In an effort to keep both tourists & settlers in Hawaii accountable & respectful, elected officials in Hawaii should require both groups to pledge to do far better than they/we have been doing since 1778. The following is the pledge that I personally take as a settler; elected officials in Hawaii should look to the countless native Hawaiian leaders for an appropriate pledge to both the land and people of Hawaii and make it a requirement to visit.

 

My pledge:

·        I pledge to conduct myself with the utmost respect for the Hawaiian people and the land, plants and wildlife of Hawai’i.

 

·        I pledge to only go where I am invited and have permission to be, to tread lightly wherever I go, and to leave nothing behind but footprints in the sand.

 

·        I pledge to not exploit the resources or people of Hawai’i.

 

·        I pledge to not forget that I am a guest of the Hawaiian people.

 

·        I pledge to learn about the true history of Hawai’i and it’s present, from the Hawaiian people themselves.

 

·        I pledge to use my privilege and the resources at my disposal because of it, to help uplift those around me.

 

·        I pledge to give in ways that are asked of me and not expect anything in return.

 

·        I pledge to stand up for what is right but only behind or alongside the Hawaiian people, never in front or on top of them.

 

·        I pledge to learn from those who have cared for these islands for countless generations.