Many on Maui are calling it the end of an era as Maui Land and Pineapple Company pulls the plug on pineapple production. An estimated 285 lay offs are planned by the end of the year in a move that was announced to workers Tuesday morning.
After losing $115 million in agriculture over the past seven years, company officials said market conditions have not improved and pineapple operations were no longer financially sustainable. The company plans to focus its efforts on the success of its Kapalua Resort while trying to accommodate up to 133 employees at partner companies.
The following are statements released by various political figures in the wake of the recent announcement.