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Two people wandered into a sensitive heiau on Kauai while searching for characters on the smartphone app Pokemon GO, according to a Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks employee.
By doing so, they disrupted cultural protocol, according to DLNR.
Pokemon GO uses a phone’s GPS technology to find and capture animated creatures in the real world.
Heiau, or Hawaiian temples, were built by high chiefs and priests and dedicated to different gods for various purposes, including healing, peace, fertility and agricultural productivity.
“We want and encourage people to enjoy all of the outstanding natural and cultural resources Hawaii has to offer,” said DLNR Director Suzanne Case in a statement. “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.”
The DLNR on Friday reminded hikers to stay on designated trails, carry out what they carry in, use electronic devices responsibly and in emergencies call for help.
Earlier this week the
Honolulu Police Department advised gamers to pay attention to their surroundings at all times and never play the game while driving, noting that using an electronic mobile device while driving is punishable by a $297 fine. In various areas nationwide, players have sustained bruises and other injuries from inattention to their environment.