Clarence Stanley Rapoza
Year Inducted: 2019
Palani Ranch Company | Hawai'i
Lanuhau Ranch | Hawai'i
Clarence Stanley Rapoza was born at Palani Ranch on September 5, 1944. He grew up on the ranch where his father, John “Jonny” C. Rapoza, was employed. Clarence became Palani’s Livestock Manager where he worked for over 50 years. Clarence went to California for college at Chico State University. At Minch Packing House in California, he learned how to break down carcasses and cut beef. While he was still in his 20s, he went on to meat cutting school and became Meat Department Manager at Holiday Market in Chico, California. In 1983, his father asked Clarence to come back home to Kona and help him at Palani Ranch and at Lanihau Ranch which was Jonny Rapoza’s own ranch. Upon Johnny’s passing in 1992, Clarence became Manager of Palani Ranch where he continued until his retirement in 2013. It is fair to say that Clarence knows every square inch of Palani like the back of his hand as he was a very hands-on Manager never asking any of his crew to do something that he wasn’t willing and able to do himself. He continues today managing his family’s Lanihau Ranch that covers over 2000 acres in Kona of fine finishing country, especially when it rains!
Clarence’s grandfather, Joe Rapoza, gave him his first Angus bull as a teenager; perhaps this is why Clarence has always been very partial to Angus cattle. Over the years he has imported some of the finest Angus genetics. The Angus breed is known for its beefy conformation and quiet temperament, attributes for which Clarence’s cattle are respected and well known.
Clarence has also been a staunch advocate for, and promoter of, local grass-finished beef. His advocacy started long before the relatively recent resurgence of the grass-fed sector of the industry. He also remains a leader among the smaller ranchers on the Kona side. Clarence assists them whenever he can to get their cattle scheduled for market and helps to manage the process.
And there is another side to Clarence, he is a very talented and generous contributor to the preservation of paniolo culture particularly through his saddle making and leather craft. He has made dozens of Hawaiian saddles which are noted for their masterful quality and craftsmanship. He donates his saddles to fund-raising auctions and community benefit events.
About ten years ago, the Kona Historical Society wanted to build an authentic Portuguese style stone oven reminiscent of those built in the late 1800’s by Portuguese immigrants who became an integral part of the paniolo history. They turned to Clarence for help and he volunteered to lead the design and construction of a magnificent authentic oven. To this day the public line up every Thursday morning to get fresh, authentic sweetbread baked in this oven.
Clarence likes to stay under the radar and simply do what he enjoys the most - walking his pastures, caring for his livestock, bowling a few strikes, and most of all being true and supportive to his friends and family with his big heart and true Paniolo grace.