On a sunny Saturday, February 22nd, the Rotary Club of Pearl Harbor and the Interact Club of Radford High Schoolcame together for a unique and meaningful service project. With waders on and nets in hand, our volunteers stepped into a centuries-old Hawaiian fishpond to help remove invasive jellyfish, contributing to the preservation of this important ecosystem.
Making an Impact
The project was not just about getting our hands wet—it was about restoring balance to a historic and culturally significant site. The invasive jellyfish, or “jellies” as the Fishpond caretakers call them, compete with native fish for plankton, disrupting the delicate aquatic ecosystem. By carefully removing the jellies with nets and transferring them into buckets for disposal, our volunteers helped ensure that the fish would continue to have an ample food source.
A Lesson in History
Beyond the physical work, our volunteers had the chance to learn about the 600-year-old history of the fishpond. Parts of the original rock wall still stand, a testament to the ingenuity and sustainability of ancient Hawaiian aquaculture. We were also introduced to the Maka’ha, the traditional outlet to the ocean. This feature allows small fish to enter through a narrow passage but prevents them from leaving once they grow too large—an ingenious method of sustainable fishing that has been used for centuries.
Service Above Self
With 6 Pearl Harbor Rotarians and 15 Radford Interactors volunteering their time and energy, this event was a shining example of Rotary’s motto: Service Above Self. Despite the hard work of wading through the pond and collecting jellies, the group remained enthusiastic, knowing that their efforts directly benefited the environment and upheld an important cultural tradition.
A Well-Earned Reward
After a morning of dedicated service, the Fishpond caretakers generously provided lunch for all the volunteers, capping off the experience with a sense of camaraderie and appreciation. While no money was spent on this project, the value of teamwork, education, and environmental stewardship was truly priceless.
Looking Ahead
This project is a perfect example of how Rotary and Interact clubs work together to create meaningful change in their communities. By blending service, education, and cultural appreciation, we are not only making an immediate impact but also inspiring future generations to continue these vital efforts.
A big mahalo to everyone who participated! Let’s keep making a difference—one project at a time.
#ServiceAboveSelf #RotaryInAction #InteractClub #EnvironmentalStewardship #PeopleOfAction #RotaryClub
