KAHULUI, Maui — The state’s last remaining sugar company is researching alternatives to burning leaves off its sugar cane crop before harvest.
The Maui News reports Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. says it hasn’t found an alternative yet. The company says for now it still needs to continue burning cane to stay in business.
General Manager Rick Volner told an open house meeting Tuesday that the company cares what happens in the community and is working very hard to mitigate and minimize the impacts of its operations.
More than 100 residents and company employees attended the three-hour meeting at Maui Waena Intermediate School.
Some residents are tired of smelling the smoke, clearing away black ash and suffering the effects of cane burning downwind.