The term “visionary” should be reserved for someone whose ideas are truly unique and transformative. Such a man was Ron Boeddeker (1938-2010). His vision back in the early 1970s was that a barren Hawai`i Island lava field fronted by a serene Pacific bay could one day become a bustling resort destination that would not only welcome travelers from around the world, but also serve as a place to preserve and celebrate the Hawaiian culture.
The resort concept — Waikoloa Beach Resort — has flourished over the years, and today includes two hotels, two shopping centers, numerous residential opportunities, a large-scale venue for concerts and events, two golf courses, restaurants, and more.
To preserve and celebrate the culture, Boeddeker created the Waikoloa Foundation as a philanthropic sister organization to the Waikoloa Land Company, whose mission was “to preserve and support the unique cultures and environments native to the Hawaiian Islands.”
Recently, Boeddeker’s daughter Cary relaunched the Foundation with renewed purpose and fresh programmatic priorities. “I’m so grateful I have this chance to perpetuate the legacy my father began when he started the Foundation back in 1987, at the beginning of development for Waikoloa Beach Resort,” she says. “Waikoloa — the place and its people — represents a remarkably special kuleana that we are proud to carry forward.”
As board chair for the Waikoloa Foundation, Cary Boeddeker sees the Foundation’s focus being on stewardship of the environmental, historical, and cultural features at Waikoloa, and the community the Foundation was founded to serve. As such, the Foundation preserves the archeological and ecological resources of the past, while supporting the advancement and education that will benefit both the `āina and `ohana of the community for generations to come.
Early initiatives already underway include partnership in the Keiki Heroes campaign supporting COVID prevention in educational settings, and development of virtual field trip experiences for students to have digital access to the unique environ- mental and historical features at Waikoloa. The Foundation was also instrumental in implementing a Sunday meals program for furloughed resort employees due to COVID.
Cultural Center
In a demonstration of the lasting commitment of the Foundation, planning is underway to convert the historic Parker Ranch recreation building — located near Anaeho`omalu Bay — into a Waikoloa cultural resource center. With work slated to begin in 2021, the Parker Ranch building will be the new home for programming, education, and historic preservation of the rich cultural heritage at Waikoloa.
“We are thrilled to transform this beloved house back into the community hub it once was, now with renewed purpose aligned with the Foundation’s mission,” said Scott Head, Waikoloa Foundation board member and vice president of the Waikoloa Land Company.
Currently being used as the administration office for Lava Lava Beach Club, Boeddeker says a total redesign of building is in the works, including the expansion of an exterior deck over an important anchialine pond, and the addition of several educational elements such as teaching and video rooms. “I’ve toured the existing cultural centers along the Kohala Coast,” she says, “and I envision ours to be more high-tech and interactive.”
Boeddeker is also in the midst of putting an advisory group together comprised of community cultural leaders who will help set initiatives and priorities, and add perspectives relevant to the mission of the Foundation. “I really want the community to be involved in this,” she says. “That was always my dad’s way of thinking.”
Cultural sites the Foundation will focus on include the resort’s prolific petroglyph fields, its unique anchialine ponds, and the portion of the Kings’ Trail that runs through the resort, where recent efforts have included new signage.
“It’s so vitally important that we preserve and protect the culture and environment of this special place,” Boeddeker says. “My dad knew that long ago, and I believe it’s more important than ever today.”
Those interested in learning more about the Foundation and its programmatic priorities are invited to visit WaikoloaLand.com/foundation/.
Holiday Promotions At Queens’ Marketplace
Support Local, Shop Local | November 23 – 30
Spend more than $200, and receive a $20 gift card from a Queens’ MarketPlace merchant.
Black Friday | November 27 9–11am
Visit the Coronation Pavilion, show your receipts, and receive a free QMP shopping tote bag and breakfast treat.
Small Business Saturday | November 28
Spend $200 on Small Business Saturday and receive a gift package with locally-made products.
Santa Claus is coming to Waikoloa
December 5, 12, 16, and 19
Families are invited to bring their keiki (children) and their cameras to meet Santa Claus at Queens’ MarketPlace this holiday season. Afterwards, families can enjoy a stroll along the mall that’s decked out in holiday decorations, pick up a snack, or sit down and relax over dinner.
To adhere with social distancing guidelines, families will need to sign up for a time slot to take photos with Santa. Look out for sign up details on queensmarketplace.com.