ML&P reports doubts about its ability to continue

Published on May 5, 2012 in General Ag News and Notes, Haliimaile Pineapple, Maui Gold Pineapple and Pineapple.

KAPALUA – Financial challenges facing Maui Land & Pineapple Co. are raising a “substantial doubt about the company’s ability to continue as a going concern,” the company reports in its latest filing with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission.

Among a number of disclosures in the filing, a group of lenders has declared that a $280.5 million loan for the Kapalua Bay Holdings’ construction of the The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, Kapalua Bay is in default. ML&P has invested more than $50 million in cash and $25 million in land for the development project and has 51 percent ownership in the Bay Holdings company.

“The company’s cash outlook for the next 12 months and its ability to continue to meet its financial covenants is highly dependent on selling certain real estate assets in a difficult market,” the filing says. “If the company is unable to meet its financial covenants resulting in the borrowings becoming immediately due, the company would not have sufficient liquidity to repay such outstanding borrowings.”

While the company’s future appears ominous in its SEC filing, Tim Esaki, the company’s financial officer, said Friday that company officials “remain optimistic.” Continue reading ‘ML&P reports doubts about its ability to continue’

Farmers say tax changes pose threat

Published on February 2, 2012 in General Ag News and Notes, Haliimaile Pineapple and Maui Gold Pineapple.

MAKAWAO – Upcountry farmers said this week that they have concerns about proposals to change the way agricultural lands are taxed.

A number of landowners said any changes that increased what they pay in property taxes could put small farmers and ranchers out of business. Others questioned how the proposal would affect people who stop farming because of old age.

“I’m retired, and I’m worried about how we’re going to afford this,” said former persimmon farmer Blanche Ito. “All of a sudden, we’re faced with this new bill that might increase my taxes, and that concerns me.”

Ito was among around 40 residents who attended a special meeting of the Maui County Council Budget and Finance Committee on Monday night at Kalama Intermediate School in Makawao.

The committee is considering legislation that would tax the land under a home on an agricultural lot in the same way as a regular residential property.

Currently, an agricultural house lot is taxed as a percentage of the larger parcel’s total value, often resulting in a significantly lower amount than what a similar lot in a residential neighborhood would be worth. Council members have said the measure would be a first step in bringing more equity to the property tax system.

But several testifiers questioned that idea. Continue reading ‘Farmers say tax changes pose threat’

Full Schedule: Grown on Maui in September

Published on September 3, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes and Maui Gold Pineapple.

Throughout September Maui farmers, ranchers, local food producers and friends of agriculture are teaming up to celebrate local food. We do this because we believe that agriculture matters on Maui.

Grown on Maui Chef Demos at Whole Foods Market
Maui every Monday in September, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
September 6 Tylun Pang, The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
September 12 Garret Fujieda, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa
September 19 Caroline Schaub O’o Farm
September 26 Ryan Luckey, Pineapple Grill at Kapalua Resort

Grown on Maui Flower Demos at Whole Foods Market
Maui every Tuesday in September, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
September 6 Sue Cuffe, Hana Fantasy Flowers
September 12 Carver Wilson, Maui Floral
September 19 Dan Judson, Orchids of Olinda
September 26 Maui Flower Growers Association

Wednesdays From 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. the Weed & Pot Club activities at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens will focus on Hawaiian food plant propagation and maintenance.

Monday-Friday Maui Pineapple Tour presents pineapple heritage tours at the newly established Hali’imaile Pineapple Plantation.

Tour Da Food: Experience the dishes that characterize Maui cuisine, learn about the traditions and people behind the plates, soak up a sense of place with intimate excursions to Maui’s off-the touristpath culinary treasures and come away with a deeper understanding of Maui’s multicultural community and history.

Every Tuesday – Ali’i Kula Lavender is offering $1 cups of tea and 50% off guided tours.

Eat Local Challenge 2011! – Maui residents and businesses participate in the statewide initiative organized by Kanu Hawai‘i. Continue reading ‘Full Schedule: Grown on Maui in September’

Maui County Farm Bureau Presents Maui Ag Day

Published on August 25, 2011 in food safety, General Ag News and Notes, Haliimaile Pineapple, Maui Gold Pineapple and Pineapple.

The Maui County Farm Bureau (MCFB) will present the second annual Maui Ag Day with a focus on “Understanding Food Safety Certification” on Friday, Aug. 26, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hāli‘imaile Pineapple Company located at 872 Hāli‘imaile Road.

The trade show, panel discussion, tour and parking are free and open to the general public.

