Sen. Hirono: ‘Today’s Announcement Marks the End of an Era…’

US Rep. Mazie Hirono. Photo courtesy US Senate.

Sen. Mazie K. Hirono commented on today’s announcement that Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company 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,” said Sen. Hirono. “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 Hawai‘i 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.”

“While today’s announcement marks the end of an era, it demonstrates that agriculture in Hawai‘i continues to evolve,” Sen. Hirono continued. “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.”

MAUI NOW STORY LINK
A&B/HC&S to Transition Out of Sugar Production