Mayoral Candidate Survey

Pet owners are a powerful political force. Sixty percent of Oahu families own at least one pet and 43 percent own dogs.

We'd like to congratulate Peter Carlisle on his recent election as the new Mayor of Honolulu. We look forward to working with Mayor Carlisle on important animal welfare issues. Check out his survey responses below.

Question	Peter Carlisle
Are you a pet owner?	Yes, 3 cats
Do you think animal companionship is important to our quality of life?	Yes
Do you believe that a well-funded, low-cost sterilization program is an important factor in reducing pet overpopulation?	Yes, provided where the funds come from
Do you believe that dogs and their handlers should have more access to community park space such as opening up more existing parks to leashed dogs and creating more off-leash dog parks?	Depends on finances and circumstances
Do you believe that measures such as a pet deposit would hep address theshortage of pet-friendly housing (rentals and buildings) on Oahu?	Depends on the nature of the measure
Do you believe that Oahu restaurant owners should have the right to choose whether or not to allow leashed dogs with their owners in the outdoor areas of their establishment?	It is up to the elected lawmakers to decide
Do you think current penalties for cockfighting (such as a $25 fine and no jail time) are sufficient to end this illegal activity?	Enforcement is the primary mode of curbing illegal activity
Do you believe that we need to decrease the chaining of dogs in our community?	If the nature of the chaining is inhumane, yes. If it is not inhumane, no.
Do you think Trap, Neuter and Return and manager (TNRM) is an effective and humane strategy to reduce feral cat overpopulation?	It is humane. I have no statistics on its effectiveness.
If elected, would you be open to considering a pilot for an off-leash dog beach outside of urban Honolulu for certain hours of the day?	I am open ot this idea, but I would need more facts and details about the proposal and its implications.
Do you believe that our community needs to be prepared for a natural disaster by also including planning for their pets in evacuation and sheltering?	Yes
Do you believe that pet stores should be required to release information to authorities about the breeders they buy from?	Depends on what the information is and what the law is regarding that information.
Do you believe that urban planning and development projects should include accommodations for pets and pet owners, such as pet-friendly housing and parks that welcome pets and their owners?	It depends on the nature of the accommodations, the benefit to pet owners, and the cost to the city.
Do you support participation in Take Your Pet to Work Week, a national awareness week highlighting animal companionship and adoptions?	Yes
Do you believe there should be increased penalties for those convicted of animal cruelty?	My answer would depend on the specific statute being addressed.
Would you like to add anything on these or other related issues?	As Prosecuting Attorney, I have supported and enforced laws requiring the humane treatment of animals and would do exactly the same if elected Mayor.