16th Annual Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival
9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sat., Feb. 6, 2010
To celebrate the blooming of Church Row Park’s historic cherry trees and the Japanese tradition of viewing them – hanami – and welcoming the arrival of spring. As always, will include a host of activities at venues throughout town — from Parker Ranch Historic Homes on Mamalahoa Hwy. 190 to the Hawaiian Homestead Farmer’s Market ‘First Saturday’ Celebration on the lawn at Kuhio Hale on Hwy. 19.
Look for pink banners identifying site locations and enjoy Japanese and multi-cultural performing arts, demonstrations of bonsai, origami, sumie, calligraphy, tea ceremony, mochi pounding, sake sampling and a host of craft fairs. Free shuttle transportation among venues. Info: 961-8706.
–
PARKER RANCH HISTORIC HOMES HOSTING CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVITIES
Parker Ranch’s Historic Homes in Waimea have worked with Annu Shionoya of the East West Fine Arts Gallery to put together special demonstrations and exhibits to celebrate the 2010 Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival on Saturday, Feb. 6.
At the historic Puuopelu home between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. traditional Japanese tea ceremonies will be observed by Emi Wakayama. Tea Ceremony, also known as Chanoyu or Sado, is a ritual way of preparing and drinking tea. Strongly influenced by Zen Buddhism, every hand movement is choreographed and requires long hours, even years, of training.
To Japanese, the Tea Ceremony elevates drinking tea to a spiritual discipline. Shrouded in symbolism, Tea Ceremonies have been around since the sixteenth century. They are a way of communicating, consensus building, and teaching discipline. It is fascinating to observe and visitors will enjoy learning more about this centuries-old tradition.
In addition, guests will enjoy a performance by the Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Quartet. Music from India, Japan, China, France and Germany will be presented on Shakuhachi and gold flutes, harp, harmonium, piano and voice. The group consists of Gene Tamashiro, Jean Pierre Thoma, Mahesh & Brihan Roberto, and Annu Shionoya. The repertoire will consist of music by Miyagi, Debussy, Faure, and traditional Indian and Chinese melodies. Dancer Shizono Nasu will perform a Mai dance.
Oriental arts by Masanori Katsuyama (wood block prints) from Kyoto Japan and a local artist, Susumu Sakaguchi (acrylic original and giclee prints) from Volcano will be on display at the Historic Homes Puuopelu Gallery as a tribute to sharing cross-cultural traditions of the Cherry Blossom Festival. Traditional kimonos will be on display and available for purchase. Please stop by to see the Cherry Blossom quilt and other Waimea made quilts.
Food will be available through Crivellas who will be serving portugese bean soup and malasadas.
The historic homes and tours of Mana Hale and Puuopelu, along with their gardens are open to the public on Cherry Blossom day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission will be complimentary.
–
PARKER RANCH STORE HOSTING LORNA LIM
Parker Ranch Store will host a live performance of the new CD release “Polinahe” by Lorna Lim of her new CD release Polinahe! Lorna’s beautiful voice and her connection to Big Island’s music tradition place her among Hawaii’s living treasures.
Lorna recorded “Polinahe” for hula dancers in a style that reflects her personal musical tradition. The translation of the title – “poli”, meaning from the heart, and “nahe”, meaning sweet and pure- sums up Lorna’s musical style and the beautiful quality of her voice.
This is the second time the Parker Ranch Store has hosted a live performance by Lorna Lim. After her performance, this talented musical artist will be available to autograph a copy of her new CD.
In addition to Lorna Lim, the Parker Ranch store will also host Leo Mills and her feather lei making skills. What better way to celebrate than with our favorite lei maker in house. Leo Mills returns to the Parker Ranch Store showcasing the art of feather lei making.
Her popular lapel pins in the form of either our local favorite owl or majestic pheasant are a great authentic souvenir of the area. Her skill and dedication to this art is a must see! She will be on hand with demonstrations and selling her wares.
Parker School in Waimea. Photography by Baron Sekiya | Hawaii 24/7.
MEDIA RELEASE
Parker Ranch and Parker School – two significant stakeholders in Waimea – will top the agenda of Waimea Community Association’s (WCA) next Town Meeting at 5:15 p.m., Thurs., Feb. 4, 2010 at Waimea School Cafeteria.
