House Floor Presentation on First Hawaiian Bank 150th Anniversary

House Floor Presentation
First Hawaiian Bank 150th Anniversary
February 28, 2008

Mr. Speaker, 

I also would like to congratulate First Hawaiian Bank as it celebrates its 150^th anniversary in Hawaii.  In 1996, First Hawaiian Bank opened its headquarters, the state-of-the-art First Hawaiian Center, which quickly became the center of downtown Honolulu, a uniquely shaped building offering panoramic views of Oahu and the Pacific and an art gallery showcasing the work of local artists. 

Throughout his long life, Charles Reed Bishop gave generously to brighten the future for families throughout the islands.  First Hawaiian Bank continues his legacy of giving back to the community.  First Hawaiian Bank has been a supporter for the Public School Foundation, Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific, Hokule'a 2007 voyage, the YMCA, and Catholic Charities just to name a few. 

First Hawaiian Bank is admirably the state's largest corporate giver, having contributed to over 150 nonprofit agencies in 2007 and providing millions of dollars for health, education, human services, cultural, art, and religious programs throughout Hawaii.  Also, their employees live lokomaikai, the spirit of giving where they donated a record of $578,000 in 2007 to charities through their new in-house fund-raising program, Kokua Mai. 

Mr. Bishop and the bank he founded have always said “YES” to those less fortunate in the communities where we live and work. 

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.