As another example of HWMO's strengthening partnerships, we connected with DOFAW's Smokey the Bear for this year's Waikoloa Parade and Banjy's Keiki Festival. A full day begun with Smokey marching along the parade route, only to fall behind due to the constant inflow of fan photo-ops. Not only kids, but adults were just as happy to take photos with Smokey, who in turn reminded all that "only YOU can prevent forest fires."
The fanfare continued into the Banjy's restaurant at the Keiki Festival's Craft Fair. Pablo Beimler, Education and Outreach Coordinator for HWMO, set up a booth with all of our outreach materials, including new Firewise brochures and HWMO overview flyers and a brand new poster-board layout. Dozens of keiki stopped by the booth to collect Smokey gear and a great deal of adults received brief lessons about fire safety and the newest updates from HWMO and PFX. All in all, another successful, exciting outreach day, thanks much in part to Smokey's generosity!
Banner photo: Smokey the Bear poses with fans/community members.