Community

Richard Smart’s Vision

Richard Smart, a sixth-generation Parker descendant and the last private owner of Parker Ranch, devised the Parker Ranch 2020 Plan, now known as the Waimea Town Center Plan. This initiative was designed to manage growth while preserving Waimea’s rural, small town character. Smart’s intent was to set aside sufficient land to allow for uncongested growth, including business development and housing for residents, resulting in a thriving town with the necessities for a self-sufficient and prosperous community.

Upon his death in 1992, he left Parker Ranch, along with his personal art collection, in a trust to support healthcare, education, and charitable giving through named beneficiaries in the Waimea community.

Community Development Projects

Richard Smart’s vision for the Waimea Town Center Plan emphasized preserving open spaces and developing community resources to benefit Waimea’s residents. In alignment with this vision, Parker Ranch dedicated 24 acres for the development of a district park. Through facilities such as football and soccer fields, a youth baseball field, a community gymnasium, and gathering areas, these developments were designed to enrich the lives of Waimea’s residents, both current and future, while maintaining the town’s unique character and fostering a sense of community.

Parker Ranch has played a pivotal role in supporting the community by providing a gravel lot for school and community parking for the past 15 years. This space has been crucial for Waimea Schools, the Public Conversion Charter School, the adjacent Kamuela Post Office, Kahilu Theatre, and Mana Christian Ohana

With the recent release of $1.6 million in Capital Improvement Project funding from the state, the Hawai‘i Department of Education is set to acquire Parcel 54 from Parker Ranch Land Trust. This acquisition will allow for the development of a permanent parking and student drop-off area, addressing long-standing traffic and circulation issues at the main intersection in town, particularly during peak school hours. Parker Ranch initiated discussions with the Department of Education to incorporate this parcel into the school’s infrastructure plan, reflecting its ongoing commitment to the community’s well-being.

Cultural and Heritage Preservation

In celebration of its 175th anniversary, Parker Ranch announced the donation of the historic Pukalani Stables to the Paniolo Preservation Society. This non-profit organization is dedicated to educating the public about the rich history, present-day significance, and future of Hawaiʻi’s ranching industry. Through this donation, Parker Ranch and the Paniolo Preservation Society are united in their mission to promote and celebrate the Hawaiian ranching heritage and the accomplishments of generations of Paniolo.

Pukalani Stables, managed by the Paniolo Preservation Society, is home to the Paniolo Heritage Center, Na Wahine Holo Lio Pā‘ū Museum, a gift store, and two popular weekly farmers’ markets. These markets provide visitors and the Waimea community with a wide variety of fresh, locally grown, and produced goods, including varietal coffee, organic produce, island honey, handmade soaps, free-range grass-fed beef, handmade jewelry, snacks, prepared foods, and gifts.

Parker Ranch also plays a significant role in local cultural events, such as the Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival, and hosts annual Fourth of July and Labor Day rodeos and horse races, which are cherished celebrations in Waimea.

Environmental Stewardship and Education

Since its founding, Parker Ranch has been steadfast in its commitment to environmental stewardship. Emphasizing the protection of native habitats and wildlife, the Ranch ensures that Waimea’s natural beauty and biodiversity are preserved for future generations.

In line with its strategic plan updated six years ago to include forestry management, Parker Ranch has made noteworthy progress in its sustainability efforts. In 2023 alone, over 19,000 trees were planted, focusing on native species like the koa tree and ‘iliahi (sandalwood), alongside select non-native hardwoods. This substantial reforestation endeavor underscores Parker Ranch’s dedication to preserving and enriching native habitats within its expansive boundaries.

A critical challenge Parker Ranch navigates is striking a harmonious balance between expanding forest cover and preserving essential grass forage for livestock production, while upholding the cherished legacy of the Paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy). The Ranch’s approach to agroforestry integrates trees and shrubs into cattle grazing areas, diversifying animal diets and enriching the soil. This natural cycle of plant growth and decomposition is fundamental to creating a sustainable ecosystem and fostering higher levels of carbon sequestration.

Through these comprehensive efforts, Parker Ranch continues to play a vital role in the community, honoring its legacy while fostering responsible growth, forward-thinking resource management, and cultural preservation. By engaging in conservation efforts and educational programs, Parker Ranch promotes sustainable practices and ensures the preservation of Waimea’s natural resources and cultural heritage for future generations.

Parker Ranch remains committed to long-term planning and sustainable growth. As a cornerstone of the local economy and a guardian of Waimea’s natural and cultural heritage, Parker Ranch upholds its role as a responsible steward, dedicated to maintaining the area’s unique character and high quality of life.