Parker Ranch names
Houle as new boss

The new position will allow ranch
trustees to step back from
daily involvement in operations

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By Rod Thompson
rthompson@starbulletin.com

WAIMEA, Hawaii >> Parker Ranch has appointed David A. Houle as chief operating officer of the ranch, a new top administrative post which will allow the ranch's three trustees to step back from daily involvement.

The announcement follows confirmation Thursday that ranch manager David Ramos will leave March 28, taking a voluntary separation pay package which is part of ranch restructuring.

Ranch trustee Tom Whittemore said restructuring means it is unclear whether someone will replace Ramos.

Houle has 25 years in the finance industry, the ranch said. Originally from Michigan, he is the former chief financial officer of Pacific Century Financial Corp.

Before going to work there in 1992, he worked for Comerica Inc. for 22 years.

Houle will head Parker Ranch Inc., a for-profit entity which pays income to the Parker Ranch Foundation Trust.

Headed by trustees Whittemore, Mel Hewett and Carl Carlson Jr., the nonprofit trust supports four beneficiaries: North Hawaii Community Hospital, Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Parker School and the Hawaii Community Foundation.

The trustees were criticized in the past for allegedly accepting too much pay, well over $200,000 each.

Whittemore said the pay was based on their role as managing trustees with daily involvement.

Restructuring will reduce their involvement and their pay, he said.

The ranch also released yesterday the number of employees taking separation: 29 out of the total of 76.