Maui News

“We want to ensure that the acreage that is currently dedicated to sugar remains green and in productive agriculture.”

The plantation will be divided up into smaller farms with varied uses—energy and food crops, support for the cattle industry and development of an ag park.

“We will work closely with A&B, the governor, the ILWU, and federal, state and county agencies to ensure that the transition for the workers and families involved is as smooth as humanly possible.”

“A&B employees and their families all would appreciate a chance to work on the best possible vision for productive use of the Central Maui plain. Those employees need more than sympathy—they need new jobs for changed economy. Retain them and train them.”

Northwest swell is expected to hold through this morning before easing later in the day. Another round of swell…

“We have been encouraging HC&S to adopt cleaner harvesting practices and/or alternative crops that would not have adverse health impacts on Maui¹s growing population. In light of Alexander & Baldwin¹s last two quarterly reports, the most recent of which showed that its agricultural operations lost almost $10 million, it was clear that there would be a change soon.”

“Today marks the end of an era but also a new beginning for Maui as we work towards food and energy sustainability with HC&S and Alexander & Baldwin.”

“We will do what we can to ensure that the impact on residents and businesses will be minimal and look for opportunities in the transition to a new diversified agriculture model.”

“This is a significant historic marker for Hawai‘i, the end of an era that touched the lives of generations of hardworking local families.”

Terez Amato, a long-time cane-burning opponent who ran for the state senate seat representing South Maui in 2014, issued a statement about Alexander & Baldwin’s announcement that it is transitioning out of farming sugar and will instead pursue a diversified agricultural model.

With the announcement that A&B will be closing sugar operations before the end of 2016 due to a $30 million agricultural operations loss in 2015, Stop Cane Burning founder Karen Chun released the following statement. “We are happy that A&B now plans to adopt the substance of our settlement offer regarding the end of cane burning on […]

Rep. Kaniela Ing, who introduced a plan to transition away from cane burning without job loss during the 2016 legislative session, commented on today’s announcement about A&B. His South Maui constituents have been the most vocal regarding cane burning.

“… it is essential that we work with Alexander & Baldwin in a coordinated effort to keep these extraordinary lands in active agriculture.”

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.

Engine 2 from Pa‘ia, and Rescue 10 aboard Air 1 responded on Tuesday, Jan. 5, at 4:30 p.m. to a report of hikers stuck on a rock ledge in an area in Kailua known as the Commando Trail.

Mayor Alan Arakawa appointed Medeiros to replace former department Director Jo Ann Johnson-Winer, who retired at the beginning of 2016 after 15 years of public service.

Given the opposition to proposed improvements, HDOT will remove the pier.

The start of a new year also marks the beginning of the annual Hawai‘i Big Tree Competition. Nominations are being accepted for the 2016 spring season through Feb. 1.

With a soon-to-be filled equipment operator position approved by the County Council, landfill closures are expected to be reduced.

The US Environmental Protection Agency announced a preliminary pollinator risk assessment for the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid, which shows a threat to some pollinators.