Parker Ranch CEO William Maris will provide an update on the Connector Road, which is currently under construction, and discuss the previously announced Parker Ranch business transition.
Several representatives of Parker School led by Headmaster Carl Sturges will provide an update on proposed expansion plans for the town-center campus.
Also attending will be County of Hawai’i Planning Director Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd, who will brief the community on the County planning process, requirements and opportunities for community input related to Parker School’s expansion plans.
All of the presenters will be available for questions as time permits.
As always, everyone is invited to WCA Town Meetings and there is no charge to participate, though membership is encouraged. Annual membership is $12 per person with funds used to help support the association’s outreach education programs and to support what will be the 50th Annual Waimea Christmas Twilight Parade and Sat., Dec. 4, 2010.
For more information, contact President Sherman Warner (885-1725).
Parker Ranch Realty, Inc. and Clark Realty Corporation, two local companies with a long and successful working relationship have agreed Clark Realty will acquire the assets of Parker Ranch Realty, effective Dec. 1.
Parker Ranch, Inc.’s Chief Operating Officer Bill Maris said “This change is part of the overall strategy as Parker Ranch, Inc. transitions out of its non-core businesses including general real estate brokerage. The Ranch is quite pleased that a strong kamaaina company such as Clark Realty has stepped forward to acquire these assets.”
Clark Realty is one of the largest independently-owned real estate brokerages in Hawaii. It is also the largest real estate firm on the Big Island of Hawaii and in the top 10 statewide.
With more than 130 agents, eight full-time property managers and 23 administrators and staff, Clark Realty offers complete coverage of the Big Island and all aspects of real estate.
Putman D. (Putty) Clark, R – President & CEO of Clark Realty Corp., said “We are very excited about the opportunity this acquisition represents. It brings together some of the most talented Realtors on the Big Island and will strengthen Clark Realty’s presence in a very positive way. We are equally pleased about completing this transaction with a company with the strong culture and traditions of Parker Ranch, Inc. This is a win-win relationship for everyone.”
With the acquisition of the assets of Parker Ranch, Realty, Inc., Clark Realty will continue to be the market-share leader on the Big Island with offices in Kailua-Kona, Keauhou, Waimea, Hilo and The Mauna Lani Resort.
Clark Realty’s Waimea office will move from its current location to the Parker Ranch Realty space at the Parker Ranch Center.
Parker Ranch is the fifth largest ranch in the United States, spanning approximately 130,000 acres across the Big Island. It surrounds the town of Waimea and spreads between the Kohala and Mauna Kea mountains.
The ranch is owned by the Parker Ranch Foundation Trust for the benefit of four local charities: North Hawaii Community Hospital, Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Parker School Trust Corporation and the Richard Smart Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation.
Responding to difficult economic conditions which have produced continuing operating losses, Parker Ranch, Inc’s (PRI) Board of Directors has decided on a change in strategy and announced several resulting operational changes.
“The company will re-focus its efforts on its two core business lines—livestock production and land resource management,” PRI Board Chairman Pete Moynahan said. “This new direction will require that the ranch transition out of its non-core businesses including general real estate brokerage, tours of the ranch and its historic properties and retailing.”
Coupled with refocusing business activities and exiting certain existing operations, the ranch will be reducing certain administrative expenses, including eliminating the positions of two vice presidents who have long been an integral part of the Parker Ranch ohana and the ranch looks forward to their assistance as consultants during the transition of operations.
The Board of Directors expresses its great appreciation for the long and very capable service of vice presidents Michael “Corky” Bryan and Diane S. Quitiquit.
The changes in PRI’s operational strategy will be led by Bill Maris, Chief Operating Officer (COO), and are designed to both reduce general operating costs and eliminate unprofitable businesses in order to improve the company’s performance and long-term sustainability.
Along with continuing livestock operations that market approximately 10,000 head of cattle annually, Parker Ranch, Inc.’s revised strategy also includes long-term land management uses to preserve and enhance core land assets, coupled with appropriately planned dispositions or exchanges of real estate to reduce debt, fund necessary infrastructure improvements for Waimea’s growth, and prudently diversify PRI’s and Parker Ranch Foundation Trust’s (PRFT) asset base.
