HONOLULU (KHON2) — The DLNR Forestry and Wildlife Division’s new mascot will help teach families how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and respectfully.
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The new campaign aims to raise awareness among residents and visitors alike through a series of five 30-second videos featuring Pono the Nene.
“We manage a vast array of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hundreds of miles of Na Ala Hele hiking trails, more than 700,000 acres of public forest preserves, and all the native plants and animals that make these areas so special,” explained DOFAW Administrator David Smith.
Pono the Nene shared these tips for families spending time outdoors this summer:
Pono Hiking
Please keep your equipment clean to prevent the spread of Rapid Ohia Death and invasive species. Stay off the trail to keep ecosystems healthy. Let others enjoy the sounds of nature and keep listening to music on your headphones.
Play Pono
Make sure campfires are safe and well-extinguished. Instead of risking forest fires with fireworks, visit a professional fireworks show.
Collect Pono
With landowner permission and a simple collection permit system, we utilise wood, fruit, leaves etc from the forest.
Malama Pono
Observe wildlife from a distance and don’t leave food outside as it can make wild animals sick.
Become a Ponopet Parent
To help keep our native wildlife safe, keep pets on a leash and indoors or in an enclosed backyard.
The video is simple but has links to more detailed information, including emergency phone numbers, information about Rapid Ohia Death and the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association’s new Pono Pet Parent Pledge.
“When people go out to enjoy nature, we ask that they do so in a way that protects that experience for future generations,” Smith added.
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Hawaii residents who watch all five Pono the Nene videos will receive a free Pono the Nene water bottle sticker or bumper sticker featuring Pono’s favorite phrase, “E mālama kākou i ka ʻāina: Together we care for the land.”
To watch the video, DLNR website.
