HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

134

TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

 

REQUESTING THE COLLEGE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN RESOURCES at the university of hawaii TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF PLANTING Kalo IN THE REFLECTING POOL THAT SURROUNDS THE STATE CAPITOL BUILDING.

 

 

 

     WHEREAS, kalo (colocasia esculenta), or in English, taro, is a central part of the Hawaiian culture, as it is considered sacred and a part of the Hawaiian genealogy; and

 

     WHEREAS, kalo is also an important source of food in Hawaiian culture; and

 

     WHEREAS, the State Capitol grounds is a gathering place for visitors, as well as residents from across the State; and

 

     WHEREAS, the architectural design of the State Capitol building symbolizes unique aspects of this State:  the eight columns along the front and back of the building represent the State's major islands, the sloping walls of the House and Senate chambers represent the volcanoes, and the columns rising out of the reflecting pools represent palm trees; and

 

     WHEREAS, in 2007, kalo was designated by law as the official plant of the State; and

 

     WHEREAS, despite its cultural importance and the abundance of other symbolic representations at the State Capitol building, kalo is not present; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-fifth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2009, that the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, is requested to study in consultation with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the feasibility of planting kalo in the reflecting pools that surround the State Capitol building; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources at the University of Hawaii is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to this body no later than twenty days prior to the Regular Session of 2010; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to Chairperson of the Board of Regents and the President of the University of Hawaii, Dean of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources at the University of Hawaii, and the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Kalo; State Capitol Building