Foundation Year — Program Launch
2024 was our inaugural cycle at Keʻehi VA Memorial Park. We established the operating partnership with Keehi Memorial Organization, stood up weekly therapeutic programming for Veterans, and broke ground on the Hajime Matsuura Hot House restoration. This recap covers the milestones that defined the year.
Key Achievements:
- Operating partnership formalized with Keehi Memorial Organization
- Weekly therapeutic horticulture sessions launched for Veteran participants
- Hajime Matsuura Hot House restoration plan finalized and groundwork begun
- First cohort of community partners onboarded for site improvement projects
Gallery:
Expansion — Citizen Science & Hot House Build
2025 expanded the model on two fronts: launching the Veteran-led water quality monitoring program with pond bio-remediation trials, and advancing the Hajime Matsuura Hot House restoration toward completion. We also opened conversations with the SOEST lab at the University of Hawaii on more advanced testing protocols.
Key Achievements:
- Citizen-science water quality program launched — pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity
- Bio-remediation trials carried out across Keʻehi pond systems
- Hajime Matsuura Hot House — first construction phase complete
- Garden pavilion sited adjacent to the water quality observation area
- SOEST lab partnership initiated for advanced chemistry testing
Gallery:
Stewardship — Garden Upkeep & Expanded Programming
2026 shifts emphasis from construction and renovation to stewardship. With the Hot House restoration largely complete and the citizen-science program established, this year's focus is on sustained garden maintenance, the rhythm of seasonal upkeep, and broadening the slate of programming offered to Veteran participants.
Key Achievements:
- Routine garden maintenance schedule formalized across all bed and pond areas
- Hajime Matsuura Hot House transitioned from build phase to operational use
- New programming tracks added beyond therapeutic horticulture
- Continued water quality monitoring with refined sampling protocols
- Expanded volunteer rotations to support year-round site upkeep
Founder & Team Recognition
August brought a recognition gathering at the Keʻehi host site. Dr. Ryder was honored as a key founder of the Manaʻolana Project, and team members were recognized for their leadership in plant and garden maintenance — the routine stewardship work that keeps the gardens, ponds, and shade house operating year-round.
Recognized This Month:
- Dr. Ryder honored as a key founder of the Manaʻolana Project
- Team members recognized for leadership in plant and garden maintenance
- Recognition gathering held on site with participants, staff, and volunteers
Gallery:
See the full story
Our Journey traces the longer arc — from the founding of the program through each year's milestones.
Read Our Journey