The day opens with the trade show and continental breakfast. At 9 a.m., the event will feature a Food Safety Certification Panel Presentation by three Maui farmers who have completed the Food Safety Certification process: Heidi Watanabe of Watanabe Processing, Geoff Haines of Pacific Produce and Brian Igersheim of Hāli‘imaile Pineapple Co. At 10:30 a.m., tour of Hāli‘imaile Pineapple Company facilities and pineapple fields. A Grown on Maui lunch will be provided to MCFB members at 11:45 a.m.; non-members may purchase lunch. Continue reading ‘Maui County Farm Bureau Presents Maui Ag Day’

Tougher penalties, product tracking considered to curb agriculture crimes

Published on August 25, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes, Haliimaile Pineapple, Maui Gold Pineapple and Pineapple.

Fighting farm theft and vandalism is getting a closer look by state officials in the wake of high-profile cases.

Tougher penalties, rural neighborhood watch and product tracking from field to vendor are among the ideas to combat a growing and troublesome trend.

Whether it’s theft of produce or vandalism on a massive scale, agricultural crime is becoming center on the state’s radar.

“It was the vandalism that really led to all of the interest, because we’ve have three incidents that we know of, so it’s kind of building,” said State Agriculture Director Russell Kokubun.

The crimes range from brazen papaya crop destruction on Oahu and the Big Island, to pineapple theft on Maui.

“We’ve had probably one or two pickups a day stolen out of 1350 acres, that’s a lot,” says Doug MacCluer of Haliimaile Pineapple Co. Continue reading ‘Tougher penalties, product tracking considered to curb agriculture crimes’

Maui Ag Day to focus on food safety certification

Published on August 24, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes, Haliimaile Pineapple, Maui Gold Pineapple and Pineapple.

HALIIMAILE – The Maui County Farm Bureau will host the second annual Maui Ag Day with a focus on understanding food safety certification from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Haliimaile Pineapple Co.

The trade show, a panel presentation on food safety, tour and parking are free. That event will be held at 872 Haliimaile Road.

A “Grown on Maui” lunch is free for Maui County Farm Bureau members. There is a fee for nonmembers.

Those planning to attend should RSVP by Wednesday. For more information, send email to warrenmcfb@hot mail.com or call 243-2290.

Maui Ag Day to focus on food safety certification – Mauinews.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Visitor’s Information – The Maui News

Haliimaile Pineapple topic of Rotary talk

Published on January 22, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes, Haliimaile Pineapple and Maui Gold Pineapple.

KIHEI – Doug Schenk, a director of the Haliimaile Pineapple Co., will speak at the 7:30 a.m. meeting Wednesday of the Rotary Club of Kihei Sunrise.

He will discuss the “rebirth” of pineapple on the Valley Isle. As a locally owned and operated successor to Maui Pineapple Co., Haliimaile Pineapple Co. is trying to fill the void left by Maui Pine, which closed in 2009, a release said.

The breakfast meeting convenes at the Five Palms restaurant at the Mana Kai Maui Resort in Kihei. The cost of breakfast is $17. The meeting is open to the public.

For more information, call President Ed Corbett at 264-3468 or see www.kiheirotary.org.

Scope of isle farm labor abuse case widens

Published on January 15, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes, Haliimaile Pineapple, Maui Gold Pineapple and Pineapple.

The exploitation of impoverished Thai farm workers by a Los Angeles-based labor contractor went on for longer than federal prosecutors had previously disclosed and involved more workers and more growers in more states, including Del Monte and Aloun Farms on Oahu and a macadamia nut farm on the Big Island, according to a federal indictment unsealed yesterday.

The indictment, an update to one returned last September, adds more charges of forced labor and related offenses against labor contractor Global Horizons Manpower Inc. owner Mordechai Yosef Orian and five alleged co-conspirators, officers in his company and recruiters in Thailand. The new indictment adds two more Global Horizons officers as defendants.

Aloun Farms owners Alec and Mike Sou are facing separate federal forced-labor charges for actions unrelated to Global Horizons.

Last September’s indictment said Orian, 45, an Israeli national, and his co-conspirators exploited about 400 Thai workers in forced-labor conditions from May 2004 to September 2005. It named only one property where the workers were allegedly confined and forced to work, the valley isle’s now-defunct Maui Pineapple Farm. Continue reading ‘Scope of isle farm labor abuse case widens’

Island Kitsch: Pineapple Fields Forever

Published on January 10, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes, Haliimaile Pineapple, Maui Gold Pineapple and Pineapple.

What would Hawaii be without pineapple?

Recently I picked up a copy of Hawai’i Magazine while I had some time to kill. It had an article about the Hali’imaile Pineapple Company, Ltd. saving pineapple production on the island of Maui. For most people, this would be of passing interest. For me, it was like Christmas all over again.

