News

With a belief in helping our island community grow stronger, and supporting dedicated non-profits, Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) raised $32,282 for HOPE Services Hawaii, Inc. — an outreach organization that assists the homeless and those displaced by personal or natural disasters. The funds were raised during the credit union’s annual Market Day events, which occur every October in honor of International Credit Union Week.  Event sponsor Cal-Kona Produce generously provided fruits and vegetables that were sold at the various branches; local businesses donated silent auction items; and shoppers found great buys on baked goods, clothing, jewelry, crafts, and more. Participating vendors donated 20% or more of their sales to the cause and HCFCU employees held work lunch fundraisers and sold ribbons to raise additional money. As the credit union’s Triennial Social Responsibility partner, HOPE Services Hawaii is the beneficiary of HCFCU’s Market Days fundraising activities 2018 through 2020.

It’s rare to have the opportunity to create a secure plan for ones older age that also considers the possibility for cognitive decline, such as dementia or other mental incapacitation. With more than 5.8 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s*— and 29,000 adults in Hawaii — Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union is presenting “Proactive Planning for Incapacity.” This free and open-to-the-public workshop will be held on Saturday, September 28, 9:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. at the credit union’s Kaloko facility (73-5611 Olowalu Street, Kailua-Kona, HI) in the John Y. Iwane Credit Union Center Training Room.  Attendees will learn how to plan wisely today for a time when they may not be able to make important life and legal decisions. For more information or to register, visit HCFCU’s Community Seminars section at hicommfcu.com/communityseminars. Seating is limited so please RSVP today!

The passionate and dedicated fundraising efforts of Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union’s staff and members from its Hilo, Kohala and Honokaa branches brought in $9,702 for American Cancer Society’s Hilo “Relay for Life” event.  The monies were raised through in-branch ribbon sales, internal staff donations and fundraisers, as well as selling shave ice during the live event.  HCFCU was honored to be the top credit union in amount raised and it placed third in total amount raised by a walking team.
 

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is pleased to announce the promotion of Brenda Bader from Human Resources Coordinator to Human Resources Manager.  Brenda has been with HCFCU for close to three years and will be responsible for the Human Resources and Training Departments, while also overseeing the credit union’s performance management, employee relations and commitment to service excellence. 
“Brenda has been a professional and positive presence in our Human Resources department from the first day she arrived,” said Tricia Buskirk, Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union President and CEO.  Her dedication to our staff and to the credit union makes her the perfect person for this important position.”

Hawaii Island entrepreneurs work hard to keep roofs over the heads of their employees as well as their own families. When one of the biggest threats facing Hawaii Island small businesses is cyber security, theft and liability it’s important that owners stay up-to-date on how to safeguard their companies. Helping business owners helps the community, so Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is sponsoring “Securing Your Business,” —  a free seminar that will be presented by Darrell Ellis, Operations Manager at HTS Alarms, and Dustyn Iwamoto, Owner of Top Tech, which provides company technology solutions. 

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is pleased to announce Mila Pelekane as its new Business Lending Manager.  She is responsible for commercial lending for business development, will oversee commercial loan origination, processing, underwriting, and servicing functions, and assumes responsibility for the implementation of, and adherence to, effective commercial lending policies, procedures, and planning.  Prior to joining HCFCU, Mila was VP/Senior Residential Loan Officer at American Savings Bank. She attended Portland State University and started her banking career in 1995 with Wells Fargo Bank in Oregon.

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is pleased to announce Sharon Kamahele-Toriano as its Human Resources Manager.  She will be responsible for the Human Resources and Training Departments, and will oversee HCFCU’s performance management, employee relations and service excellence.

 The ongoing warmth and generosity of Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union’s staff will provide Hawaii Island United Way, and the dozens of service organizations it supports, with more than $17,520 in funds.  The monies raised during the credit union’s annual employee campaign — which surpassed its previous annual donations — will benefit Hawaii Islanders through community impact initiatives including education, health, and financial stability.

Demonstrating compassion and a strong conviction to care for Hawaii Islanders in need, Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) raised $24,281 for Hope Services Hawaii, Inc. (HOPE) during HCFCU’s annual “Market Days” events. Market Days occur every October in honor of International Credit Union Week. Event sponsor, Cal-Kona Produce, generously provided fruits and vegetables; local businesses donated silent auction items; and shoppers found great buys on baked goods, clothing, jewelry, crafts, and more. Participating vendors donated 20% of their sales to the cause. HCFCU employees also held work lunch fundraisers and sold ribbons to raise additional money. As the credit union’s Triennial Social Responsibility partner, HOPE is the beneficiary of HCFCU’s Market Days fundraising activities 2018 through 2020.

