Lono Logan shares his passion for Kalo!

Due to Covid-19 and the closure of PCC, it has provided the time and opportunity for many employees to learn new skills and talents from each other. One of the most popular interests that has flourished at PCC and in the community during this time, is gardening – especially kalo (taro) which is being planted all throughout PCC by employees and mostly by Lono Logan, our PCC kalo consultant.

Lono is passionate about growing kalo and sharing his mana‘o (knowledge) with others. He refers to this passion as his “calling” from his kupuna who were kalo farmers for many generations in Laie. His grandfather, Jubilee Logan (see photo) was one of PCC’s original Hawaiian village employees where he was known for his kalo growing and poi pounding skills. Gifts that have been inherited and nurtured by Lono.

Last Thursday, May 28th, Lono provided a mini Kalo Festival and workshop for PCC employees where they learned the basics in harvesting, cleaning, and cooking kalo. Lono explained the different varieties of kalo and we learned that he has planted over 43 variety of kalo throughout PCC thus far. Workshop attendees also learned how to prepare kalo for poi and then we all had the opportunity to pound poi. Tyrell Nihipali (PCC electrician) demonstrated how laulau is made using the young taro leaves and then he made his signature kalo poke using the small bits of kalo. Kalo poke is ‘ONO!!!!! Of course, the best part of the workshop was lunching on all the kalo products made with what had been harvested.

Mahalo to Lono and his haumana (students) for teaching and inspiring many PCC employees to grow kalo at PCC and at their homes for increased self-reliance and sustainability.