Volunteer Testimonials
“I first heard about the project through the article in MidWeek last summer. I wanted to help work towards the goal for improving the water quality in the Ala Wai Canal and the results that the group was getting sounded very promising. Overall, working with this group of volunteers has been great! Everyone is so positive and work very well together. The community involvement has been impressive. A healthy ecosystem in the future is within reach. We are already hearing that there are more animals seen and less odor noticed, and pollutant measurements are dropping.”
— Anne
“For each of the past three years, we have spent a few months in the Waikiki area. We intend to continue doing so indefinitely, and now have an apartment two blocks from the Ala Wai canal. My first, casual impression of the canal was of a “dead zone”. But in 2022, I read an article in the Star-Advertiser about the Genki ball project’s work to improve the viability of the canal by distributing mud balls that are inoculated with beneficial bacteria. I walk along the canal at least five days a week, so I thought that volunteering to help the Genki ball project would be a good use of my time. I find it gratifying that the conditions in the canal have improved to the point where fish are feeding and spawning, and that predators are finding it worth their time to feed on them and other aquatic prey. I believe that the Genki ball project has contributed significantly to the canal’s improved health, and I look forward to helping the canal’s residents to thrive in its waters.”
— Gary
“First learned about the project after seeing coverage on tv and reading about it in the MidWeek newspaper. After retiring in 2022, I wanted to find a suitable project to devote my energy and contribute to a healthier environment. Genki Ala Wai was my choice because it uses a bioremediation process to help remove pollutants from the environment. This process is also known to help farmers to neutralize odor/pests naturally in their environment. My overall experience: It’s fun to make and throw, mostly it’s rewarding to see sea life returning. This team spirit of generosity fosters empathy, compassion, and a sense of responsibility among community members. I work best in a group of like-minded people working together for a common cause. My vision for the future of the Ala Wai: I remember as a kid, my parents would take us on rented boat rides on the Ala Wai. As a parent, I was hesitant to allow my son to paddle a kayak in the Ala Wai during a high school event, worried about a possible infection. I would like to see the Ala Wai return with vitality without that worry. I love nature and want to see it thrive. I would participate in the future to go upstream with Genki Ala Wai.”
— Ranie
“My friend invited me as a volunteer to one of the private events. I believe in the project vision, it's a fun educational activity I can do with my daughters, and of course...it's fun to make and toss genki balls! I prepared and cleaned up materials, including taking care of the genki balls after they “grew". I also got to teach people from all generations how to make them.”
— Tomomi