HONOLULU (KHON2) — Starting in 2025, the state of Hawaii will have an official state plant.
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On Friday, Dec. 27, House Speaker Nadine K. Nakamura shared that HB659 HD2 will take effect on Jan. 1 to declare taro, otherwise known as kalo, will be adopted, established and designated the state’s official plant.
8 ways to fall in love with kalo
It is believed that more than 300 varieties of kalo existed at the time of the arrival of European explorers. Today, there are approximately 70.
According to lawmakers, designating taro as the state’s official plant signifies the important relationship between kalo and Native Hawaiians.
Kalo is associated with the Hawaiian god Kāne, who is the provider of sunlight, fresh water and life.
The plant is widely used amongst the islands to make popular recipes such as traditional Hawaiian poi, taro chips and more.
An annual festival also helps shed light on ʻohana kalo or a specific Hawaiian taro variety.
The Mālama Hāloa Kalo Festival, which is hosted by Ka Papa Loʻi ʻo Kānewai and Ka Papa Loʻi ʻo Punaluʻu, helps educate lāhui about all the different Hawaiian kalo varieties and how they are to be cared for.
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