Moynahan said “PRI’s revised strategy is designed to stabilize PRI and thereby better position PRFT to fulfill its long-term mission of carrying out Richard Smart’s vision of perpetuating a healthy, vibrant Waimea community through the trust’s support of its four beneficiaries.”
Maris said “PRI’s historic core business of livestock production will remain the Ranch’s primary long-term land management use and agricultural business. However, PRI plans to further explore and potentially expand into other long-term land management opportunities that can be complimentary to cattle ranching; including wind and/or solar energy production, biomass production, wildlife, habitat restoration and other natural resource based land uses. These and other opportunities were identified by the PRI Board of Directors in recent strategic planning meetings.”
Consistent with other cost reduction efforts, Moynahan said “PRI has already reduced the size of its Board of Directors. Also, PRFT trustees have voluntary implemented a reduction in fees, and, in addition, relinquished their office space to allow PRI to make further operating cost reductions.”
Parker Ranch is the fifth largest ranch in the United States, spanning approximately 130,000 acres across the Big Island. It surrounds the town of Waimea and spreads between the Kohala and Mauna Kea mountains.
Parker Ranch, Inc. is owned by the Parker Ranch Foundation Trust for the benefit of four local charities: North Hawaii Community Hospital, Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Parker School Trust Corporation and the Richard Smart Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation.
Gourse, shown here in bloom, is an invasive weed in Hawaii. Photo courtesy of CTAHR.
A controlled brush fire scheduled to take place tomorrow morning, Wednesday, Sept. 9, in an area above the intersection of Saddle Road and Mauna Kea Access Road, was postponed Wednesday.
Fire officials said the controlled burn, designed to aid in gorse eradication as well as to test new techniques for brushfire fighting, has been postponed to Thursday due to undesirable conditions at the burn site expected on Wednesday.
The Department of Hawaiian Homelands and Parker Ranch, in partnership with the Hawaii Fire Department, the Pohakuloa Department of Army Fire Protection Services and the National Park Service, are monitoring the controlled burn.
Motorists, meanwhile, are asked to drive with caution in the area. Updates will be issued by the Hawaii County Civil Defense if conditions or plans should change. For more information, call 961-8229.
Waimea, Hawai‘i’s Big Island ~ The 35th Annual Parker Ranch Round-Up Club Rodeo will lasso in two days of rodeo events on Saturday, September 5th and Sunday, September 6th, 2009 at the Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena in Waimea.
The action-packed weekend is held annually as a fundraiser to provide scholarships for school-age children of Parker Ranch employees. This year, the event joins all of Hawaii in its celebration of Hawaiian Statehood in 2009.
EVENT ENTRY Deadline August 19
Entries for the rodeo must be postmarked by August 19 or hand delivered to Parker Ranch headquarters no later than August 21.
DOWNLOAD ENTRY FORM or are available at the Parker Ranch Store, Waimea Feed Supply in Waimea, Hog Wild Feed & Supply in Honokaa, Miranda Country Store or Del’s Farm Supply in Hilo, King’s Trail Ride in Kealakekua and Pearl’s Garden Center in Captain Cook.
Family-style fun begins on Saturday, September 5th at 12 noon with rodeo events which may include everything from open and dally team roping and double mugging, and po’o wai u, to saddle bronc, bull riding, junior bull riding, wahine barrel racing, wahine steer un-decorating, and more. Always fun and exciting to watch is the makule team roping competition. (One team member must be over 40, one over 50). The crowd is always on its feet for the the keiki barrel racing for participants 12 & under, and mutton busting (keiki sheep riding).
HORSE AUCTION The Round Up Club, in partnership with Parker Ranch will be hosting an auction for saddle horses and 2-year old quarter horses. Come at 10 a.m. to participate in the auction and purchase a Parker Ranch horse. For non-riders, come and watch and enjoy the fast pace of a Ranch horse auction.
Sunday’s rodeo action begins again at high noon with more excitement throughout the afternoon. Ono (delicious) food and refreshments will be available both days with on-going events lasting until 4:00 p.m.
TICKETS
Tickets are $5 per person in advance from the Parker Ranch Store at the Parker Ranch Center, Waimea or $6 at the gate/online on rodeo days. Children 10 and under are free. For more information, call 808-885-5669.
