Grove Farm gets
new chief

The former president of
Verizon Hawaii will replace
David Pratt

Warren H. Haruki, former president of GTE Hawaiian Tel and Verizon Hawaii, took over yesterday as head of Grove Farm Co. on Kauai.

Haruki replaced David W. Pratt, who served as president of Grove Farm for 25 years and is credited with leading the company through its transition from a sugar company to a developer. Pratt will retire after a brief transition period, but remain a director of the Kauai company.

As president and chief executive of Grove Farm and affiliated Lihue Land Co., Haruki's job is to expand upon the company's focus to develop housing on Kauai and to continue investments on the island.

Grove Farm began diversifying its business in the mid-1970s. Today, Grove Farm and Lihue Land Co. own about 40,000 acres on Kauai.

"I look forward to this great opportunity to make a difference for Kauai's future -- from meeting its housing needs to improving the quality of life for everyone who loves this wonderful island," Haruki said.

Haruki will oversee initiatives that are already under way at Grove Farm, including the possible sale of the Kukui Grove Shopping Center.

Pratt was responsible for the creation and implementation of Grove Farm's Puakea Master Plan, which led to the development of Kauai's largest shopping center, core commercial and industrial areas, a golf course, and residential housing.

"David got the company back on its feet, headed in the right direction," said Grove Farm Chairman Daniel H. Case.

"Now the time is right to pass the baton to Warren Haruki, one of Hawaii's most respected business executives, who has deep roots in Kauai."

Haruki was born on Kauai and graduated from Kapaa High School.

After college, he worked as an assistant manager at the Kauai Resort Hotel. After earning a master's degree at the University of Hawaii, he joined GTE Hawaiian Tel. Haruki served as president of the company and its successor, Verizon Hawaii from 1991 until his retirement in late 2003.