I’ve worked the pineapple fields of Maui Land and Pine. I still remember where I was when I learned that the company was ceasing its pineapple operation. It was a very sad day. Hawaii and pineapple are forever associated with a really special time in my life. As I get older, I recognize that while some things may not be 100% perfect for the bottom line, they are worth preserving to maintain our connection to our roots. Hawaii pineapple is one of those worthy endeavors. Continue reading ‘Island Kitsch: Pineapple Fields Forever’

Pineapples and Mainland travel – FlyerTalk Forums

Published on January 7, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes, Haliimaile Pineapple, Maui Gold Pineapple and Pineapple.

We always check 3-6 in our luggage. When I tell the ag inspectors that I have pineapples in my luggage and ask if they want to see them, they always say don’t bother. The pineapples have always made the trip back fine.

Easy to buy the Maui Golds at Costco – usually around $3 each. Just remember the extra weight in your luggage – one of our suitcases with the pineapples weighed in at 55 pounds. When I told the agent the pineapples put us over, she just laughed and put an overweight sticker on the bag. No extra fees.

May be a pain – but I don’t know anyone who doesn’t appreciate a pineapple brought back from Hawaii!

Pineapples and Mainland travel – FlyerTalk Forums

Chiarella, Isagawa claim titles at Emerald Course

Published on December 6, 2010 in General Ag News and Notes, Golf, Haliimaile Pineapple and Maui Gold Pineapple.

WAILEA – Alex Chiarella of Pukalani and Cassy Isagawa of Wailuku won the 15-18

titles Sunday in the Haliimaile Pineapple Company Tournament of Champions at the Wailea Emerald Course.

Isagawa carded a 70 in the second round for a 138 total, 12 shots better than the runner-up, Honolulu’s Marissa Chow (75). Chiarella (70) finished at 140, a shot better than Lahaina’s Aaron Kunitomo (74) and Honolulu’s Lorens Chan (73).

Five golfers from Honolulu claimed first place – Malia Nam (76) won the girls 7-10 title with a 154 total, Len Yamada (80) was the boys 7-10 winner, finishing at 157, Hana Furuichi (72) totaled 146 for the girls 11-12 championship, Sian Rogers’ second straight 72 gave him the boys 11-12 crown and Richard Hattori (70) was the boys 13-14 winner with a 142. Ciera Min of Hilo closed with a 73 to finish at 144 for the girls 13-14 title.

Pukalani’s Jaelin Ishikawa (87) was fourth in the girls 7-10 division with a 182.

Jasmine Cabajar of Wailuku had a second-round 84 to place fourth in the girls 11-12 competition with a 169 total, two shots ahead of the fifth-place finisher, Kahului’s Kristeena Locke (87).

Kalea Heu (83) of Wailuku tied for fifth in the girls 15-18 division with a 156 total.

Kahului’s Kimberlie Miya-moto (81) had a 165 total for a sixth-place finish in the girls 13-14 division. Marissa Ura-domo (86) of Kula was seventh with a 168.

In the boys 15-18 division, Andre Bedard (77) of Kihei tied for eighth at 151, and Jameson Keiley (80) of Haiku was 11th at 159.

Chiarella, Isagawa claim titles at Emerald Course – Mauinews.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Visitor’s Information – The Maui News

VICTORIO PALASLAS LAYAOEN; A Man From Batac Came To Eke Out a Life in Maui

Published on December 5, 2010 in General Ag News and Notes, Haliimaile Pineapple, Maui Gold Pineapple and Pineapple.

Sakada Corner, Fil-Am Observer December 2010 Issue
Sakada Feature, Page 8

VICTORIO Palaslas Layaoen came all the way from Batac, moved to Oahu, then to Kauai, then to the Big Island, and then finally to Maui, and never left until he passed on to the next life.

It is a story of courage. It is also a story of a life lived to the fullest.

Born on August 28, 1908 in then a very rural Batac, a town south of Laoag City, in the Philippines, at 19 and restless for something bigger and grander than what Ilocos in those days could offer, he took the plunge to go to Hawaii.

That was in 1928. From Port Salomague in Cabugao, he took the S. S. President Lincoln, and in the rough seas, thought of a peaceful, productive life somewhere in the islands yonder where sugarcane plants and pineapples grew in abundance.

He landed in Oahu, worked there some time; he moved on to Kauai, worked there for some time; he moved to the Big Island, worked there for some time; and then finally, moved to Maui where he worked forever until he retired in 1974 at 65.

Maui was his kadagaan—that Ilokano mindset that talks about the land that is yours for the keeping, at least metaphorically, if not literally. He worked for the HC&S and lived at McGerrow Camp. Later on, he transferred to Maui Pineapple Company at Haliimaile. Continue reading ‘VICTORIO PALASLAS LAYAOEN; A Man From Batac Came To Eke Out a Life in Maui’

Junior golf tournament scheduled be held on Maui

Published on December 1, 2010 in General Ag News and Notes, Golf, Haliimaile Pineapple and Maui Gold Pineapple.