Video by Dave Corrigan/Big Island Video News and Baron Sekiya/Hawaii247.org Photography by Baron Sekiya/Hawaii247.org
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan arrival at Kona International Airport Thursday morning (July 16).
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko shake hands with Big Islanders at the airport.
Empress Michiko waves to the crowd of supporters at Kona International Airport as they board their motorcade to the Mauna Kea Beach Resort.
Royal visit thrills Big Island
Story by Karin Stanton
A touch of royalty swept across the Big Island for five hours Thursday.
Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko made two stops during their quick visit to the island on their way home, including receptions at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Parker Ranch’s Smart residence.
The imperial visit began with a gala greeting at Kona International Airport, with Mayor Billy Kenoi and his wife Takako.
As they exited their specially equipped Boeing 747, the couple was serenaded with a chant written for the occasion by Kekuhi Kealiikanakaolehaililani, granddaughter of Edith Kanakaole. The chant is called “Welcoming the Rising Sun.”
About 150 invited guests looked on as 60 children from five charter schools performed a hula. The keiki came from Kona, Ka‘u, Puna, Hilo, Hamakua and Kohala.
The guests were mostly people of Japanese ancestry and groups represented included the Kona Japanese Civic Association, Hiroshima, Kumamoto, Yamaguchi and Fukuoka Kenjin clubs, Mutsumi Kai, Daughters of Hawaii, Kona Lion’s Club, Kona Historical Society, Urasenke Club, and Kona Saga Goryu Ikebana.
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan greet well wishers from at the Mauna Kea Beach Resort. (Photo by Laura Shimabuku/Stephens Media)
Kenoi presented the emperor and empress a gift of a framed photograph by Jack Jeffrey of the iiwi bird feeding on the endangered oha wai plant, which is found only on the Big Island. A second gift – a purse that Kenoi’s wife said was specially crafted for the empress – had been sent ahead to Honolulu.
Takako Kenoi, who was born and raised in Japan, said it was especially thrilling to see the empress carrying it during her Big Island visit.
At the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, about 130 well-wishers represented such groups as the Japanese Community Association, East Hawaii Hiroshima Kenjinkai, Hui Okinawa, Urasenke Hilo Association, and Kumamoto Doshi Kai.
Honored Guests
Their final stop was a reception hosted by the Honolulu-based Consul General Toshio Kunikata and Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki, who traveled from the Washington, D.C. embassy. At the 162-year-old home of late ranch owner Richard Smart, the couple was greeted by Warren Haruki, Tim Johns and Pete Moynahan, trustees of the Parker Ranch Foundation Trust.
The couple then met with about 60 invited guests, including County Council members J Yoshimoto, Emily Naeole, Donald Ikeda and Kelly Greenwell.
Among the guests was Yasuo Kuwaye, 87, of Hilo. Kuwaye is the recipient of the Order of the Sacred Treasure, an imperial award recognizing his efforts in forging relations between Hawaii and Japan’s Oshima Island.
Kuwaye said he was surprised to have been honored with the medal and still has no idea who nominated him. He was especially proud to be wearing the medal Thursday for his audience with the emperor and empress.
Another guest was Norman Sakata, president of the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival and a member of Lion’s Club since 1959.
“My life is fulfilled now,” he said. “My father is turning over in his grave, knowing that his son has met the emperor. For me, it’s a dream come true.”
Sakata said he met Akihito when he was crown prince and once heard the previous emperor, Akihito’s late father, speak at a Lion’s Club convention, but this was the first time meeting a sitting emperor.
“I was so impressed by how humble and gracious they are,” he said.
They chatted about Hawaii’s astronaut Ellison Onizuka, who lost his life in the Challenger shuttle explosion in 1986, and about Japan’s influence on Hawaii history.
“The emperor expressed it best when he said he’s so proud to see how the people from Japan came here, established themselves and really contributed to make Hawaii what it is,” Sakata said.
Mayor’s Nerves
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan bid aloha to Mayor Billy Kenoi and his wife Takako at Kona International Airport.
Mayor Kenoi said he was delighted to show off the Big Island to the imperial couple, but admitted to some anxiety about having to tie the lei around their necks as protocol discourages placing anything over their heads.
