The plantation sysem of Hawaii started in the 1850's. Sugar and pineapple production proved lucrative, and an influx of Asian immigrants occurred to fill the labor needs. Some might say laborers from Japan, the Philippines, etc. were treated fairly, but this was not always the case. Regardless, their conditions were much better than slaves forced to work on plantations in the Carribean. Sanford Dole helped foster the growth of such plantations in Hawaii. His backing of the Bayonet Constitution helped strip the natives of power and put control of the islands into the hands of Americans. Lorrin Thurston is credited with overthrowing Queen Lilioukalani through the Committee of Safety, paving the way for Sanford Dole to become president of Hawaii in 1894. With the subsequent annexation of Hawaii as a state by William McKinley in 1894, Dole was appointed governor. A cousin of Sanford Dole, James Dole bought the island of Lana'i in 1922 for the sole purpose of pineapple production. With increasing American control came missionaries and businesses. All sought to dominate the islands in their perspective areas. Hawaii was seen as an exploitable land inhabited by souls that begged to be saved.
Random Thoughts:
The Dole plantation can be seen in a fairly short time. It consists of pineapples, pineapples, and more pineapples. I spent more time in the gift shop than anywhere else. Although the maze seemed interesting, I did not choose to venture in . While the place is notable as having a profound effect on the Hawaiian islands and people, it almost seemed depressing. The thought of thousands of immigrants descending on the islands for the sole purpose of harvesting this strange fruit reminds you that the Hawaiians probably had no clue as to what was happening to their home in such a short time frame. And every time you order a drink or food in Hawaii you are reminded by that thick slab of pineapple that is a staple garnish.
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