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. His love for the land - aloha aina Paka - and for the employees who toiled there is a touching story of a benevolent patriarch who looked 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 Hawaii.

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.

Co-Author William C. Bergin, DVM, was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii. He attended Kansas State University, where he received a doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1967. Dr. Bergin went on to establish the first private large-animal veterinary hospital on the Big Island and served as chief veterinarian at Parker Ranch from 1970 to 1995.  He also served as a medical officer with the Livestock and Disease Control Division, State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture.  Dr. Bergin is the founder of the Paniolo Preservation Society and was instrumental in establishing the Paniolo Heritage Center at Pukalani Stables where visitors will find the history of the paniolo brought to life and illustrated through a collection of artifacts, images, and original Hawaiian saddles.  The Paniolo Heritage Center is also home to the Na Wahine Holo Lio Pau Museum, honoring the history of the region’s pau riders.

Dr. Bergin continues to dedicate time and attention to preserving and perpetuating the paniolo traditions of Hawaii.  He also is extremely generous with his time – supporting a variety of state and county boards and commissions.

Co-Author Dexter Keaweehu Vredenburg is a retired senior system engineer specializing in telecommunications and information systems with 45 years of experience. His family has been with Parker Ranch since 1855 when his great-grandfather taught at Waimea School.  He served as a Board member for the Paniolo Preservation Society for a number of years and was instrumental to re-staging Old Hawaii On Horseback - a pageant on horseback telling the story of the paniolo history of Hawaii.  He has authored a family genealogy and numerous short stories that explore his Hawaiian heritage and Hawaii's legends and beliefs.  He also served several years on Waimea Middle School's Local Advisory Panel.