More depressing news for poi eaters everywhere.

The Hawaii Agricultural Statistics Office (part of the State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture) has just reported that taro for poi production stood at 1.1 million pounds during the first quarter of 2005.  This is down 7% from the first quarter of 2004, and down an enormous 24% from the five-year first quarter average of 1.4 million pounds.

The usual suspects are blamed, particularly unfavouable weather conditions.  It seems that Kauai had too much water, which seems a peculiar problem for a crop that grows in a lo`i --- a bit like a rice paddy.

These reports come with depressing regularlity.  It's like watching a puddle of water evaporate on the hot pavement.

To read the complete statistical report, please click here.

Auwe!