Actor Jason Momoa has recorded a public service announcement for the State of Hawaii urging people to “malama the ‘aina.”
Momoa, best known for playing Aquaman in the film of the same name, returned to the islands recently to film “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” due out in December.
The 42-year-old Honolulu-born actor and Warner Bros. Pictures were asked by the Hawaii State Film Office to produce a Malama Hawaii public service announcement to give back to his beloved home, according to a Department of Land and Natural Resources press release.
State Film Commissioner Donne Dawson coordinated the PSA production with the film company.
“They were eager to do this,” Dawson said. “The film industry is critical to the economy in Hawaii and we always want to make sure, particularly when they are shooting on state lands such as at Manoa Falls, they understand and appreciate the importance of caring for our natural and cultural resources. Jason obviously understands this, so this was not a big ask of him and Warner Bros.”
In the 30-second-long Malama Hawaii PSA, Momoa said he’s thrilled to be back home.
“We’ve got to malama ‘aina … take care of the land and this beautiful place we call home. Be mindful of all the invasive species that are choking out the ‘aina. Help us keep them out of our beloved valleys and favorite hiking trails,” he says in the PSA.
The production crew spent several days shooting sequences at Manoa Falls Trail on Oahu. The popular trail is in the DLNR Na Ala Hele Trails and Access System.
“We’re grateful that Jason and the production company took time to record this spot,” said Marigold Zoll, Oahu branch manager for the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife. “The message to malama Hawaii is unique to our state and important for visitors and kamaʻaina to hear often, as a reminder to protect and preserve our natural and cultural resources.
“These are the very things that bring millions of people to our shores every year. Hearing this message from an actor of Jason Momoa’s stature really helps get the message across.”