Growing Kalo (Taro) to Promote Culture and Health on the Continental US

Leialoha Kaʻula¹Nicole lee Kamakahiolani Ellison¹Constance James¹Ashley Oshiro²Kacyn Ideue²Kahoku Kaʻula^1,2Alexandra Malia Jackson^2,3*

• ¹Ka 'Aha Lāhui O ʻOlekona Hawaiian Civic Club, Beaverton, United States
• ²Pacific University, Forest Grove, United States
• ³Laulima Grant Writing & Evaluation, LLC, Portland, United States

Introduction: A growing number of Native Hawaiians live on the Continental U.S. Without access to the ʻāina (land) in Hawaiʻi, māla kalo (community gardens to grow taro) may offer space for the community to increase access to traditional foods and create community connections. Methods: We developed a community-research hui to engage in a community-based participatory research process to explore potential benefits of a māla kalo. We used an explanatory mixed methods Indigenous evaluation including a survey and interview with program volunteers and leaders to identify implementation strategies and thematic analysis to explore potential benefits of a māla kalo on the continent. Results: Twelve participants and five program leaders aged 18 to 75 years old completed a survey and interview at the end of the 2023 growing season. Findings suggest high levels of satisfaction and an interest in participating more frequently. Qualitative data suggests volunteering at the māla kalo may support connection to self, community, and land, learning and sharing knowledge, and connection to culture. Discussion: Community gardens that grow traditional foods may cultivate relationships, health, and culture among a displaced Indigenous community. Next steps include continued evaluation of the health benefits of community gardens to grow traditional foods using culturally relevant measures and infrastructure development to create resources for other organizations scale up similar programs.