This
story of Richard Kaleioku Smart, known for this philanthropy and
Broadway performances, takes the reader beyond his public persona to a
more intimate view of Smart as a father, astute businessman, and
visionary rancher. It provides the full spectrum of his life and a true
picture of who he was as a person seen through the eyes of his family,
employees, and friends who know him best. Always the consummate
gentleman, Richard Smart took great pride in his personal achievements
and in his native Hawaiian heritage. Hist love for the land--aloha 'aina
Paka--and for the employees who toiled there is a touching story of a
benevolent patriarch who looks after his ranch family. Born into wealth
and a heritage that included Hawaiian royalty, Smart inherited a legacy
of multiple generations of tragedy, heartache, and triumph. Orphaned at
an early age after the untimely deaths of both his parents and infant
sister, Smart is raised by his grandmother in the elite social circles
of Honolulu and California before pursuing his passion for theater and
acting in New York. Returning home in 1959 to take control of the family
ranch, Smart distinguishes himself in the livestock business, making
his mark in the cattle industry of Hawai'i. Concerned about preserving
his legacy for future generations, he unveils a land-use plan for his
ranch holdings, the Parker Ranch 2020 Plan, which strategically
dovetails with his plans to establish a charitable trust to support the
health, education, and welfare of the people and community that he
loves. In this book, the authors pay homage to Richard Smart--cattle
rancher and industry leader, wise visionary, Broadway star,
humanitarian, and friend.