How old do I have to be to enroll in Medicare? Do I have to make a certain income?  To support the community with answers to these and other important questions Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is hosting “Medicare 101” on Saturday, December 1, 2018, 9:30am - 11:30am.  Held at HCFCU’s Kaloko facility in the John Y. Iwane Credit Union Center Training Room (73-5611 Olowalu St., Kailua Kona), this informative seminar is free to the public. For more information or to register, visit HCFCU’s Community Seminars section at hicommfcu.com/communityseminars. Seating is limited so RSVP right away. No plan specific benefits or details will be shared.

The intermingling of Japanese and Hawaiian cultures are experienced every day through our food, art, clothing and traditions. On November 3 and November 10, from 10am to 2pm each day, visitors to the Hawaii Nikkei Legacy Exhibit will experience the merging of these cultures through a range of free, fun and interactive activities. The exhibit, which covers the 1885 immigration to Hawaii of Issei (first generation Japanese immigrants) up to modern day, will be hosted and presented by Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU ) at its Kaloko facility in the John Y. Iwane Credit Union Center Training Room (73-5611 Olowalu St., Kailua Kona).

To help ensure that your family is secure after you pass on, and your beneficiaries are cared for as you wish, Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is sponsoring “Estate Planning 101,” a free educational seminar that explains estate planning basics. The event will be held Wednesday, September 5, 6:00pm – 8:30pm at HCFCU’s Kaloko facility (73-5611 Olowalu Street, Kailua-Kona, HI) in the John Y. Iwane Credit Union Center Training Room.

For more than three months, Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union’s staff and members dedicated themselves to support cancer research, acknowledge survivors and honor those who lost their battle against the disease. Those passionate efforts culminated in a seven-hour fundraising marathon on July 14 at “Relay for Life,” a non-profit community fundraising initiative of the American Cancer Society. HCFCU’s Kailua-Kona, Kaloko and Kealakekua branches donated more than $11,000 from the marathon, through in-branch ribbon sales, Punalu’u Sweet Bread sales and other campaigns. HCFCU was one of 25 teams that raised more than $60,000 for the cause.

Protecting our family, pets, property and belongings from fire, intrusion and more is important to our daily peace of mind. To help residents and business owners sleep better at night, and feel more secure while away, Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is presenting “Security Systems & Alarms,” a free seminar on Saturday, August 4, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM at HCFCU’s Kaloko facility (73-5611 Olowalu Street, Kailua-Kona, HI) in the John Y. Iwane Credit Union Center Training Room.

So many of us put off planning for tomorrow that when the inevitable happens our family doesn’t know what to do. To bring ease and clarity to difficult conversations about what will happen to your property, assets, valuables, and even to your children when you pass away, Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is sponsoring “Estate Planning 101,” a free educational seminar.

Two outstanding Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) employees were honored at the credit union’s 81st Annual Membership Luncheon:  Assistant Bookkeeper Cecilia “Ceci” Calpito and Executive Assistant Valerie Umeda were named 2017 Employees of the Year.  The women were selected for this dual honor by HCFCU staff for exhibiting such personal and professional qualities as accountability, integrity, teamwork and a consistent commitment to service excellence.

The dreams of nine Hawaii Island high school graduates are closer to being fulfilled with the generous support of Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU).  Through the credit union’s annual scholarship program, the students will receive scholarships to two- or four-year institutions of higher learning in the coming school year.  The high school graduates were selected from applicants from 13 Big Island High Schools.  The Yasunori Deguchi Scholarship, is specifically for a post-high school graduate currently attending college or going back to college. Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union has provided scholarships to Hawaii Island students for more than 32 years.

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) announced three members nominated to the nine-member board of directors by the Nominations and Election Committee at their 81st Annual Membership Meeting & Luncheon held on May 5, 2018 at the Hapuna Beach Resort.  Thomas Griffiths, former President & CEO of the Iowa Credit Union League, Carol S. Ikeda, retiree of UH College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources and Chrystal Thomas Yamasaki, owner of Wes Thomas Associates have been nominated for another full term.   David De Luz Jr., vice president of Big Island Toyota, Inc. was nominated to a fill a remaining 2 year term left vacant after former Board of Director, Marilyn Koschella retired to return to her home state of Nevada.  David S. De Luz Jr. previously served as HCFCU’s Supervisory Committee Member.  
 

