For several years now, on opening day of the Hawaiʻi State Legislative Session, activists, organizers, farmers, students and all sorts of other people have converged on the Capitol for Ku‘i at the Capitol, an opportunity to network and connect, share ideas and celebrate participation in the democratic process. It's a day for ka lāhui--the people--to make their collective voice heard and to signal the good start of lawmaking season. Taro pounding, which has become a symbol of both resistance and civic duty, takes center stage as community members work together to make poi, the staple food of Hawaii and the symbolic nourishment of the people.