David W. Pratt ’53

David Pratt ’53 moved to Kaua‘i in 1972 for work, and quickly made it his home. As president and CEO of Grove Farm for 20 years, he helped the company – and the island – transition away from sugar. He also served the community through service on various nonprofit boards.

Under his guidance, Grove Farm repositioned itself post-sugar as a major developer, with Pratt leading the implementation of the Puakea master plan and the development of Kaua‘i’s largest shopping center, core commercial and industrial areas, a golf course and new housing.

In 2001, Pratt received the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce Humanitarian of the Year award for his work not just in agriculture and business, but also his volunteer work in education and healthcare.

“It was a small island, so it gives you a lot of opportunity to participate when there’s not too many people to pick on,” Pratt joked as he accepted his award. “It was good to serve in numerous ways, and so I want to thank the PAA for selecting me and classmate Terry Wallace ’53 for nominating me.”

Pratt’s retirement from Grove Farm in 2005 has allowed him additional time for community commitments. He is currently vice president and development chair for the Board of Directors of Island School in Lihu‘e. He also serves on the board of the National Tropical Botanical Garden in Kalāheo and is a trustee emeritus for Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy in Kamuela.