The can and pineapple plantations were irrigates and cultivated — no weeds. When they were abandoned, nobody kept the weeds under control and they grew like...weeds. They are invasive, non-native weeds, too, so they were opportunistic, grew quickly, expanded their range, and grew right up the town border of Lahaina.
Same with the nonnative pine trees crowding out the tropical trees.
This was a massive government failure. The government had been warned many times about the big growth of non-native highly flammable weeds and trees, but did nothing about it.
The plantations weren’t “driven out of business,” though. Basic economics sent the plantations to cheaper lands with low-cost land and labor.
The largest pineapple producer is Costa Rica. And, you’re right: The Hawaiian growers closed down because of economics, and went elsewhere.
I read somewhere that Hawaii once had a thriving pineapple and sugar industry; but, not so much anymore.
I read somewhere that Hawaii once had a thriving pineapple and sugar industry; but, not so much anymore.