TAKE THE PONO PLEDGE

I pledge to be pono (righteous) on the island of Hawai‘i.

I will mindfully seek wonder,
but not wander where I do not belong.

I will not defy death for breathtaking photos,
trespass or venture beyond safety.

I will mālama (care for) land and sea,
and admire wildlife only from afar.

Molten lava will mesmerize me,
but I will not disrupt its flow.

I will not take what is not mine,
leaving lava rocks and sand as originally found.

I will heed ocean conditions,
never turning my back to the Pacific.

When rain falls ma uka (inland),
I will remain high above ground, out of rivers and streams.

I will embrace the concept of being a steward of the land,
revered as my loving chief.

Lawe i ka maalea i kuonoono.

"Take Wisdom and Make it Deep."