Nēnē (Hawaiian Goose/Geese) Feeding nēnē is illegal under state law and if you encounter them on the road, slow down and maintain a four-car-length distance to avoid inadvertently hitting one. Protection and Conservation It’s important to reduce the impact of your visit to our natural environment by observ- ing local laws, customs and traditions, but you can also actively help to preserve this magnificent island. You can learn more about the true meaning of mālama ‘āina (care for the land) by contacting local organizations that are working to preserve and restore ecosystems across the island. Ecotourism and Agritourism All of the Hawaiian Islands have complex and fragile ecosystems that are easily affected by outside influences. This is partly why Hawai‘i has the planet’s highest number of endan- gered and threatened native plant and animal species. An important value for Native Ha- waiians and kama‘āina (local residents) is the idea of mālama ‘āina, or to care for the land. There are many ways visitors can learn about the Native Hawaiian traditions used to work the land — and help locals regenerate Hawai‘i through sustainable efforts for generations to come. For travelers interested in ecotourism and agritourism experiences, there are a variety of farm and agricultural tours, botanical gar- dens and more that showcase the island’s na- tive plants, crops and unique environments. Voluntourism The most powerful aspect of Hawai‘i is not our incredible natural beauty or rich culture — it’s the deep relationship between the two. When you learn to love and appreciate Hawai‘i the way locals do, not only do you help us perpetuate all that we hold dear, but you get to experience what it’s like to have a connection with this remarkable place. Pono Pledge Launched in the fall of 2018, the Pono Pledge’s goal is to remind and encourage visitors and residents alike how to best enjoy the island of Hawai‘i — in a safe, responsible, mindful and regenerative way so that we can enjoy the beauty of the island for generations to come. In 2022, the Pono Pledge video was created and shared by Hawai‘i Island residents and is available on the Pono Pledge website in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian), English and with Japanese subtitles. The video includes beautiful scenic footage and was honored that year with a Silver Telly Award. Please enjoy the video at ponopledge.com and sign the online pledge. Pono Pledge: E kū i ka pono ke kipa i Hawai‘i. I pledge to be pono (righteous) on the island of Hawai‘i. E nanea i ka ‘ikena, ‘a‘ole ho‘i e ki‘ihele hewa i kahi kuleana ‘ole. I will mindfully seek wonder, but not wander where I do not belong. E nihi ka helena i ka uka o Puna, mai pūlale i ka ‘ike a ka maka. I will not defy death for breathtaking photos, trespass or venture beyond safety. E mālama ‘ia ke kai a me ka honua, a e mahalo ‘ia ko laila mau ola lōhiu mai kahi mamao aku. I will mālama (care for) land and sea, and admire wildlife only from afar. Ho‘ohihi ka maka i ke ahi a ka Wahine, he ahi ‘ena‘ena e akahele ai. Molten lava will mesmerize me, but I will not disrupt its flow. ‘A‘ole e kā‘ili ‘ia kā ha‘i, e waiho ‘ia ka pōhaku a me ke one i kona wahi pono‘ī. I will not take what is not mine, leaving lava rocks and sand as originally found. E nānā pono i ke kai, ‘a‘ole e huli kua ‘ia. I will heed ocean conditions, never turning my back to the Pacific. Ke loku mai ka ua i uka, e ao a‘e i ia wai makamaka ‘ole. When rain falls ma uka (inland), I will remain high above ground, out of rivers and streams. He ali‘i ka ‘āina, he kauā ke kanaka. I will embrace the concept of being a steward of the land, revered as my loving chief. E ‘apo i ke a‘o a ho‘ohana, a e ‘oi mau ka na‘auao. Those who apply their teachings increase their knowledge. NĒNĒ (HAWAIIAN GOOSE/GEESE) TOR JOHNSON K U L E A N A and Mālama 80 Experience The Island of Hawai‘i
