First stop-Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar (HC&S)
We met with Rick Volner, Jr., (ALP Class IX) General Manager, HC&S and Garrett Hew, (ALP Class XIII) President of East Maui Irrigation (EMI) Company, to discuss HC&S operations and challenges. It is amazing to learn about the history of this 140 year company and how they manage the largest farm in Hawaii (36,000 acres). They have their own training center to supply the demand of employees with specific skills needed to work in their company and run it 24/7.
We had a tour on the farm where we learned about their water system supply. Jacob Tavares explained us about their harvesting process and land prep.
Second stop- In Lahaina at Simpli-Fresh farm (at Maui Grown Coffee)
We were hosted by James “Kimo” Simpliciano, Chef and owner of the farm. Chef Kimo showed us his new projects in the shade houses and we had a tour on the farm.
He introduced us to his organic cacao fields grown under shade trees (mimicking a forest).
Stop 3 – Talk story with Ekolu Lindsey at the beach front residence
Ekolu went through their projects of preserving the historical sites, researching their “front beach” area and how is his view of natural resources in Maui. After the meeting some of us jumped in the water and relaxed on the beautiful beach.
Stop 4 – Alumni networking potluck dinner at Makani ʻOlu Ranch in Waikapū
Lets Party! With a delicious food, cold drinks and a good conversation we just want to say thank you very much to Avery Chumbley (ALP Class III) and all the other Alumini guys for being so wonderful hosts.
