Chinese Company Completes Sale of Nearly 500 Acres in Hawaii
A Chinese company has completed the sale of nearly 500 acres of land in Hawaii. The sale, which was finalized in late 2021, has raised concerns among some residents and officials about foreign ownership of Hawaiian land.
The Sale of Land
The land, which is located on the island of Oahu, was sold by Dole Food Company to China Oceanwide Holdings Group. The sale included 464 acres of agricultural land, as well as the Dole Plantation tourist attraction.
China Oceanwide Holdings Group reportedly plans to continue using the land for agricultural purposes, such as growing crops and raising livestock. The company has also indicated that it intends to maintain and potentially expand the Dole Plantation tourist attraction.
Concerns About Foreign Ownership
The sale of land to a foreign company has raised concerns among some residents and officials in Hawaii about the potential impact on the state’s economy and culture. Some worry that foreign ownership of Hawaiian land could lead to a loss of control over local resources and a decrease in job opportunities for Hawaiian residents.
In response to these concerns, Hawaii lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at restricting foreign ownership of land in the state. The proposed legislation would require foreign investors to disclose more information about their ownership and use of Hawaiian land and would make it more difficult for foreign companies to acquire large amounts of land.
Final Thoughts
The sale of nearly 500 acres of land in Hawaii to a Chinese company has raised concerns among some residents and officials about the potential impact on the state’s economy and culture. While China Oceanwide Holdings Group has indicated that it plans to continue using the land for agricultural purposes and maintain the Dole Plantation attraction, some worry that foreign ownership of Hawaiian land could have negative consequences for the state. The proposed legislation aimed at restricting foreign ownership of land in Hawaii highlights the need for careful consideration of the impact of foreign investment on local economies and cultures.
