Aloha Mayor Kenoi and Mr. Fitzgerald, For the past year Let Us Run Our Dogs has been attempting to work with the county to secure land for an off leash dog park. The planning that took place last year for the Old Airport park provides for an off leash dog park, but permission to build the dog park in that area seems to be put on indefinite hold. As a dog owner, I find it disturbing that while we have parks for our children, those of us with dogs have nowhere to go. Our dogs deserve a place where they can exercise and socialize, in a clean, safe environment without endangering or annoying people, property, or wildlife. The Big Island is growing rapidly, and along with its growth the county needs to accommodate the whole community. Approximately 60 % of our households include a dog, or dogs in their family. One of our Big Island residents wrote a letter to the editor in April citing the fact that she and her children were inconvenienced by a dog whose owner allowed it to run on the tennis courts at the Old Airport. I think that all dog owner’s know that it is not legal to have dogs running free, but some feel that they have no choice if they want to provide their dog with the exercise they need. She stated that her tax dollars were paying for the tennis courts and that they should be dog free. She is right, but dog owners pay taxes as well and we feel that we deserve some consideration too. Please designate an area(s) for our off leash dog parks(s) and meet your obligation to the community! Mahalo, __________________________________