Celebrating the Life & Impact of David W. Pratt
Celebrating the Life & Impact of David W. Pratt
There was no one with as much breadth of history and present-day knowledge of Grove Farm Company as David W. Pratt. He steered the helm of Grove Farm Company twice for nearly three decades combined, and in retirement remained on the Grove Farm Board of Directors until his passing on June 17, 2024.
Born on O‘ahu, Mr. Pratt attended Hanahau‘oli Elementary School and Punahou School. He graduated from Colorado State University in Fort Collins with a degree in agronomy. Following his service in the military, Mr. Pratt began his storied career with various sugar companies, including Amfac, O‘ahu Sugar Company, Līhu‘e Plantation Company, and Puna Sugar Company.
Mr. Pratt’s Grove Farm roots ran deep. His grandfather, E. H. W. “Ned” Broadbent, was a former Grove Farm manager, and his father, Dudley Pratt, Sr., served as Grove Farm’s corporate attorney.
In 1972, he was called upon to join Grove Farm Company by his father-in-law, Sam Wilcox, who was then President. Mr. Pratt became President and CEO in 1975. He led Grove Farm through its transition from the closure of sugar into a diversified agriculture and community development company. His long-time secretary, Remy Alayvilla Chinen, who joined Grove Farm in 1962, remembers Mr. Pratt’s uncanny ability to recall names, documents, and dates. She said,“We must not forget the vision he had for the people of Puhi, Kōloa, and the island of Kaua‘i, and for his many contributions for making Kaua‘i a better place in which we live.”
Mr. Pratt retired in 1996, and then in 2000, was called upon to serve again when Stephen Case became the new owner of Grove Farm. Mr. Pratt’s new secretary, Sharyl Lam Yuen, who assumed Remy’s role in 1998, fondly recalls “his love of the community, his family, and sweets!” Sharyl remembers Mr. Pratt’s stacks of papers and reports, as well as the large glass jar of jelly beans on his desk. She said,“Mr. Pratt led by example in doing good for the community, having respect for one another, and most of all, taking care of yourself and your family.” Mr. Pratt retired a second time in 2005.
“David transitioned the company from sugar to a builder of Kaua‘i communities,” said Don Horner, Grove Farm’s current chairman and CEO. "As a result of his vision, the company has developed over 2,000 homes for local residents and built projects like Kukui Grove Shopping Center. He also instilled in the company the core value of giving back with major donations to establish Kaua‘i Community College, Island School and numerous island nonprofits.” Don added, “David was a well-deserved recipient of the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce Humanitarian of the Year. His wisdom and sense of humor will be greatly missed.”
In a 1996 newspaper article, Mr. Pratt was quoted as saying, “I am pleased to be able to retire on my own terms, maintain my ties to the company and spend more time with my family and on my community activities.” And so, he did. Mr. Pratt remained on the Board of Directors for Grove Farm after his second retirement, continued to be active in many community nonprofit organizations, and was often out-and-about in Koke‘e or Hanalei - with wife Carol and golden retriever ‘Ōlena. Even in his passing he was with his family – sons Sam and Bill – celebrating his grandson’s graduation.
From your Grove Farm ‘ohana, we wish you a fond farewell and aloha a hui hou, Mr. Pratt.
Grove Farm’s History During Kōloa Plantation Days
Kōloa Plantation Days is happening at the end of the month and once again, we are hosting the Kōloa Mill Tour! Come out to the sunny southside and hear what plantation life was like from experts Allan Smith and Jan TenBruggencate. The tour includes former sugar cane lands and the Kōloa tunnel – an important passageway to connect Grove Farm and Kōloa plantations.
“Look Back Through the Sugar Era”
Thursday, July 25, 20249 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Free admission.
Donations welcome.
All proceeds benefit Kōloa Elementary School.
Tour details
Reservations are required. To be placed on the reservation list, please contact our office at (808) 245-2678.
Summer Means Mango!
Sweet, juicy mangoes are a summertime seasonal favorite on Kauaʻi. One of our favorite ways to enjoy this abundant fruit is by making Sandi Kato-Klutke’s delicious mango bread! See how Grove Farm Project Manager Beau Acoba follows her recipe to her approval.
