Waialua festival tomorrow celebrates taro

By Catherine E. Toth
Advertiser Staff Writer

Waialua's annual Taro Festival has always focused on the cultural impact of the Hawaiian staple.

This year the Office of Hawaiian Affairs will register Native Hawaiians as part of its program to verify Hawaiian ancestry and lineage. This marks the first time the Hawaiian Registry program will be available to the North Shore community.

Anyone with Hawaiian blood — no matter what percentage — can sign up free of charge for the special photo identification card that will allow applicants to access Native Hawaiian programs, such as Alu Like and Kamehameha Schools, without having to provide birth certificates or other paperwork proving they are Hawaiian.

OHA hopes its registry will supercede all other government agencies'.

"We're taking it all over the place," said Jalna Keala, in charge of OHA's Hawaiians Rights division. "Whenever we have an opportunity to meet with Hawaiians, we'll do it."

OHA will also conduct a health screening and voter registration at the fourth annual event, sponsored by Kamehameha Schools.

But the thrust of tomorrow's festival is still the taro.

"We want to create a marketplace and to recognize the local taro farmers and poi makers," said event chairwoman Keona Mark.

This year's festival will feature local entertainment headlined by Ten Feet, food booths, crafts and keiki games. Poi and taro products will be available from vendors. Admission is free.

Last year's festival drew more than 3,000 people.

In the late 18th century, kalo — or taro — was Waialua's main crop. But the influx of other crops such as rice and sugar cane forced a competition for land and resources. Residents in the community have wanted to see its taro industry revitalized, and they created a nonprofit organization called Hui Kalo O Waialua in 1998 to promote the restoration of taro cultivation.

The festival is one of its ways to celebrate the local culture of the community, with an emphasis on its taro industry.

Proceeds from the event will support Nale Nani Waialua, a group that teaches hula and 'ukulele to children for free.

Reach Catherine E. Toth at ctoth@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8103.