HONOLULU (KHON2) -- A new mascot for the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife helps teach families how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and respectfully.
The new campaign aims to bring awareness to both residents and visitors with a series of five 30-second videos featuring Pono the Nēnē.
“We manage an enormous amount of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hundreds of miles of Nā Ala Hele hiking trails, over 700,000 acres of public Forest Reserves, and all the native plants and animals that make those areas special,” explained DOFAW Administrator, David Smith.
Pono the Nēnē shared the following tips for families spending time outdoors this summer:
Hike Pono
Clean gear to avoid spreading Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death or invasive seeds. Stay on the trails to keep the ecosystem healthy. Let others enjoy the sounds of nature and keep music in your headphones.
Play Pono
Keep campfires safely contained and ready to extinguish. Instead of risking a wildfire from fireworks, visit a professional show.
Gather Pono
Use wood, fruit, foliage and more from forests with landowner permission and the easy collection permit system.
Mālama Pono
View wildlife from a distance and do not leave food outdoors as it may make the wildlife sick.
Be a Pono Pet Parent
Keep your pet on a leash, indoors, or in a contained backyard to keep the native wildlife safe.
While the videos may be simple, there are links to more detailed information such as emergency numbers, information about Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death, a new Pono Pet Parent Pledge from the Hawaiʻi Veterinary Medical Association and more.
“When people head outside to enjoy nature, we ask that they do it in a way that helps protect those experiences for future generations," Smith added.
Hawaii residents who watch all five Pono the Nēnē videos can receive either a free Pono the Nēnē water bottle sticker or a bumper sticker with Pono’s favorite saying: “E mālama kākou i ka ʻāina: Let’s care for the land together.”
To watch the videos, visit the DLNR's website.