“I was very nervous. I practiced on all my staff this morning,” Kenoi said. “Meeting them was a great honor. It’s definitely a big moment in Hawaii Island’s history.”
Kenoi and his wife said it also was a memorable family moment, as his children were on hand to see the couple arrive in Kona.
“It’s beyond a lifetime experience,” she said.
Paniolo Prowess and a Rogue Calf
Before they left Parker Ranch, the emperor and empress were treated to exhibitions of paniolo prowess including calf roping and a demonstration of the poo wai u, which is found only at Hawaiian rodeos and involves roping a steer and tying it to a Y-shaped post in the middle of the arena.
Apparently, nobody briefed the calves on royal protocol, as one of little guys decided to hop over the rock wall and make a break for it across the Waimea pastures. The paniolo won out, eventually bringing it back into line.
The royal family has lengthy ties to Parker Ranch. Members of the imperial palace riding club purchased Parker Ranch thoroughbreds through the 1960s and two vases are displayed at the Smart residence — gifts from the royal family more than 100 years ago.
As a farewell at the airport, hula halau Na Lei O Kaholoku from Kohala performed with the Lim family presenting “I Makana Nau Ia Aloha,” which was written by King David Kalakaua for his wife while he was visiting Yokohama in 1881.
Visit Benefits
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan prepare to leave and wave to the crowd at Kona International Airport.
Accompanying the imperial couple were nearly three dozen television and print journalists from Japan. Their coverage of the country’s leaders likely will throw a positive spotlight on Hawaii, which has seen a double-digit dip in visitors from Japan.
The depressed global economy, the H1N1 flu and fears about North Korean sabre-rattling have made Japanese vacation travelers skittish.
“This is big. It’s huge,” Big Island Visitors Bureau executive director George Applegate said. “This visit will negate all the bad news about H1N1. This is a great thing for Hawaii, definitely.”
Kenoi said he hopes the visit results in “incredible benefits beyond today,” as the coverage in Japan will show Hawaii as a place deserving of a royal visit.
Diane Quitiquit, Parker Ranch vice president, said the royal visit will have an impact in Japan and on the Big Island.
“It’s a tremendous boost. It’ll be great for Hawaii to be showcased like this, absolutely,” she said. “For people to see – especially with the fear of H1N1 – that the emperor and empress visited Hawaii is positive, especially for anyone who might have had any hesitation about coming here.”
Quitiquit said she has great admiration for the couple, who are hugely popular in Japan.
“I heard one story about an 81-year-old lady from Japan who is visiting Hawaii. She has lived her whole life in Japan and never seen the emperor, but she was at Kapiolani Park and got to see her emperor for the first time in her life,” Quitiquit said. “I love that story. And, of course, it’s also great for people here to be able to just see them. It’s a real treat.”
Honolulu Visit
Emperor Akihito of Japan is entertained with hula and music during the departure ceremony at Kona International Airport.
Following an 11-day trip to Canada, the royal couple spent two days in Honolulu, where they returned to Kapiolani Park to see a rainbow shower tree he planted 49 years ago as the then-crown prince, attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, and were the guests of honor at a 1,500-person banquet to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship Foundation.
The scholarship was established in 1959 to commemorate the wedding of then-Crown Prince Akihito and Crown Princess Michiko. The scholarship is awarded annually to two Japanese graduate students in Japan for study at the University of Hawaii-Manoa, and to two American graduate students from UH-Manoa for study in Japan.
The royal couple last visited Hawaii 15 years ago and returned to Japan after their Big Island tour.
Akihito, 75, is the 125th emperor of Japan. He acceded to the throne in 1989, following the death of his father.
Parker Ranch has celebrates its 47th Annual Independence Weekend Rodeo and Horse Races on Friday, July 3 at Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena in Waimea.
Fast-paced rodeo action begins shortly after the 9 a.m. grand entry parade and continues non-stop until noon. The line-up of rodeo events, featuring Parker Ranch cowboys joined by paniolo from ranches all across the Big Island, is full of excitement.
Spectators are treated to horse races, team sorting, double mugging, dally team roping, the unique-to-Hawaii Po o Wai U and more.
This event is an opportunity to see Hawaii’s cowboys in action while enjoying local food, keiki activities, and shop for Parker Ranch logo items at the Parker Ranch Store booth.
