Two people searching for the augmented reality game “Pokemon Go’s” pocket monsters wandered into a sensitive heiau on Kauai where a cultural protocol was underway, according to the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources. In a release sent to
Two people searching for the augmented reality game “Pokemon Go’s” pocket monsters wandered into a sensitive heiau on Kauai where a cultural protocol was underway, according to the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources.
In a release sent to TGI Friday, the entity said one of the state parks employees reported the incident.
“Unfortunately, we are quickly seeing unintended consequences of this new application in the outdoor issues that the hunt for Pokemon characters via digital devices can create, for both cultural and natural resources here in Hawaii and elsewhere,” said Suzanne Case, DLNR chairwoman.
State Parks administrator Curt Cottrell has three recommendations for people heading into the outdoors to catch pocket monsters, or just in general: Be safe, stay on designated trails, and carry out what you carry in.
“We want and encourage people to enjoy all of the outstanding natural and cultural resources Hawaii has to offer,” Case said. “Given the release of ‘Pokemon Go,’ this is an opportune time to remind everyone that these resources can and should be enjoyed in a pono way.”
