HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

153

TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

 

REQUESTING EACH SCHOOL WITHIN A REGIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT WHERE TARO FARMS ARE LOCATED TO SERVE POI OR OTHER TARO PRODUCTS, AND REQUESTING THE DIRECTOR OF THE AGRICULTURE EDUCATION PROGRAM TO ARRANGE FOR WORK, VOLUNTEER, OR STUDY OPPORTUNITIES ON TARO FARMS.

 

 

 


     WHEREAS, kalo, the Hawaiian word for taro, is a culturally significant plant for Hawaii's indigenous people and the State as a whole; and

 

     WHEREAS, kalo not only expresses the spiritual and physical prosperity of the kanaka maoli and their heritage but also symbolizes environmental, social, and cultural values important to the State; and

 

     WHEREAS, in 2007, the Legislature recognized kalo's significance in the State's history and well-being by designating it as the state plant; and

 

     WHEREAS, kalo is an important food crop in Hawaii, since it contains fiber and vitamins C and B-1 as well as the minerals potassium, magnesium, and iron; and

 

     WHEREAS, kalo has hypoallergenic properties that are extremely important for those with digestive disorders and allergies, including young children and the elderly; and

 

     WHEREAS, fostering the connection between schoolchildren and kalo has health benefits and effectively teaches students about the Hawaiian culture; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-sixth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2011, that each public school within a regional administrative district where taro farms are located is requested to serve poi or other taro products under the school meals program; provided that, where it is feasible, each school is requested to purchase the poi or taro product from a taro farm located within its regional administrative district; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Director of the Agriculture Education Program established pursuant to section 302A-431.7, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is requested to arrange for interested schools, classes, or students to work, volunteer, or study on a taro farm located within the regional administrative district of the interested school, class, or students; provided that the arrangement may accommodate a school or class project, provide school credit, or fulfill a public-service requirement; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Superintendent of Education, Director of the Agriculture Education Program, and Chairperson of the Board of Education, who in turn is requested to transmit copies to each school that is in a regional administrative district where taro farms are located.

Report Title: 

Kalo, Taro Farms, School Meals