Summer is a great time to enjoy Hawaii’s beautiful mountains, beaches, and surf! Hiking, biking, snorkeling, swimming, wave riding, barbequing… whatever your pleasure, enjoy the outdoors with kokua, in a way that won’t harm people, animals or the environment.
On the Trails and in the Water
The land and the sea are connected, and both need our care. Litter, storm drain trash, waste dumped at sea, and old fishing gear harm ecosystems, they create hazards to human health/safety, and they kill marine mammals, turtles, fish and seabirds. Discarded fishing equipment is especially lethal, as it traps and kills marine life for decades.
- Dispose of rubbish properly and pick up litter wherever you see it. Human trash is one of the greatest threats to the environment.
- Clean shoes and tires after a hike or trail ride. Seeds from invasive species can be transported in the tread of muddy shoes and bike tires.
- Participate in beach and trail cleanup projects. Be part of the solution!
In Native Flora and Fauna Habitat
Releasing domestic plants or animals into the wild, picking native plants, and getting too close to wildlife can cause unintended harm to plants, animals, and ecosystems.
- Do not feed, approach, or attract wildlife. Although you mean well, you may disrupt natural feeding patterns and you can cause injury, sickness, or death.
- Do not touch or feed sea turtles and reef fish; avoid touching coral.
- Remain at least 50 yards from dolphins and monk seals.
At the Beach and in the Park
Show your concern for the health and welfare of people and animals.
- Respect others, and help them learn. Be considerate of people and private property. If others are behaving irresponsibly, politely help to educate them.
- Enjoy picnics that are meat-free. Prevent environmental degradation and the extreme suffering of innocent animals by going veggie on your summer outings.
- Barbeque responsibly. Avoid toxic charcoal lighter fluid and dispose of coals safely. Extinguish charcoal completely; never bury hot coals in beach sand.
For more information
Visit www.hawaiitrails.org for statewide hiking trail information. To participate in cleanup projects, visit Surfrider Foundation and the Sierra Club Hawaii