"Built in 1928, Honolulu’s Ala Wai Canal has become one of Hawaiʻi’s most polluted waterways, accumulating debris and sludge that releases toxic compounds into the water. But the Genki Ala Wai Project is working to restore the ecosystem—making it suitable once again for activities like swimming—by 2026. Inspired by similar cleanup efforts in Japan, the project uses Effective Microorganisms, a mixture of beneficial microbes, that are released into the water via “genki” (a Japanese term for “healthy”) mud balls. After sinking to the canal bed, the organisms begin to digest sludge—up to 10 square feet or more of the stuff per ball. As of October 2024, more than 190,000 balls of the organization’s 300,000 goal have been released. Those looking to get involved can volunteer on specific projects or join one of Genki Ala Wai’s regular events; the organization has also partnered with local hotels, like The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach, and the new Romer House Waikiki."
