[ LIFE IN THE MAUI LAND ]
KIHEI, Maui >> Mary "Maizie" Sanford recalled more than a quarter-century ago, when other corporations were shutting down pineapple plantations in Hawaii, her family remained committed to keeping pineapple cultivation healthy at its Maui Land & Pineapple Co. Inc. Commitment keeps
Maui Pine runningThe company has led the way
in diversification on MauiBy Gary T. Kubota
gkubota@starbulletin.com"My family lives on Maui and they are intimately connected. They wanted to keep everyone employed on Maui," said Sanford, whose great-great-grandfather was Dwight Baldwin, a missionary physician who came to Hawaii in 1831. Sanford is a former board chairman who now holds an emeritus position.
Sanford said the recent purchase of a large share of ML&P stock by a trust established by Hawaii-born Steve Case, chairman of AOL Time Warner, has not changed the firm's commitment to Maui.
The firm has gone through major changes but has continued to be not only a major contributor to the Maui's economy, but also a benefactor and determined innovator.
In addition to growing pineapple and having the only remaining pineapple cannery in the United States, the firm is creating new products, especially in the fresh-fruit market.
It also has diversified into the development of commercial and resort properties.
Sanford's great-grandfather Henry P. Baldwin, a co-founder of Alexander & Baldwin Inc., seemed to set the tone of leadership with his enterprising grit.
MAUI LAND & PINEAPPLE
The late Colin Cameron, above, wrested Maui Pineapple from Alexander & Baldwin in 1969 to found Maui Land & Pineapple Co.
Baldwin faced the possibility of losing a major irrigation agreement with the Hawaiian monarchy in 1878 and needed to complete the building of a pipeline across Maliko Gulch in East Maui. But employees were afraid of lowering themselves down the 450-foot gulch to do the construction work.
To encourage his employees to move forward, Baldwin, who had lost an arm in a milling accident, would wrap his legs around a rope and use his left hand to lower himself down the gulch each day during the construction.
The completion of the irrigation system brought water from rainy East Maui to the central plains and helped to establish the foundation for the firm's growth.
Another example of grit was in 1969 when Sanford's brother Colin Cameron wrested Maui Pineapple from Alexander & Baldwin in a leveraged buyout and founded Maui Land & Pineapple Co. Inc.
Cameron led the firm to develop the Kapalua resort, including the Kapalua Bay Hotel & Villas and a golf course, and commercial properties such as the Kaahumanu Center and Kapalua Shops.
Cameron worked with his son, Richard, now the firm's board chairman, to develop the Napili Plaza shopping center in West Maui.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Colin Cameron led the firm to develop the Kapalua resort, site of the annual Mercedes Championships.
Cameron was also a major supporter of the Maui Economic Development Board, the group that played a key role in initiating the building of the Maui Research & Technology Park, the home of high-technology firms, including Maui's supercomputer.
"Colin wanted to diversify and not only focus on pineapple, because it was cyclical," Sanford said.
Many residents remember the corporation for its generosity, including the development of employee housing at Napilihau in West Maui and the first employee day-care center in the state.
The firm also contributed land for a marine reserve at Honokohau and for a nature preserve at Pu'u Kukui in the West Maui Mountains.
Sanford said her brother was always aware of making a decision that would reflect well on Maui Pine in the community.
"You can see what you can do if you live on the island, and he was always saying, 'I have to live here.'"
Founded: 1969, formerly part of Alexander & Baldwin Inc. Maui Land & Pineapple Co. Inc.
Employees: 1,830
Operation: Pineapple production and property development
Newest major stockholder: Stephen Case Revocable Trust, established by Hawaii-born Steve Case, chairman of AOL Time Warner, 41.4 percent
Oldest major stockholder: J. Walter Cameron Family Group, 35.1 percent
