Fitzgerald says that what makes this year different from previous flooding winters is the lack of people actually farming taro.

While poi has become more popular, taro farmers are growing older, and younger generations of potential farmers are finding work in higher-paying industries.

And it is becoming more expensive to stay in business.

Important tools including fuel, fertilizer, plastics and other materials are rising in price, while property taxes increase across the state.

"We're driving out farmers from agriculture," Fitzgerald said.