Hirono Statement On The Announced End Of Sugar Production In Hawaii

HONOLULU – Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement on the announcement that Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company (HC&S) will end its sugar production operations by the end of 2016 and transition to a diversified agricultural model.

“Today’s announcement marks an end to plantation agriculture that shaped our state’s history. Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company has been a source of economic stability for the County of Maui, pioneered technical innovation in the field of agriculture, and served as a catalyst to a labor movement that improved working conditions for Hawaii families. We must ensure that the individuals and families affected by the cessation of sugar operations are provided the assistance they need during this transition,” said Senator Hirono.

“While today’s announcement marks the end of an era, it demonstrates that agriculture in Hawaii continues to evolve. I will work with HC&S, ILWU, and other local, state, and federal partners to aggressively promote food and energy security and create new opportunities on Maui and throughout the state.”