Studies seem to disagree.
https://www.grassrootinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/0...
Also the OP suggested that Hawaiian production is on decline so shipping from Hawaii to mainland is the issue.
https://www.grassrootinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/0...
Also the OP suggested that Hawaiian production is on decline so shipping from Hawaii to mainland is the issue.
However, the Jones act doesn't really have much of an impact compared to the significantly higher cost of labor in the US compared to brazil and india. Also the US got rid of alot of sugar subsidies, and import controls which essentially made sugar growing aside for some specialized situations infeasible.