HI HR219

Recognizes the Genki Ala Wai Project, established in 2019, for its efforts to restore and revitalize the Ala Wai Canal with a seven-year goal of making it fishable and swimmable.

The project uses "genki balls" (mud balls containing microorganisms) to decompose harmful chemicals and microbes, with over 115,000 balls deployed to date out of 300,000 expected by 2026.

Has brought together stakeholders and schools for place-based STEM education collaborations with Hawaiian cultural practitioners, enabling student service-learning through environmental revitalization.

Water quality improvements documented at test sites include reduced odor, decreased sludge, and increased compliance with Department of Health standards (82% of samples at Magic Island canoe launch met standards in the past 12 months, up from 60% in 2022).

Native Hawaiian fish species including Aholehole, Weke, Papio, Moi, and Amaama have been spotted returning to the canal with improved water quality.