U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii released the following statement in response to layoffs by Maui Land and Pine:

"I was most concerned to learn of Maui Land & Pine's layoff of its workforce, primarily in its pineapple operation. While it is a sign of our down-turning economy, we cannot simply throw in the towel. I will be working with the company, the ILWU and the agriculture leadership to keep at least some pineapple cultivation on Maui, possibly under a different business model. Pineapples are a part of Maui's legacy.

"Additionally, I will be alerting the U.S. Department of Labor of our impending dislocated worker emergency grant needs, and will carry the state's application forward as soon as it is completed. Now is the time for all parties to work together — government, business and labor — to aid the laid-off workers and their families."