THEO H. DAVIES & CO. / HAMAKUA SUGAR CO

We created the Theo H. Davies and Co / Hamakua Sugar Company Foundation to help offset the ill effects that came from the sugar plantations created in the Hamakua Region of the Big Island of Hawaii. 

The Theo H. Davies and Co / Hamakua Sugar Company helped build out the Big Island with its creation of sugar plantations throughout the island.  We are creating solutions for Big Island based subjects such as:

  • Helping the existing Sugar Plantation Camps with their needs for road repairs, income sourcing programs, entrepreneurship programs and more.
  • Dangerous chemicals still left over in properties throughout the island.
  • Helping create new economic opportunities for the Hamakua Region.
  • Developing tourism plans that benefit that Native Hawaiian Communities.

What Happened After the Sugar Plantation Closures:

Economic Impact:

  • Job Loss: The closure of sugar plantations resulted in the loss of thousands of jobs, impacting not only plantation workers but also those in related industries, such as transportation and food services.
  • Economic Decline: Many communities that were heavily dependent on the sugar industry saw a decline in economic activity, with businesses closing or downsizing due to reduced consumer spending

Social Impact:

  • Displacement: The closure of sugar plantations led to the displacement of many workers and their families who had lived in plantation-owned housing. This often resulted in social dislocation and the need for rehousing.
  • Cultural Change: Plantation communities had unique cultural and social dynamics that changed with the closure of the plantations, as many workers and their families moved away or sought employment in other sectors.

Environmental Impact:

  • Land Use Changes: After the closure of sugar plantations, there was a shift in land use. Some former plantation lands were converted to other agricultural uses or developed for housing and tourism.
  • Environmental Remediation: The sugar industry historically used chemicals and pesticides, which sometimes led to soil and water contamination. Remediation efforts were necessary to address these environmental issues.

Tourism Development:

  • Tourism Growth: With the decline of the sugar industry, tourism became a more significant driver of the Big Island’s economy. New resorts, hotels, and attractions were developed to cater to tourists.

Agricultural Transition:

  • Diversification: Some former sugar lands were repurposed for diversified agriculture, including crops like macadamia nuts, coffee, and tropical fruits.
  • Sustainable Agriculture: There was a growing emphasis on sustainable and organic farming practices in response to the environmental concerns associated with sugar cultivation.

Social Services and Infrastructure:

  • Increased Demand: The closure of sugar plantations put pressure on social services and infrastructure as communities dealt with the challenges of unemployment and economic hardship.
  • Need for Adaptation: Local governments and organizations had to adapt to new demands for education, healthcare, and social support services.