The Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee passed a resolution today urging Grove Farm Co. to consider a “win-win solution” to sell Koloa Camp land to tenants facing eviction on Kauai.

Grove Farm recently rejected an offer by local developer Peter Savio to purchase the land and sell it to the tenants as he did for Poamoho Camp tenants on Oahu in 2004. Savio testified that he is still willing to work with the landowner and tenants to facilitate the process should Grove Farm change its position.

Kepa Kruse, who was raised at Koloa Camp, testified before the committee about the historical significance of the site. The remaining homes were part of Japanese Camp C of the first sugar plantation established in Hawaii in July 1835. 

“It’s part of Hawaii that’s worth saving,” Kruse said.

Thirteen tenants, eight residential and five agricultural, were ordered to vacate by March 8 to make way for Wai­ho­honu, a proposed 50-home subdivision.