For a couple of hours every weekday evening, about 50 young people run laps around a field at Makiki District Park and sprint across the middle. Ranging from elementary schoolers to people in their mid-20s, they are preparing for a track and field competition at the end of the month.
It may seem like a wholesome way to spend time together and a typical use of public green space. But if you ask some of the park’s longtime dog walkers, it’s a big nuisance.
In their telling, the runners have taken over the field. Dog owners say they’ve narrowly avoided collisions with mouthy teenagers who’ve hounded them to get out of the way.
“Somehow or another, I’ve gotten in their path, but I don’t know that they’re coming,” said dog owner Paul Caster, 75. He lives close to the park and walks his 11-pound, 15-month-old emotional support dog Willie, a maltese, there at least once a day…