I was walking back home from the bus stop at the end of the Kahala Mall route. It’s not too far, maybe 6/10 of a mile straight down Kealaolu Avenue.

Yesterday I noticed something for the first time. There’s an older house in the long block above Moho Street that has so far avoided the excesses of the new homes that have been built closer to the ocean. It’s got a somewhat ramshackle wooden fence in front. As I walked past, I got a glimpse through the fence, then looked over for a better view.

There, inside the fenced front yard, are what appear to be two good size plots planted in taro. Yes, taro. And it looks like its doing well.

What a statement! Just a bit farther down the street, former gardens and shade trees that formerly graced the large lots were bulldozed to make way for homes stretching from property line to property line, usually surrounded by intimidating walls and a few selected plants for local color.

Now I guess I’ll have to be a little nosy and learn more about this unexpected oasis and its taro patch.