Maui Land & Pineapple laying off 274 workers

KAHULUI, Hawaii - Maui Land & Pineapple Co. Inc. said it is laying off more than a quarter of its work force to save money. "This is a difficult but necessary decision as we respond to higher energy-related costs in our operating units and sluggish conditions in the real estate market," David Cole, MLP's president and chief executive, said in a statement. The property developer and pineapple grower, one of Maui's largest private employers, will lay off 274 employees, or 26 percent of its workers, in order to save $11 million a year. Cuts are being made through attrition and retirement, where possible, the company said. The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations announced it was sending a multi-agency rapid response team to assist employees who are losing their jobs. "This is a sad day for Maui Land & Pineapple... [read full story]