Waipahu, Hawaii (May 4, 2025) – On Sunday, May 4, the World Mission Society Church of God brought new life to a neglected part of Hawaii by organizing a much needed cleanup of the Waipahu Canal. Roughly 50 volunteers gathered early in the morning, equipped with gloves, tools, and an abundance of enthusiasm to serve their community. Their goal was to restore a key waterway that had become overrun with trash and waste.
The cleanup, which spanned approximately 150 yards of the canal, was a collaborative effort with Honolulu’s Department of Facility Maintenance and the Honolulu Police Department. Church members focused on clearing trash, overgrown brush, and other blockages from the canal. Volunteers also took time to paint over graffiti, leaving the area cleaner, safer, and more visually appealing.
This effort marked the first time the church had returned to clean the canal since their last initiative in 2019. The decision to return was rooted in the church’s ongoing mission to practice faith through action, following the example of Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother.
“In a way, it may look like a lot of work for us,” said one volunteer, Eric Mencias, “But it’s actually in a way, more blessings for us.”
The Waipahu Canal plays a vital role in the local ecosystem and urban infrastructure, serving as a conduit for stormwater runoff and connecting to Pearl Harbor. Without regular maintenance, clogged debris and unchecked vegetation can lead to environmental degradation and water flow disruption. Sunday’s effort helped mitigate some of those issues while also sending a strong message of unity and care.
By the end of the cleanup, the canal had been completely renewed. Both the church members and community were overjoyed by the results. The volunteers were especially joyful at having the opportunity to demonstrate God’s glory through good deeds—especially in places that are typically overlooked.
This latest act of service is one of many local initiatives the church has undertaken globally, aligning with their mission of sharing love and hope with the world. Their commitment extends beyond one-day efforts as volunteers pledged to return to the Waipahu Canal regularly to keep up with maintenance and ensure the area remains clean and accessible.
This one act of servitude contributes to the church’s mission to make the world a cleaner and better place to live in. In 120 countries, members all around the world are participating in the “Environmental Cleanup Campaign” to save precious lives and and purify the environment suffering from climate change and pollution. All around the world, church volunteers actively brightened up the month of April by volunteering in street clean ups, forest environment improvement, and water environment improvement to better local communities and shine the glory of God.
In a world where environmental neglect and urban decay often go unnoticed, the church’s work is a testament to the power of community, faith, and volunteerism. Their efforts serve as a reminder that caring for our shared spaces can make a great difference.
The cleanup was reported in Hawaii News Now:
https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/05/04/church-members-spruce-up-vandalized-portion-waipahu-canal/
