Sugar Cane Lands in Hamakua and Ethanol

by Bruce Dalton
(Portland, OR)

I Lived in Hawaii for 20 yrs., mostly B.I. I know the HAMAKUA coast, from Hilo to
Honokaa was covered with sugar cane. When the last mill closed in Laupahoehoe I
thought it would be a chance to use the cane as renewable source ethanol like it is
in Brasil. It never happened. All the cane grew tassels and went to seed. How come the opportunity went wasted?