On January 6, 2016 Alexander & Baldwin announced the end of harvesting sugar cane on the island of Maui at its Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company plantation. Operations will terminate at the end of 2016. HC&S is the last remaining sugar plantation in Hawaiian Islands, so this shut down signifies the end of a major chapter in Hawaii’s history that spans for over 150 years. The official press release is below:
This announcement immediately inspired commentary from public officials and concern for Maui’s future, namely for the 675 employees who will be laid off by the end of the year. Here is a summary of statements from the mayor, governor, and members of both the US and Hawaii state legislature:
The end of the Sugar Cane era in Hawaii – kitv.com
Now that it’s March and the first round of lay-off’s have taken place, US Senator Brian Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has announced that federal funding is available for displaced HC&S workers through a worker aid program. The money will not only provide for lost wages, but training and transportation to find new employment.
Schatz: Federal Money for HC&S Workers On The Way – mauinow.com
Many questions still remain for the public as to the future of this vast acreage in Central Maui. Though many look forward to the end of cane burning, a process protested for several years due to health concerns, we want to understand the specifics of this diversified agricultural plan and assurances that this area will remain in agricultural use. Most recently diversified agriculture was addressed in Mayor Arakawa’s State of the County address last week, including a request for community members interested in leasing HC&S land as part of an agricultural park.
Mayor Arakawa: State of the County is “One of Perpetual Change” – mauinow.com
As more information comes available on this extremely important issue in Maui’s future, I will be sure to update you. Please feel free to share your comments and questions below.
