Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Joins Launch of Sugar Operators Work Assistance Task Force on Maui

Press Release

Today on Maui, the Sugar Operators Work Assistance Task Force was launched to support the over 650 employees who will lose their jobs over the course of the year as a result of Alexander & Baldwin's decision to cease sugar operations at Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company (HC&S). Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) is working with the public-private partnership that was spearheaded by Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa, and is committed to helping assist displaced workers through this difficult transition, whether it be to alternative employment, training, education, or retirement, as appropriate. The congresswoman's State Director, Walt Kaneakua, attended today's initial meeting in Wailuku on behalf of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.

"Sugar operations on Maui's 36,000-acre plantation are phasing out at the end of the year, and we need to do all we can to help the workers who will be most disparately affected by this," said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who represents the people of Maui County. "They are facing a major life change and unexpected unemployment, and need the support of all parts of our community. Others who are being impacted are Maui-based suppliers, small farms, businesses, and non-profits who have worked closely with HC&S for a long time. We need to act now and work together to support Maui's people and its economy during this transition."

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