PHOTOS: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Visits Workers at HC&S Facility on Maui to Discuss Federal Transition Assistance and Future Opportunity

Press Release

This morning on Maui, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) gathered with workers at Hawaii's last sugar plantation who are in the process of being laid off this year as a result of Alexander & Baldwin's (A&B) decision to cease operations at Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company (HC&S). She listened to their concerns, shared information on employment, training and education opportunities, and explained what Federal assistance is available to them and their families as they work through this difficult transition. Photos from today's meeting with HC&S workers on Maui are available here for download.

The congresswoman answered a variety of questions from the HC&S employees and explained the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program, which will provide assistance to workers who lost their job due to the adverse effects of foreign trade.

"Many of the HC&S employees are heads of households with families to support and care for. The thought of losing their health benefits and primary income can be overwhelming. We are working hard to ease this transition for them by ensuring that the support coming from the U.S. Department of Labor is easily accessible," explained Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who is also a member of the Maui Sugar Operators Work Assistance Task Force.

Since the announcement in January that HC&S would be closing up shop by the end of the year, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard continues to work closely with all the major stakeholders and her constituents on Maui to ensure those displaced receive the support and services they need during this time of transition and uncertainty.

In addition to HC&S employees, the TAA will also assist local suppliers, small farms and businesses, and others who are not employees of HC&S but whose livelihoods have been dependent on the business they do with HC&S.

"The closing of HC&S is truly the end of an era. I look forward to working together with our community to see this less as a chapter closing, and more as a new beginning. After visiting with those who are being laid off, and whose lives are about to change in a big way, I was inspired by their resilience, strength, positive morale, and their enthusiasm to work hard until their last day on the job, and then to embark on a new journey," said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. "These dedicated and skilled workers are not looking for sympathy or handouts; they are looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. I look forward to working with them throughout this transition, and with the community toward creating opportunities that will best serve the people of Maui."

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