During our ambassador retreat to the Big Island this year, our seven Waiākea ambassadors were able to get their hands in some community giveback work, and we mean literally! Thanks to our community partner, the Genki Ala Wai project, local high schoolers got to spend an afternoon with our ambassadors making Genki Balls!
This time we made Genki Balls to contribute to a local pond in Hilo. Genki Balls are used to clean up different waterways. It first started on Oʻahu in efforts to clean the Ala Wai canal. They are made from mud and contain Effective Microorganisms (EM) that digest sludge filled with pollutants. When thrown into the water, they sink to the bottom helping to restore waterways to their natural beauty.
Joining us for this event were Waiākea Ambassadors Kamalani Dung, Kalei Mau, Nique Miller, Dillon Pakele, Kiana Cayabyab, JJ Thomas, and Kolten Wong. The Hilo High Vikings who joined us for the day were stoked to spend some time with everyone who excels in their respective fields. Kolten and Kama were able to throw the Genki Balls into the water the furthest, no surprise there! Kalei, future mama-to-be, got her hands right in the work, connecting well with the students who surrounded her. Nique and JJ were able to bond over their love of the ocean with the students and Dillon and Kiana shared their natural aloha spirit to all who attended.
As the Genki Balls are thrown into the pond everyone affectionately yells, “Genki Hou” (to live again). The next day we said, “A Hui Hou” (until we meet again) to our ambassadors as another wonderful Ambassador Trip had come to an end. We would like to thank the various community members and organizations who helped us come together to make the day special. We’d also like to thank our lovely Waiākea ʻOhana as your purchase serves great purpose and allows us to continue to give back to our local communities and beyond.
