Pack it in, pack it out, visitors and locals alike
Pack it in, pack it out, visitors and locals alike
I’m writing to you regarding our recent visit to the Marriott Waiohai on Poipu Beach and our experience with a local family on the beach directly in front of this property, especially as it relates to your recent article entitled “The Win-Win of Being a Responsible Traveler” since I have always followed the “Holo Holo Pono” pledge no matter where I’ve have traveled in the world.
My family and I have visited this resort for over ten years and love this special location. While there the last two weeks and enjoying the beauty of this special beach, we noticed a couple with their two children located on the beach next to us. They were cutting and eating fresh mangos and papayas, and throwing the peals, etc., onto the beach. We assumed they would pick up their trash when they left but, to our surprise, they started to leave without picking up their trash. When we questioned why they didn’t pick up their trash, they replied that the trash was “biodegradable”…frankly, I was shocked at their response, especially since they are locals!! We told them they were setting a very bad example to everyone on the beach, especially their children. I can’t imagine what your beautiful beaches would look like if everyone disposed on their “biodegradable” trash in this manner.
Obviously, they left without picking up their trash, so we picked up everything they left behind before we left the beach.
Your article was obviously directed at responsible travelers, but I hope you will agree that it should start at home with the locals first, and this is the reason I’m writing this letter.
Anne Marie Pearson, Manhattan Beach, CA
