DAVID CRAIG HULIHEE David Craig Hulihee, age 70, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on July 22, 2019. He was born in Honolulu on October 12, 1948 to parents Edwin and Christina Hulihee. He was chairman and president of Royal Contracting Company, Ltd. David was an `Iolani School ’67 graduate where he lettered in basketball, football, and track, and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Syracuse University in New York. Upon graduation in 1971, David joined the family business, Royal Contracting Co., Ltd. He was named president in 1981 and under David’s leadership and vision, he successfully developed the company into one of Hawaii’s largest civil construction companies. In 2008, he took on the additional role of CEO and president of Grace Pacific Corporation and served as its chairman until 2013 when it was acquired by Alexander and Baldwin, Inc. David was a passionate and dedicated `Iolani School alumnus. His three-decades of service on `Iolani School’s Board of Governors, was one of the longest tenures in the school’s history. During that period, he was instrumental in guiding `Iolani’s transformation into one of the state’s preeminent schools – particularly in academics, the arts and athletics. David also established the Stone Scholarship Program to provide each year, 24 students with high achievement and financial need, the opportunity of an `Iolani education. This scholarship will continue to have a lasting impact on generations of students for years to come. He distinguished himself as a humble servant and exceptional community leader, serving on the boards of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., First Hawaiian Bank, Grace Pacific Corporation, The Queen’s Health System, The Honolulu Board of Water Supply, Kalihi Palama Health Center, Alu Like, Inc., Bishop Museum, the UH Foundation, and many more. David had a multi-faceted personality and to some, he was quiet, solemn and difficult-to-read, perhaps even intimidating at times, due to his 6’3" stature. For those who were lucky enough to share a beer or a glass of wine with Dave, he was one of the most hilarious, savvy and enormously generous friend. He will be remembered by his legion of friends as a warm, good natured companion, who at times could be insightful and brutally honest. He was well-respected throughout the business community as he was a man of great integrity and was true to his word. Above all, he was someone who always had your back and would generously give his support when needed. As his close friend Walter Dods said: “David was one of the smartest business men I’ve ever known. He was humble and a man of few words. When he spoke however everyone listened because he always had something important to say. He was generous to a fault. I loved him as a friend, business partner and community servant.” David is survived by his wife, Colleen Hulihee; David’s daughters, Carolyn Hulihee Ah Quin (Zeff) and Nicole Hulihee MacDonald (John), and grandchildren Hoku, Remy, Stone, Skye and Scott; and Colleen’s children Kristin Chong, Daniel Chong (Jennifer) and Summer Chong, and grandchildren Madison, Kanaloa, Autumn and Nixon and Dylan Jaymes; David’s mother, Christina Hulihee, his younger brother, Thomas, and half brother, Kenneth Word. We love you Dave. May you forever rest in peace. A Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. with remembrances to begin at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at Waialae Country Club. The family respectfully asks that in lieu of flowers and gifts, please consider making a donation to `Iolani School, The Queen’s Medical Center, St. Francis Hospice or Lawakua Charitable Fund. |
![The Garden Island](https://hawaiisclassifieds.com/wp-content/themes/sa-classifieds/images/sa-logo-large.png)
![Hawaii's Classifieds](https://hawaiisclassifieds.com/wp-content/themes/sa-classifieds/images/hsa-classifieds-logo-solo.gif)