Kauai resort developer David Walters

Longtime Kauai North Shore resident David E. Walters, a resort and residential developer who gave millions to charity, died Oct. 17. He was 65.

Walters was born Nov. 23, 1943, in Iowa. He spent his youth in Aberdeen, Idaho, and much of his adult life on Kauai. He had an engineering degree from the University of Idaho and a master’s of business administration and law degree from the University of Southern California.

Walters began building homes on Kauai in 1974 when he was 31 and worked hard to apply sustainability techniques to his projects. He soon launched PAHIO Resorts, which developed into one of the island’s largest resort developers and operators, and also one of its major employers. Among PAHIO’s projects are Ka Eo Kai, The Shearwater, Bali Hai Villas and Kauai Beach Villas.

“PAHIO believes that as builders, and as individuals, we must abide by the premise that the entire world is a single unified system,” Walters wrote. “We act locally, but we are compelled to think globally. We are very cognitive and respectful of the Hawaiian culture and customs.”

Among his philanthropic activities are the new Wilcox Hospital Infusion Center, where Walters developed the entire facility, which is scheduled to open next month.

Walters also was a major contributor to the Wheelchair Foundation, American Cancer Society, Christel House, Global Health & Education, Greenpeace and to various local charities, as well as many children’s sports teams.

His passion was collecting fine automobiles and he had more than 100 cars. His vehicles have won prizes at major auto shows, including Best of Class at the Concourse d’Elegance at Pebble Beach and Newport Beach.

Walters is survived by his wife, Lucette; daughter Crystal; mother, Edith; sister, Betty; and brothers, Ron, Larry and Kirk.

Funeral services were scheduled for yesterday in Aberdeen, Idaho. Services will be held on Kauai, but the date has not been scheduled.

Contributions can be sent in his memory to Wilcox Health Foundation, 3-3420 Kuhio Highway, Líhue, HI 96766-1099.