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) has teamed up with its triennial responsibility partner, Hope Services Hawaii, Inc. (HOPE), to provide assistance to East Hawaii residents affected by the recent Kilauea volcano activity.  HOPE currently operates 10 housing-based programs throughout Hawaii Island with a staff of nearly 60 employees, and has offices, emergency shelters and transitional housing in Hilo and Kailua-Kona.   Friends and neighbors who would like to provide support may visit any of the five HCFCU branches by Friday, June 8, to donate canned goods, water, money and gas gift cards. Additionally, keiki and youth items such as backpacks, notebooks, crayons, blankets, and games are needed to support the dozens of keiki currently at shelters, sleeping in cars and tents in the parking lot at the community centers.  Donations will also support youth during the upcoming summer break when they’re not in school. For branch information and to answer any questions, contact us at www.hicommfcu.com, 808-930-7700, marketing@hicommfcu.com or ask a staff member.

Most of us expect to grow older as healthy senior citizens, but for some the aging process may include Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other diseases that affect the brain. To help ensure that both you and your family are prepared for the possibility of cognitive decline, Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is sponsoring “Proactive Planning for Incapacity,” a free educational seminar, presented by John Roth, Attorney and founder of the Hawaii Trust & Estate Counsel, and Karyn Clay, President, Ho`oNani Adult Care Services.  The seminar will be held Saturday, June 16, 9:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. at North Hawaii Education & Resource Center (NHERC), (45-539 Plumeria St., Honokaa, HI). For more information or to register, contact us at 808-930-7700, marketing@hicommfcu.com, or ask any HCFCU staff member.  Seating is limited.

Through the hard work and efforts of Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union’s board of directors, executive team, marketing department and staff, HCFCU was recently honored with a Diamond Award from the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Marketing & Business Development Council for HCFCU’s 2017 new website design.  The new design, which includes more interactive information, online applications and is even easier-to-use, is also compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.  This means that the website’s content is more accessible to people with disabilities and will offer more text, images and sounds.  The website URL is www.hicommfcu.com. The CUNA council recognizes outstanding marketing and business development achievements in the credit union industry.

Teens and keiki who want to get a head start on financial independence and planning for the future may take part in Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union’s (HCFCU) National Credit Union Youth Month events. All of HCFCU’s branches will encourage youth to open savings accounts and to make deposits by offering a range of fun family events (see below). Every new youth account opened, or a deposit into a current youth account, includes an automatic entry to win a range of grand prizes.

We are pleased to announce Rose Kagawa as Branch Manager for its Kaloko Branch. She will be responsible for branch administration and operations, loans, personnel functions, and community and public relations.

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Hawaii Island business owner and community supporter David De Luz Jr. as its new board member.  He will fulfill the remaining term left vacant when former Board of Director, Marilyn Koschella, stepped down to move to Nevada.  Mr. De Luz, Jr. born in Hilo and raised in Paauilo and in Hilo, is the Vice President of David S. De Luz, Sr. Enterprises, which operate Big Island Toyota, Inc., De Luz Chevrolet, Kukaiau Ranch and Hawaii Beef Producers.  He has been serving on HCFCU's Supervisory Committee since 2014. Mr. De Luz, Jr., who joins the board as its first Hilo resident, will serve as an important voice for the community as HCFCU expands its branch operations to East Hawaii.

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union’s ongoing goal to be a helping hand to Hawaii Islanders in need continues with its naming of Hope Services Hawaii, Inc. (HOPE) as it’s 2018 – 2020 Triennial Social Responsibility (TSR) partner. HOPE currently operates 10 housing-based programs throughout Hawaii Island with a staff of nearly 60 employees, and has offices, emergency shelters and transitional housing in Hilo and Kailua-Kona. During calendar year 2017, HOPE provided services to 817 households, comprised of 1,454 people experiencing homelessness.

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) staff generously opened their hearts — and wallets — and donated $15,000 during the Hawaii Island United Way (HIUW) annual employee campaign. The monies raised for the non-profit service organization will benefit Hawaii Islanders through such community impact initiatives as education, health, and financial stability.

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is excited to announce its 2018 Scholarship Program is accepting applications starting January 2, 2018. Eight deserving Hawaii Islanders will each receive $2,500, totaling $20,000 given in scholarships, to help support their transition to higher education. HCFCU has provided scholarships to Hawaii Island students for more than 32 years.

With a belief in strengthening our communities and a mission to help hungry families, Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) staff, members and local businesses opened their hearts and raised a record $30,795 for the Food Basket, Hawaii Island’s Food Bank during HCFCU’s annual “Market Day” events.  This is the final year of the credit union’s “Triennial Social Responsibility” commitment with The Food Basket which raised and donated more than $73,000 during their three-year partnership to help Hawaii Island’s hungry.

