Our Timeline
Milestones in our mission to assist VA Memorial Organization on-site maintenance and improvements
Foundation & Growth
Our inaugural year marked the beginning of transformative community initiatives at Keehi VA Memorial Park. We established key support from our host Keehi Memorial Organization and launched weekly therapeutic programmed activities for Veterans.
Key Achievements:
- Established a plan to restore and rehabilitate Hajime Matsuura Hot House
- Adopted a therapeutic wellness approach for Veterans
- Formed partnerships with other local organizations
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Expansion & Innovation
Building on our strong foundation, 2025 brings expanded program activities, and deeper community connections. Our vision of hope, healing, and growth continues to grow as we look to close out renovation and restoration efforts for the Hajime Matsuura Hot House.
Key Achievements:
- Expanded therapeutic garden areas
- Launched series of crafts and educational workshops
- Completed first phase of construction of Hajime Matsuura Hot House restoration
- Initiated environmental stewardship programs
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Stewardship & Continuity
With the Hot House restoration largely behind us and the citizen-science program established, 2026 is the year we settle into the rhythm of stewardship — sustaining what we've built, broadening the slate of programming for Veteran participants, and deepening our partnerships with the host organization and the wider community.
Key Achievements:
- Transition from build-out to sustained garden and pond stewardship
- Expanded programming slate beyond therapeutic horticulture
- Year-round volunteer rotations supporting site upkeep
- Continued refinement of citizen-science protocols with partner labs
Veterans as Citizen Scientists
Discover how our VA participants are participating in water quality protocols through hands-on environmental stewardship, combining therapeutic healing with meaningful scientific contribution to pond ecosystem restoration.
Water Quality Testing Protocol
VA participants emerge as citizen scientists in our groundbreaking water quality monitoring initiative. Through hands-on engagement with Genki Ball bio-remediation and systematic pond monitoring, Veterans contribute to both environmental restoration and therapeutic healing through meaningful scientific observation.
Key Achievements:
- Implemented Genki Ball making and bio-remediation protocols with participant-based approaches
- Developed standardized water quality testing procedures for garden pond systems
- Created observational study framework documenting pond ecosystem improvements
- Integrated therapeutic benefits of environmental stewardship into veteran wellness programs
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Continuous Research & Development
Our water quality mission continues to evolve as we expand partnerships, refine methodologies, and deepen our understanding of pond ecosystem restoration. This ongoing initiative represents our commitment to long-term environmental stewardship and veteran engagement in meaningful citizen-scientific work.
Key Achievements:
- Expanding collaboration with SOEST lab at University of Hawaii
- Refining water chemistry testing protocols (pH, DO, conductivity)
- Developing comprehensive data collection app
- Strengthening citizen science training programs for Veterans
- Creating sustainable bio-remediation practices with Genki Balls