Jack Roney, a former federal economist turned lobbyist, spent years advocating for Hawaii’s sugar industry in Washington, D.C. as it faced challenges from globalization and changing trade policies. Sugar had been a major part of Hawaii’s economy for over 150 years, shaping the landscape and demographics of the islands. Roney worked closely with Hawaii’s congressional delegation to try to save the struggling industry in the face of opposition from foreign competitors and changing political tides. Despite their efforts, Hawaii’s last sugar plantation closed in 2016, marking the end of an era. Roney continued to advocate for sugar interests until his retirement in 2021, reflecting on the impact of the industry’s decline on Hawaii’s economy and landscape. The loss of thousands of acres of lush, green sugarcane fields has left a lasting impact on the islands, with barren landscapes contributing to devastating brush fires. Hawaii’s sugar industry may be a thing of the past, but the legacy of its rise and fall lives on in the memories of those, like Jack Roney, who fought to preserve it.
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Hawaii’s Final Sugar Lobbyist: Kirstin Downey