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is extremely pleased to announce Tyson Klask as Branch Manager of the soon-to-open location in downtown Hilo. The new branch, the credit union’s first in East Hawaii, will open in the summer of 2018 at 111 Aupuni Street. The branch will provide members with a drive up teller window, 24-hour ATM, and other advanced in-lobby banking options enhancing the member experience to deliver the service excellence that has been the core of HCFCU for over 80 years.

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) has announced plans to open a new East Hawaii branch in 2018.  The branch will be located at 111 Aupuni Street and will be the 6th full-service location for HCFCU on Hawaii Island.  The building design will provide members with a drive up teller window, 24-hour ATM, and other advanced in lobby banking options enhancing the member experience to deliver the service excellence that has been the core of HCFCU for over 80 years.   

For the second year in a row Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) exceeded their fundraising goals by over $4,000 – this resulted in a $10,135 donation to the 2017 Relay for Life of Kona, a non-profit fundraising initiative of the American Cancer Society. The funds were raised through in-branch donations from members and staff as well as other fundraising strategies such as selling Punalu`u Sweet Bread, Relay for Life Ribbons, Chocolate Bar Sales and other activities. Since 2016 HCFCU has been able to raise more than $20,000 for the Relay for Life initiatives on Hawaii Island.

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2017 College Scholarships. A total of $20,000 was awarded to eight deserving Hawaii Island recipients. Seven of the scholarships were awarded to high school graduates planning to attend a two- or four-year institution of higher learning in the coming school year, and one of the scholarships was awarded to a recipient who is continuing her education post-high school graduation. The scholarships are named after a retired HCFCU employee and community volunteers who made important contributions to the HCFCU.

The Hawai’i HomeOwnership Center (HHOC) is pleased to announce that Michael McCray has joined as the center’s new Counselor / Coach. The HHOC is a non-profit organization with a mission to help Hawaii families achieve their dreams of homeownership. McCray, who has more than 10 year’s experience in one-on-one financial counseling/coaching and money management can be reached at michael@hihomeownership.org, (808) 959-5808, or by visiting www.hihomeownership.org.  MCray’s office is located inside the Kaloko Branch of Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) at 73-5611 Olowalu Street, Kailua-Kona, HI.

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union announced at its 80^th Annual Membership Luncheon that Novie Gonzales, a 10-year employee of the organization was named “Employee of the Year.”  Gonzales joined HCFCU in 2007 as a Call Center Representative I and is now an ACH/EFT Specialist. Additionally, HCFCU members, board members, staff and guests viewed a new commemorative video honoring the credit union’s 80-year legacy and heard highlights about 2016 initiatives.  The video and 2016 Annual Report can be found online at www.hicommfcu.com.

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is pleased to announce Samantha Leigh as its Human Resources Manager.  She will be responsible for the Human Resources and Training Departments, and will oversee the Credit Union’s performance management, employee relations and service excellence.

In celebration of the Chinese New Year and of Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union’s (HCFCU) 80th anniversary, as well as the 12th anniversary of its Kaloko facility, the Hawaii Lion Dance Association from Honolulu, under the direction of Senior Instructors Kelfred Chang and Elaine Jay, will present a unique performance on Saturday, February 4, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m at HCFCU’s Kaloko facility (73-5611 Olowalu Street, Kailua-Kona, HI) in the John Y. Iwane Credit Union Center.

The celebration and blessing of the newly renovated Kealakehe High School Student Credit Union continues the legacy of Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union’s founding father’s, which was to provide financial collaboration, education, stability, and a secure path towards financial independence for West Hawaii families.

Through the heart-felt efforts of Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) staff, and the generosity of HCFCU members and local small businesses, more than $23,000 was raised and donated to The Food Basket, Hawaii Island’s Food Bank, during HCFCU’s annual “Market Days” events.

Through the support of donations and pledges across all of its five branches, the staff of Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce that they raised $16,531 during its Hawaii Island United Way (HIUW) annual employee campaign.  All monies will be donated to HIUW to support its mission “to unite people, organizations, and resources to build a healthier community.”

An outstanding team effort by members of Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU), students from Kealakehe and Konawaena Student Credit Unions, HCFCU staff and their families resulted in a $10,000 donation to the 2016 “Relay For Life” initiative, a non-profit arm of the American Cancer Society.

Notebooks, backpacks, pens, crayons and dozens of other school supplies are urgently needed for thousands of Hawaii Island keiki this back-to-school season.

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union is helping eight deserving high school seniors take their first important step towards their future goals with a scholarship to a two- or four-year institute of higher learning in the coming school year.

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union held its annual Market Day at each of its five branches to celebrate International Credit Union Day and raised $20,000 to benefit The Food Basket, Hawaii Island’s Food Bank.