Kaʻū Taro Festival offered presentations on learning to plant taro and opportunities to take plants and taro roots home to grow. OKK photo by Linda Davis |
DeLozier reported that more than $8,000 was raised for scholarships. in addition about $10,500 was taken in by food, arts, crafts and other vendors. To give additional contributions to the scholarship fund, see www.okaukakou.org/kau-taro-festival.
Several kinds of taro, some good for luau leaf, others for making poi and other dishes, found new homes with those who attended Kaniwala Kalo O Kaʻū, the Taro Festival. OKK photo by Linda Davis |
During the festival, Ty Chun emceed. Auntie Paulette Ke and her 'ohana conducted an opening protocol. An Ali'i County Council member Michelle Galimba inducted Kaʻū youth Ioane Naboa, Alazae Forcum, Lexi Manilla-Louis and Arabella Ortega to become Honorary Festival Ambassadors. They later rode in the Pāhala Town Lighted Christmas Parade.
Pāhala Hongwanji Taiko performed and its Youth Taiko Drummers presented their premiere performance.
Rep. Jeanne Kapela presented a certificate of appreciation to OKK Pres. Wayne Kawachi from the state Senate and House of Representatives. It praises OKK for all of its community work and says this about the meaning of taro and kalo:
"Throughout the history of Hawai'i, kalo has been a staple food for the people of Hawai'i and has served as a symbol of the deep connection between peole and the land."
It says, by organizing the Taro Festival, OKK "brings the community together to celebrate the cultural, economic, and historical significance of kalo, while using this event as a platform to raise funds and awareness for intitaitves that directly benefit the people of Kaʻū."
The commendation says, "The Legislature of the State of Hawai'i hereby recognizes and congratulates 'O Ka'ū Kākou for organizing Kāniwala Kalo O Kaʻū, applauds its commitment to community service an cultural preservation, and extends to the organization a heartfelt mahalo for its dedication to improving the lives of the people of Ka'ū."
Ioane Naboa, Alazae Forcum, Lexi Manilla-Louis and Arabella Ortega, the Youth Ali'i Court for Kaʻū Taro Festival. OKK photo by Linda Davis |
The event also featured the hula of Na'a'ali'i, under the direction of Ulu Makuakane. South Hawai'i Symphony performed. Keoki Sereno sang and played 'ukulele as did Pahala Seniors.
Taro farmers provided sales, displays and education. Artists and artisans honored taro in many forms from taro themed teddy bears, stained glass, jewelry, tiki and night lights, pottery and paintings to prints, fabrics, quilts, bags, woodworks and clothing to cuisine. Taro foods ranged from poi balls and kulolo and kalo mochi to taro smoothies and taro chips to kalo hummus and freeze dried pa'i'ai.
Taro farmers provided sales, displays and education. Artists and artisans honored taro in many forms from taro themed teddy bears, stained glass, jewelry, tiki and night lights, pottery and paintings to prints, fabrics, quilts, bags, woodworks and clothing to cuisine. Taro foods ranged from poi balls and kulolo and kalo mochi to taro smoothies and taro chips to kalo hummus and freeze dried pa'i'ai.
Na 'A'ali'i, led by Ulu Makuakane danced for the first Kāniwala Kalo O Kaʻū, Kaʻū Taro Festival. OKK photo by Linda Davis |
Ulu Makuakane, who founded Na A'ali'i. OKK photo by Linda Davis |
Sponsors included: OKK, Kaʻū Coffee Mill; Olson Trust; 'Ohana Foods in Hilo and Nāʻālehu; Mizuno Superette; CU Hawai'i Federal Credit Union; Luana Hospitality Group with Huggo's, On the Rocks, Lava Lava Beach Club and Kai Eats Drinks; Kaʻū Auto Repair; Punalu'u Bakeshop; Malama Kaʻū Foundation; Gone Fishing, Inc.; Hawai'i Energy; Backyard Monkey LLC Tree & Yard Service and The Club at Discovery Harbour.
For more, see http://www.okaukakou.org/kau-taro-festival or call Tim DeLozier at 808-582-2342.
For more, see http://www.okaukakou.org/kau-taro-festival or call Tim DeLozier at 808-582-2342.
Aunty Paulette Ke and her 'ohana give the blessing for opening of the first Kaʻū Taro Festival. OKK photo by Linda Davis |
Kaʻū Taro Festival organizer Tim DeLozier, a member of sponsoring organization OKK. Photo by Julia Neal |
Members of Pāhala Hongwanji Taiko group, both youth and adults, performed for the Kaʻū Taro Festival. OKK photo by Linda Davis |
State Rep. Jeanne Kapela gives a commendation to OKK Pres. Wayne Kawatchi. OKK photo by Linda Davis |
Ti Chun emcee Taro Festival. OKK photo by Linda Davis |
Much art about taro filled the Kaʻū Taro Fest showroom. OKK photo by Linda Davis |
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OKK's Market in Nāʻālehu will be Monday this week and next week due to the holidays. |