The inaugural Parker Ranch Rodeo was just three years after Hawaii became a state in 1959 and remains a highly anticipated summer event by visitors and the local community.
Tickets are $5 per person in advance or $6 at the gate. Presale tickets are available at the Parker Ranch Store, Waimea. Children 10 and under are free.
Kahu Danny Akaka conducts a traditional Hawaiian blessing during the ground breaking ceremony Friday, May 1 at Parker Ranch.
Story and Photos by Karin Stanton/Hawaii247.org Contributing Editor
Officials from Parker Ranch were joined by county dignitaries and invited guests Friday, May 1 to break ground on what has long been called the Parker Ranch Connector Road.
Kahu Danny Akaka conducted a traditional Hawaiian blessing.
Parker Ranch cowboys pause during Friday's ground breaking and blessing.
The road, traversing the Mauna Kea side of the Lualai subdivision, will eventually link Mamalahoa Highway – near the Parker Ranch entrance – with an extension of Pukalani Road. Parker Ranch is solely responsible for financing the $6 million road project.
Contractor Goodfellow Brothers estimates more than 25 jobs are being created as a result of the project.
“We are happy to have reached a point where we’re actually breaking ground on this project that marks the beginning of a new path that connects our community and fulfills the vision of Richard Smart,” said David McCoy, chairman of Parker Ranch, Inc. Board and a Parker Ranch Foundation Trust Trustee.
“It’s a major plus in the community. It probably won’t solve all of our congestion problems, but it will help,” McCoy said. “The benefits to the community are many fold.”
The Connector Road at Parker Ranch was part of a vision of sixth generation Parker descendent and last owner of Parker Ranch Richard Smart. Smart conceptualized what he called the Parker Ranch 2020 Plan.
The plan’s intent was to set aside sufficient lands to allow for uncongested growth and community development. Planning for growth would allow the Waimea community to maintain its rural “village” character yet provide for future business, employment and housing for residents.
The Parker Ranch Connector Road will be approximately 1 mile in length. The two-lane road from Mamalahoa Highway to Pukalani Road will accommodate vehicles at “rural” speeds of 25 mph. Recreational bicyclists, walkers and runners will enjoy a 10 foot wide multi use corridor along the town-bound side of the road.
It is estimated the road may be completed in 12 months, depending on how well the weather cooperates.
Trigger for Phase II (Pukalani Road to Kamamalu Street) portion is based on development of surrounding commercial areas behind Old Slaughter House and Minuke Ole Park and west of/and between Connector Road and Holoholo Ku development.
Road layout is currently under consideration by county.
Parker Ranch Inc. is known for quality beef, producing 10 million pounds of beef each year and ranking as the 5th largest cow-calf operation in the United States. Visitors can enjoy parts of ranch through tours of two historic homes, Cowboys of Hawaii at Parker Ranch, LLC horseback and ATV rides or the ranch’s exclusive Cattle Country Tour. A hunting program is also offered within controlled areas of the vast ranch.
Richard Palmer Parker Smart placed the ranch in a trust prior to his death in 1992 to benefit four Waimea-based organizations with a focus towards health care, education and charitable support; Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Parker School Trust Corporation, North Hawaii Community Hospital and the Richard Smart Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation.
Through 2008 nearly $15 million in cash and land has been distributed to these beneficiaries.
Roadway Features:
* Phase I – Pukalani Road to Kaomoloa Street; Phase III – Mamalahoa Hwy to Kaomoloa Street
* Approximately 1 mile long
* 80’ Right of Way
* 11’ travel lane in each direction and 11’ shoulders (5’ paved and 6’ grass)
* 8’ drainage swales (paved 2.5’ on either side of center of swale)
* 10’ paved sidewalk/bikeway, town side of road only
* Posted speed = 25 mph
* Street lighting at intersections only (Pukalani & Kaomoloa)
Parker Ranch, Inc. has announced the appointment of James (Jimmy) S. Greenwell and William (Bill) Maris to the Parker Ranch, Inc. Board of Directors.
They join board members Michael W. Gibson, Warren H. Haruki, Robert L. Hind III, Timothy E. Johns, David H. McCoy (Board chairman), Brendan G. Moynahan, Randolph G. Moore, Herbert M. (Monty) Richards Jr., and Arthur C. Tokin.
