Longtime Residents of Lanai Struggle as Pineapple Era Ends

Native residents on Lanai continue to struggle with the changes taking place on the island since the end of pineapple cultivation.

A study by a University of Hawaii researcher finds people on Lanai are having a hard time adjusting to the loss of their rural lifestyle. The study says the end of pineapple farming on the island has led to more crime and less emphasis on family.

Professor Jon Matsuoka of University of Hawaii School of Social Work says there has been a 37% rise in crime on the island in the past five years, as Lanai has shifted from growing pineapple to catering to tourists.

“Longtime Lanai residents were not faring well compared to nonresidents, particularly those coming from the American continent,” Matsuoka said. “Lanai-born persons experienced significantly higher levels of unpleasant life events and the lowest levels of life satisfaction.

“Who really benefits from this kind of development? The answer is new Hawaii residents.”

Reynold “Butch” Gima, a state social worker who helps mentally ill patients on Lanai, said the $340,000 study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health scientifically proves what he and other long have suspected.

“The results are not surprising,” Gima said. “It legitimizes our observations and impressions because it’s conducted in a formalized process.”