News

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) was awarded the Pualu Award for Financial Leadership for its service to the community through the Holomua Hawaii grant program. The Pualu Award is presented by the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce to businesses, organizations, and individuals who work together for West Hawaii to provide business leadership and community service. Pualu, which is a variation of the word puwalu, means working in unison.

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is honored to be named one of the best of the best when it comes to credit unions in Hawaii by being named on the Forbes list of America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions for 2021.  HCFCU was one of just five Hawaii-based credit unions to receive the award from Forbes.

Who will care for your young children if you and your spouse die unexpectedly? Will they have the means to pay for your children’s care, education and future? Planning today for tomorrow can be confusing and even frightening sometimes, so Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is welcoming the public, especially families with young children, to a free virtual Estate Planning seminar,. This important workshop will be held virtually on Wednesday, July 14, from 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M. and on Saturday, July 17, from 9:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M. For more information or to register, visit HCFCU’s Community Seminars section at hicommfcu.com/communityseminars.

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is excited to announce two additions to their management ʻohana. Craig Camello is the new Branch Manager at the Kaloko Branch, and Elsie Quintana was promoted to Information Systems Manager. Both Craig and Elsie bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their new roles.

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) marked its 84th Annual Membership Meeting in pandemic fashion—by celebrating its members and the accomplishments of its team during their virtual business meeting on May 8.

At the meeting, HCFCU announced Joelle Kamaka as its 2020 Employee of the Year. Her commitment to providing quality service to our community through all the challenges 2020 presented is a shining example of HCFCU’s values and mission. Joelle joined the credit union in January 2012 and is a Call Center Representative II, but she is so much more than her title.     

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is pleased to announce its Board of Directors for the 2021-2022 term. Board members serve on a voluntary basis and are responsible for guiding management in the direction of the credit union on behalf of the credit union’s 44,500 member-owners in support of members’ financial needs.  During their three-year terms, they are also responsible for maintaining sound fiscal condition of the credit union, allowing the institution to continue supporting the island’s community. Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the results were announced during a virtual business meeting on May 8, 2021.

The dreams of eight 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 a $3,000 scholarship to attend two- or four-year institutions of higher learning in the coming school year.  The high school graduates were selected out of a field of 167 applications from 17 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 35 years.

The Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is pleased to partner with Hilo High School to bring financial services to the Viking campus. The Hilo High Student Credit Union (SCU) recently opened in the school library and is sponsored by HCFCU. It is open when school is in session during lunch hours.

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is pleased to announce that $23 million was distributed to local businesses in need at the end of 2020 as part of the Holomua Hawaii grant program. Hawaii County appointed HCFCU as the coordinator to distribute those funds that were provided by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES Act.

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union is proving there is nothing stronger than the power of community after raising $48,924 in donations during its annual Market Day events in October. The funds will go to two dedicated non-profit organizations making a significant impact in the community – HOPE Services Hawaii, Inc. and the Children’s Miracle Network.
 

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is pleased to announce the promotion of Robyn Naihe from Support Services Coordinator to Support Services Manager.  Robyn has been with HCFCU for fourteen years and will be responsible for all Support Services department functions including ATM, ACH/EFT and Share Draft.

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is pleased to announce its Board of Directors appointments.  Board members serve on a voluntary basis and are elected to three-year terms at the credit union. They’re responsible for guiding management in the direction of the credit union on behalf of the credit union’s 42,800 member-owners in support of members’ financial needs. They are also responsible for maintaining sound fiscal condition of the credit union, allowing the institution to continue supporting the island’s community.

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.

 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.