Helen Robinson, 91; Family Owned Private Hawaiian Island
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Helen Matthew Robinson, 91, owner of Niihau Island and Ranch--home to the last all-Hawaiian community--died Wednesday in Makaweli, Hawaii. The cause of death was not given.
A native of Berkeley, the matriarch was married to Lester Robinson from 1937 until his death in 1969. The Robinson family purchased the private island and ranch from the Hawaiian monarchy in 1864, and moved there from New Zealand.
The family founded Gay & Robinson Sugar Co., one of the few companies still in operation that dates from an era in which sugar production, rather than tourism, was Hawaii’s dominant industry.
Helen Robinson was the last family member of her generation. Niihau Island, now owned by her sons Keith and Bruce, has about 200 residents.
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