The Hawaii State Junior Golf Association is hosting 2010 Haliimaile Pineapple Co. Tournament of Champions on Maui this weekend.

The association is inviting all champions to compete in the end of the year tournament at Wailea Golf Club.

It’s the last opportunity players will have to earn points toward becoming “HSJGA Player of the Year” in each age division.

The association will also be recognizing the top boy and top girl golfers from each island, as measured by final HSJGA Point List.

These players will be eligible to participate in the 2011 Junior Golf Day scheduled to be held at the Kapalua Plantation Golf Course in January, just before the Hyundai Tournament of Champions.

Junior golf tournament scheduled be held on Maui | San Francisco Examiner

MAUI LAND & PINEAPPLE CO INC – 10-Q – 20101102 – FORM

Published on November 1, 2010 in General Ag News and Notes, Haliimaile Pineapple, Maui Gold Pineapple and Pineapple.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview of the Company

MAUI LAND &amp Pineapple Company, Inc. is a Hawaii corporation and the successor to a business organized in 1909. We are a landholding company. Our principal subsidiary is Kapalua Land Company, Ltd., the operator and developer of Kapalua Resort, a master-planned community in West Maui. Our reportable operating segments are Resort and Community Development. In December 2009, all of our Agriculture segment operations were ceased and the segment is reported as discontinued operations. Continue reading ‘MAUI LAND & PINEAPPLE CO INC – 10-Q – 20101102 – FORM’

Lahaina Gateway to host ‘Pineapples and Pumpkins’ Celebration

Published on October 28, 2010 in General Ag News and Notes, Haliimaile Pineapple, Maui Gold Pineapple, Pineapple and Pumkin.

LAHAINA — Visit Lahaina Gateway for its “Pineapples and Pumpkins” celebration during Halloween weekend.

On Saturday, Oct. 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., join Hali‘imaile Pineapple Company for free Maui Gold pineapple samples, demonstrations, pineapple recipes, pumpkin treats, special sales at participating stores and entertainment.

Michael Kollwitz, with his Solo 12-string Chapman Stick, will perform jazz and blues with a Hawaiian flair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Enter to win fresh pineapples and prizes during the event at the seating area by Foodland Farms.

From 4 to 7 p.m., keiki 12 and under can go trick-or-treating at stores and restaurants throughout the center.

Also for children 12 and under, the Keiki Costume Contest begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Hula Girl Fountain. There will be ten total prizes for the best pineapple and best pumpkin-themed costume, plus most frightening, most original and best Halloween baby costume (under two years old).

King Kamehameha III Elementary School’s keiki fall decoration winning entries will be on display again this year. Instead of donating pumpkins this year, Lahaina Gateway brought them cases of freshly harvested Maui Gold pineapples from Hali‘imaile Pineapple Company.

These creatively decorated Halloween pineapples will be on display at the stores for everyone to enjoy beginning Oct. 30.

Bring the family and enjoy great shopping and dining at Lahaina Gateway. For information, call Patti Link at 661-3311.

Lahaina
Gateway to host ‘Pineapples and Pumpkins’ Celebration – LahainaNews.com
| News, Information, Lahaina and Western Maui, Hawaii — Lahaina News

Maui Nei – Hali’imaile Pineapple Co.

Published on October 14, 2010 in General Ag News and Notes, Haliimaile Pineapple, Maui Gold Pineapple and Pineapple.

BY RON YOUNGBLOOD

Doug Schenk met the visitors with the kind of smile that radiates from a father showing off his newborn. In the background, Hali’imaile Pineapple Co. employees ate lunch after polishing off the morning’s work two hours ahead of schedule.

At the door of the old parts warehouse, two men who look younger than their years stood in dirty boots and T-shirts.

“These are the guys who run the operation,” Schenk said with affection. The company president is Darren Strand. Rudy Balala is the vice president. They are also partners in the farm, along with Schenk and Doug MacCluer. All are Maui Land & Pineapple Co. veterans. The other partners are Pardee Erdman and Ed Chenchin.

The aroma of plate lunches wafted out of the tin-sided warehouse. In the back of the picnic tables there’s a conference table.

“We meet every Monday to decide that week’s goals,” Strand said.

“All of our employees asked to come to work for Hali’imaile,” Schenk said. All were part of the work force when Maui Pine closed down Dec. 31, 2009. “We were still working out the details (of leasing ML&P equipment and fields) on the last day of the year. We took New Year’s Day off and were on the job the next day.”

“We’ve got the greatest people in the world,” Schenk said. “There’s no division of labor. Everyone does everything.” Continue reading ‘Maui Nei – Hali’imaile Pineapple Co.’