PREVIOUS PROJECTS
Magazine Analysis : FA 2017 - FA2019
The Wrong Expectations
PONO analyzes tourism-oriented magazines to think about why tourists behave in ecologically damaging ways.
PONO works towards new and innovative ways of combating ecologically inappropriate information. We have analyzed free magazines and guide books for Japanese tourists and informed NOAA of incorrect or misleading information so that they can contact the Hawaii Tourism Authority and correct it in order to to encourage ecologically-friendly behavior.
Additionally, we are always actively on the lookout for any inappropriate information which may encourage destructive behavior by tourists.
noaa signage : FA 2017
We have worked with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to create appropriate signs and viewing guides for both Japanese and English visitors.
Stay up-to-date with our signage creation below!
Laniākea Beach : SP 2018 - FA 2019
We have helped Mālama nā Honu to designate Laniākea Beach as educational beach for the conservation of sea turtles through signs and viewing guides for English and Japanese visitors.
Muroto Haiko Aquarium : SP 2018
We have provided English translations for the Muroto Haiko Aquarium in Muroto City, Kochi Prefecture, Japan.
Outreach & lectures
Tokai Hawaii, November 14 2018
Through campus presence and lecture, we are raising awareness of university and high school students on how they can work to protect nature with the knowledge that they already possess.
We are also actively creating messages which encourage tourists to respect nature and distributing them to organizations that can help move the community.
Presentations & booths
Japan culture day, November 2 2018
We celebrated Japan Culture Day 2018 by setting up our PONO Booth, inviting college undergraduates, visiting high school students and faculty alike to use their language knowledge for nature preservation. Hope to see you there next year too!
LOCAL BUSINESS INVOLVEMENT
We help locally owned and run businesses compete against big tourism by providing Japanese translations for little to no charge. We’ve provided translation to several local shops, including one that sells sunscreen made from national resources that will not damage our coral reefs when used.
We also provide messages to protect tourists' safety, such as Japanese translations of evacuation routes in tourism-oriented businesses.