HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.R. NO. |
134 |
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009 |
H.D. 1 |
|
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 NON-GENETICALLY MODIFIED 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 grounds of the State Capitol are 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, in consultation with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, is requested to study the feasibility of planting non-genetically modified taro 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 the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of 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.
Kalo; State Capitol Building