On Sept. 29, I participated in a rally held at the intersections of Puunene Avenue and Hansen Road. I was there to support our agriculture workers and cane burning. There were more than 200 people who were in support of cane burning.
On the other hand, there were about 50 people who carried signs indicating that they oppose cane burning.
I participated in the rally to show my support to Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. in its efforts to sustain the viability of the sugar industry and continue to provide employment for its hardworking employees. The rally was an opportunity for politicians to show their support to our agriculture workers and cane burning.
Unfortunately, the other politicians were not at the rally.
I applaud the the efforts of the sugar company in trying to maintain the sustainability and viability of the sugar industry that provides employment to a significant number of people in our community. The rally was a very peaceful event with absolutely no violence whatsoever.
The article that was published in The Maui News on Sept. 30 mentioned an individual who said people threw stones at her during the rally. I did not witness any incident of stone-throwing.
Alan Fukuyama
Kahului