Parker Ranch, Inc. is the for-profit corporation that owns and operates the assets of the cattle ranch, real property development activities and other operating entities of the ranch. It was formed in 1995 to manage the for-profit activities of Parker Ranch.
Since 1992 Greenwell has served as president of two family owned businesses; Palani Ranch Company and Lanihau Properties LLC. Palani Ranch Company is a cattle operation on the slopes of Hualalai that has been in the Greenwell family since1850, acquired originally by his great grandfather.
Lanihau Properties LLC manages development lands and real estate in Kailua-Kona and in the growing urban core to the north of Kailua that is primarily commercial and industrial property.
Maris joined Parker Ranch in November 2008 as its chief financial officer and was later appointed to serve as interim chief operating officer. He will provide strategic planning leadership, long-range operating goals, strategies, plans, and policies.
Maris has been a certified public accountant and has served in a variety of financial positions on the mainland and in Hawaii.
“We are so pleased that Jimmy and Bill have joined our Board of Directors,” McCoy said. “Jimmy’s knowledge of the cattle industry and its rich history in our islands through generations of his own family coupled with his respected business skills make him an ideal addition to the Parker Ranch Inc. board at this important time. We welcome Bill’s business acumen and know he will play a vital role on the board as well.”
Following his graduation from Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Greenwell earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Cornell University in Agricultural Economics. He soon returned to Hawaii and spent 10 years with Alexander & Baldwin’s Properties Group eventually working his way up to Manager of Leasing and Property Management on Maui before joining the Greenwell family ranch and businesses in 1980.
Greenwell has served for more than 10 years as the chairman of the Land Issues Committee for the Statewide Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council and is a past president of that organization. His community involvement also includes serving as an executive committee member and past president of Hawaii Leeward Planning Conference, director of the Kailua Village Business Improvement District, member of the Hawaii Cattle Producer’s Cooperative Association, member of Lambda Alpha International and a former member of the Board of Governors and past president of the Hawaii Preparatory Academy’s Alumni Association. He is also a former member of the board of trustees for Maui’s Seabury Hall.
Maris holds a BS in Accounting, with honors, from the University of Oregon. His experience as a CFO includes public and private corporations. Maris was most recently CFO at Cyanotech Corp., where he was recognized for significant contributions in taking hold of the company’s financial operations during a critical and challenging period.
Maris is a past member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts and the Oregon Society of CPAs. He has served as both a member and chair of various transportation and logistics government advisory committees. His primary background is in agricultural production accounting, finance and in transportation.
Along with wife Theresa, Maris is active with Kawaihae Canoe Club and he works with a group of volunteers that assists with the monthly Twilight at Kalahuipuaa programs at Mauna Lani Resort.
Parker Ranch Inc. is a cattle ranch known for quality beef, producing 10 million pounds of beef each year and ranking as the 5th largest cow-calf operation in the United States. Parker Ranch has an horse breeding program, which is recognized as one of the finest in the industry.
Parker Ranch, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Parker Ranch Foundation Trust, which was established to support four local beneficiary non-profit organizations: North Hawaii Community Hospital, Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Parker School Trust Corporation and the Richard Smart Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation.
WAIMEA – Parker Ranch, Inc. Board of Directors announced a new leadership direction for the 161 year old company, effective Jan. 1.
Chris Kanazawa , who served as resident and CEO for the last four years will step down as its chief executive and from his directorship with Parker Ranch Inc. Board of Directors, yet continue with the Ranch in the capacity of private consultant. As a consultant to the Ranch, Kanazawa will handle special projects.
William Maris who recently joined Parker Ranch as chief financial officer will serve as interim chief operating officer responsible for day-to-day operations.
A search for new leadership will begin soon.
“On behalf of the Parker Ranch Inc. directors, I want to thank Chris Kanazawa for his years of service to Parker Ranch,” PRI board chairman David McCoy said.
Parker Ranch is one of the largest ranches in the United States , spanning more than 130,000 acres across the Big Island. It surrounds the town of Waimea and spreads between the Kohala and Mauna Kea mountains.
The ranch is owned by the Parker Ranch Foundation Trust for the benefit of four local charities: North Hawaii Community Hospital, Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Parker School Trust Corporation and Hawaii Community Foundation.
