Holo Holo Launches Pono Pledge to Foster Environmental Stewardship

Did you know that traveling responsibly can lead to more exhilarating adventures? Holo Holo Charters, a 20-year-old, locally-owned boat tour company, understands the impact destination travel can have on the environment both economically and experientially, so they proactively created an online Pono (righteous) Pledge, holoholopono.com encouraging all passengers to complete before they actually set sail on their Kauai ocean adventure. The pledge brings more than just awareness about the importance of reducing plastics and eliminating toxic sunscreens from ending up in the ocean. Island visitors on Kauai now consciously make a promise when taking the pledge to live a “lifestyle of stewardship” anchored and inspired by the key Hawaiian value, “Aloha” which is Kauai’s spirit.

“The world will turn to Hawaii as they search for peace because Hawaii has the key… and that key is Aloha.” – Pilahi Paki

Chandra Bertsch, General Manager of Holo Holo Charters shares the inspiration for the pledge: “Our mission at Holo Holo Charters is to provide safe, unique and memorable ocean experiences while sharing the beauty, culture and history of Kaua’i, but we have an opportunity to do more. By educating our visitors about the topics important to our island community and environment, we hope their Kaua’i vacation will be more fulfilling and inspiring and will further the message of responsible tourism locally and globally.”

“For years Holo Holo Charters boat captains have stopped their tour to haul dangerous derelict fishing nets out of the ocean. Ghost nets and ropes are the number one cause of injury to whales and many other sea mammals. Mahalo Holo Holo Charters for being part of our Net Patrol Team! Holo Holo Charters is also a certified Ocean Friendly Restaurant, a Surfrider program recognizing companies that reduce plastic waste and implement ocean-friendly practices. We applaud Holo Holo Charters for educating Kauai’s visitors on the importance of caring for our ocean and beautiful Kauai Island” said Barbara Weider, Surfrider Foundation Kauai Chapter Vice-Chair.

“We all have a responsibility to tourism and our communities and that requires proactive planning to achieve balance between community and industry for success” said Olof Yrr Ataldottir, Vice President of the European Travel Commission.

Holo Holo Charters feel it’s their kuleana (responsibility) to not only give island visitors the experiences they seek, but also to help preserve its island destination both environmentally and culturally for the people, plants and animals who inhabit Kauai.

For more information: https://www.holoholokauaiboattours.com/pono-pledge/