Traditional Taro Farming Mentorship Group

I am one of the members in the taro-planting group with our mentor, Uncle Bert Kanoa. So far, we have gone to the taro lo‘i two times, and in that time, we have cleared out two patches that were overgrown with different varieties of bushes. Those two patches are completely cleared and we are also working on clearing out the awai, which was blocked by trees.

We have learned what taro is used for, which is mostly the production of poi. We learned that it takes 2 years for the taro root to mature and that taro must always be kept wet, which is where awai comes in. This type of irrigation feeds water to the lo‘i from the river. This experience has been very exciting and fun, even though we work hard. I really enjoy being able to do this program after school.
— Mara Ledward (9th grader at Kohala High School)

In taro planting, the people in our group are me (Raeanne), Kimi, Mara, Will and Keoni. The first day we met in a valley at the back of Pololu Valley. In the morning, we killed a pig and went to help the saddle makers. It was pretty hot. Uncle Bert explained how to use the garden tools. We then walked down this long hill and it felt like it took FOREVERS! It was fun clearing up the lo‘i. I felt like I was in the olden days, cleaning lo‘is. I know how it feels to clean them and also how it feels to dig waterways.

We went to eat lunch and Kimi and I talked story in the back of one of the Uncle's trucks because it was warm. The day was very fun and I can't wait to go back up there and clean some more!
— Raeanne Tolentino (9th grader at Kohala High School)

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