Hawaii County, HI Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash length limit
- Six feet in parks/airports
- Beach parks
- Dogs banned even leashed
- Governing code
- HCC Chapter 4 (Animals)
- License required
- Dogs 3+ months, microchipped
- Local authority
- County (no city govt)
Summary
In County of Hawai'i parks, school grounds and airports a dog must be on a leash no longer than six feet, and dogs are banned entirely from County beach parks. Letting a dog stray onto public or private land is separately finable.
No person shall bring or permit any dog in any County park, public school ground, or airport unless it is held under control by a suitable leash, not more than six feet long; provided, however, that dogs even under control by a suitable leash shall not be allowed in any County beach park.
Full Breakdown
Hawai'i County Code Chapter 4 (Animals) governs the whole island. It requires any dog in a County park, public school ground or airport to be held on a suitable leash not more than six feet long, and prohibits dogs even leashed at County beach parks. Section 4-4-30 fines owners whose dog strays onto public lands or another person's private land. State law (HRS Ch. 143) requires every dog three months or older to be licensed and microchipped; the biennial fee is about $2.10 (altered/neutered) or $6.10 otherwise. Because Hawaii has no city governments, the county is the only local authority setting these rules.
Violations & Fines
Straying-dog fines escalate on a five-year look-back schedule under HCC 4-4-30; an unlicensed or at-large dog may be seized and impounded by Animal Control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog go to a Big Island beach park?
Does my dog need a license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hawaii County
Compare Hawaii County to another location·View the Hawaii animal ordinances overview
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