Genki Balls to Improve Water Quality in Hawaii’s Ala Wai Canal

In February of this year, Kintetsu International U.S.A. celebrated its 50th anniversary.

As part of the 50th-anniversary celebration, we participated in the Genki Ball event organized by Hawaii’s The Genki Ala Wai Project.’ The purpose is to make Genki Balls and throw them into the canal to purify the water. Executives and employees from KNT-CT Holdings Co., Ltd. in Japan also participated in this commemorative event.

The previous Ala Wai Canal in Honolulu was unsuitable for fish habitation due to accumulated sludge. Volunteers from The Genki Ala Wai Project have been working towards transforming it into a ‘swimmable and fishable waterway.’ They have been crafting and deploying Genki Balls into the canal, contributing significantly to enhancing water quality. As reported by The Genki Ala Wai Project, the sludge level on the Kapahulu side has decreased from 58 centimeters to 8 centimeters, resulting in the return of fish to the area.

We divided into groups of around four to five individuals and began crafting Genki Balls. Each table had a volunteer offering guidance on the process. Initially, we sieved the soil, which turned out to be unexpectedly hard work. Next, we combined the other ingredients with the sieved soil, excluding the water, and thoroughly mixed them. Subsequently, we slowly added water while shaping the mixture into balls to create the Genki Balls, resembling the process of making sweets. The Genki Balls cannot be immediately thrown into the canal; they require weeks to ferment and solidify. The Genki Balls crafted will be tossed into the canal during the Genki Ball event by the participants in a few weeks.

Finally, the moment arrived to toss the Genki Balls into the canal. Gathering at the water’s edge, we all shouted ‘Genki-Ho’ and simultaneously released the Genki Balls. The term ‘Ho’ signifies ‘again’ or ‘return,’ reflecting our desire for the water to be restored to its pristine state. I was touched by the thought that each Genki Ball would gradually aid in purifying the water.

Thanks to members at The Genki Ala Wai Project, we had a meaningful experience.

As Kintetsu International, we hope to contribute to society, even in a small way, through environmental conservation activities. If you come to Hawaii for a vacation, we highly recommend participating in the Genki Ball event.”