KAUMAKANI — As Gay & Robinson edges forward with its proposed renewable energy plantation, the sugar company’s president said affordable worker housing will be a critical factor in the venture’s success. The historic Westside business plans to preserve 230 jobs
KAUMAKANI — As Gay & Robinson edges forward with its proposed renewable energy plantation, the sugar company’s president said affordable worker housing will be a critical factor in the venture’s success.
The historic Westside business plans to preserve 230 jobs and create an estimated 100 new positions when it transitions from a commodity raw sugar producer to a state leader in manufacturing ethanol. Filling these slots and maintaining a steady workforce depends on the employees’ ability to find affordable units, Gay & Robinson President Alan Kennett said.
“The problem is we don’t have enough homes to attract more workers,” he said at a meeting last month with Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona. Gay & Robinson offers some affordable housing at the three plantation camps it operates, Kennett said, but more are needed.
County Councilman Jay Furfaro, who chairs the Economic Development Committee, said the key to job retention is home ownership. If Gay & Robinson provides land to build affordable units, he said, a joint venture could be formed whereby employees could own homes at the end of a 20-year period by earning 5 percent equity.
By making land available incrementally in 15-acre units or less, Furfaro continued, only county approval is needed to adjust the zoning designation for residential use.
“But there has to be an opportunity for longevity on the job for people to own a home,” Furfaro said.
Marvin Yasay, 44, has worked at Gay & Robinson for 26 years, starting soon after he finished high school. He said he now earns just over $10 an hour.
Employees have had one raise in the past seven years, Kennett said, or about a $6-a-week increase. Meanwhile, the average home price on Kaua‘i is $655,000, the Hawaii Information Service reported in July.
“They’ve been understanding,” Kennett added.
While living at Gay & Robinson’s Kaumakani Camp, Yasay said he was able to save some money. He now lives in a new Habitat for Humanity home in ‘Ele‘ele that he traded 700 “sweat equity” hours to buy. The program rewards zero percent interest on the house mortgage.
Another struggle for Gay & Robinson that would continue to be a factor as the company expands has been recruiting workers with commercial drivers licenses.
“We can’t get truck drivers for love nor money,” Kennett said.
Furfaro said certifying truck drivers is one of many specialized training services the county can help employers handle. He added that the volunteer workforce investment group, operated under the county’s Economic Development Office, could assist, for example, by creating a venue for training. When it comes to renewable energy, Furfaro said, there is a great opportunity for job growth.
“Technology will not displace workers,” Pacific West Energy President William Maloney said.
Pacific West partnered with Gay & Robinson to develop the energy plantation, which will start with a 12 million-gallon-a-year ethanol plant and later include a solar energy project and biomass boiler.
Sugar juice and molasses from Gay & Robinson’s 7,500-acre sugar plantation will be used to make the grain-based fuel.
Construction is expected to begin next year.
• Nathan Eagle, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or neagle@kauaipubco.com.
