Farm visitors learn value of respecting taro, aina

By Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Nov 18, 2012

~~<p>According to legend, kalo (taro) first grew from the grave of Haloa, the stillborn son of Wakea (Sky Father) and his daughter, Hoohokulani. They were blessed with a healthy second son, whom they also named Haloa. Regarded as the forefather of the Hawaiian people, Haloa vowed to always take care of taro, the embodiment of his older brother. In return, taro would keep him, his descendants and their culture strong.</p>
<p>Felicita Garrido and her husband, Steven Bolosan, remember that tale every time they look at the loi (paddies) on their Waialua farm. "Growing taro is tedious work, but we regard it as an honor and a privilege because we're nurturing man's eldest brother," Garrido said. "Being in the loi is also beneficial for us; it strengthens our body, mind and spirit. We call it ‘taro-py.'"</p>
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<h4>NA MEA KUPONO</h4>
<strong>» Address:</strong> 66-220 Kaamooloa Road, Waialua, Oahu
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According to legend, kalo (taro) first grew from the grave of Haloa, the stillborn son of Wakea (Sky Father) and his daughter, Hoohokulani. They were blessed with a healthy second son, whom they also named Haloa. Regarded as the forefather of the Hawaiian people, Haloa vowed to always take care of taro, the embodiment of his older brother. In return, taro would keep him, his descendants and their culture strong.

Felicita Garrido and her husband, Steven Bolosan, remember that tale every time they look at the loi (paddies) on their Waialua farm. "Growing taro is tedious work, but we regard it as an honor and a privilege because we're nurturing man's eldest brother," Garrido said. "Being in the loi is also beneficial for us; it strengthens our body, mind and spirit. We call it ‘taro-py.'" NA MEA KUPONO » Address: 66-220 Kaamooloa Road, Waialua, Oahu Login for more...