked attendees through the park’s origin story, crediting Aunty Alberta for sparking the idea. “She went to another good human who said, well, show me that the community likes it,” McCall said. That led to a petition with paw prints, which made its way to Councilmember Gabe Johnson and his dog, Hoku. “Hoku, his friend, gave him a good lick of approval,” McCall joked, before adding that Hoku then went to Koa, the dog of Councilmember Alice Lee, who also backed the project. From there, the support spread to Ipoliʻi from Councilmember Tamara Paltin’s office. “Together the council went and fetched the money for this park,” McCall said.

The project was coordinated by Erica Houston and built by Kitsap Construction. McCall acknowledged them both, along with Kahu Saul Kahihikolo and Anela Sanchez from the Lānaʻi park staff. “This is the only county project I know of that finished ahead of schedule,” he said.

Kahu Saul offered a blessing and reflected on the park’s meaning, saying, “It took a village to come up with the vision and bring it to life. This isn’t just about people — it’s about the four-legged members of our families, too.”

After the blessing, the gates were opened. Aunty Alberta and her three dogs — ʻEleu, Haole Boy, and Nalu — were the first to enter. Free toys and treats from Kitsap, as well as handmade snacks from the Lānaʻi 4-H Club, were handed out. Veterinary support and the Lānaʻi Cat Sanctuary were also present.

“Please enjoy this park,” said CM Johnson. “Take your dogs to the park, sit on the bench, talk story, gossip a little and enjoy our beautiful town.”