STATEMENT BY GOVERNOR LINDA LINGLE ON GAY & ROBINSON

For Immediate Release: September 24, 2009

“While we knew this day was coming, I was saddened to learn of Gay & Robinson’s decision to cease processing of sugar cane by late October of this year.  I understand this is a business decision and commend Gay & Robinson and the Robinson family for their long stewardship of some of the state’s prime agriculture lands and their commitment to their employees and to the Kaua‘i community.

“My immediate concern is for the employees and their families who will be affected by the decision.  Our Department of Labor and Industrial Relations has activated its Rapid Response Team to assist the employees.

“I appreciate the pioneering effort by Gay & Robinson and the Robinson family to transition our state to a green, renewable fuels future.  Their ventures with Dow AgroSciences and Pacific West Energy will help create job opportunities for Kaua‘i residents and help create a more secure future for the island and our entire state.

“I remain committed to a secure energy future for the people of Hawai‘i and will continue to work with Gay & Robinson and other private and public sector partners to lay the foundation for local production of renewable fuels based on Hawai‘i’s indigenous crops.”

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For more information, contact:
Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: (808) 586-7708

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043