by surprise. Many had been born and raised in the camp, which has become a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. The residents wanted to save Poamoho—they didn’t want their community destroyed.

More time needed 
The ILWU moved quickly to help the residents save their community. The union has a lot of experience in converting plantation camps into low-cost housing for members and retirees. However, it would be almost impossible to develop such a housing program before the June 30 deadline.

The residents needed more time, so the union turned to the State Legislature to put pressure on Del Monte and the Galbraith Estate. Two resolutions were introduced in the State House of Representatives that called on Del Monte to extend its lease until at least December 2005 or provide financial assistance to aid the residents to seek housing solutions. The resolutions also requested Galbraith Estate to consider a lease agreement either to the Poamoho Community Association or to an entity of the residents’ choice until at least December 2005.

Poamoho resident Randy Sanborn

A hearing on the resolutions was held on April 2, 2004. The ILWU, Del Monte member Boyd Isnec, and retirees Vaeleti Tyrell and Haunani Tyrell testified in support of the resolutions.

Solution found? 
As a result of all the activities mounted to save Poamoho, private housing developer Peter Savio stepped forward with a solution that could save the community. His company would take over the lease, secure financing, and subdivide the land into lots and homes that residents could purchase. In return, Savio would earn a fee of 5 percent plus costs. 

On April 10, Poamoho residents voted to accept Savio’s plan. Del Monte and the Galbraith Estate are also supporting the plan.

Below are excerpts from testimony give by ILWU members and retirees before the House Committees on Agriculture, and Labor and Public Employment on April 2, 2004.

Poamoho Camp supporters House District 46 Rep. Michael Magaoay, House District 39 Rep. Marcus Oshiro, 58-year resident of Poamoho Doro Agduyeng, Bill Paty, and State House District 38 Rep. Marilyn Lee. (Below) Residents held a rally and press conference at the State Capitol on April 2, 2004.