Broyles tops Charter Funding closers Officials at Charter Funding of Hawaii recently announced in a press release that Julie Broyles of the Lihu’e office was the top loan officer for the month of December. Established in 1998, Charter Funding of
Broyles tops Charter Funding closers
- Officials at Charter Funding of Hawaii recently announced in a press release that Julie Broyles of the Lihu’e office was the top loan officer for the month of December. Established in 1998, Charter Funding of Hawaii is the largest privately-owned mortgage banking company in Hawai’i. They offer a unique alternative to Hawai’i’s traditional lending sources by providing loan products, competitive interest rates, and service, leaders said in a press release. They have a total of eight branches throughout the state, including the ‘Umi Street in Lihu’e; O’ahu offices in Pearl-ridge, Mililani, downtown and East O’ahu; two offices operating on the Big Island, in Kona and Waimea; and one on Maui.
Earnings marks shattered at First Hawaiian Bank
- Leaders of First Hawaiian Bank reported in a press release record fourth-quarter 2005 and full-2005 earnings and net income. Fourth-quarter earnings were $47.1 million, an increase of 28.1 percent over the year-earlier period, according to Don Horner, president and chief executive officer. For the year, First Hawaiian achieved record net income of $171.9 million, an increase of 19.7 percent. “A combination of a strong economy and an exceptional group of employees made this the most profitable year in our history,” Horner said.
“We had major growth in assets and deposits, and solid performance in all of our major lines of business,” he said.
For the 12 months ending Dec. 31, 2005, First Hawaiian had $11.6 billion in assets, an increase of 9.3 percent over the previous year; loans and leases of $6 billion, up 9.5 percent; and deposits of $8.6 billion, up 11.9 percent.
There are First Hawaiian Bank branches from Princeville to Waimea.
AAA Hawaii to offer auto, home insurance
- State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Commissioner J.P. Schmidt announced in a press release recently that AAA Hawaii’s affiliated insurer has been granted a Certificate of Authority to begin offering homeowner’s and auto insurance to AAA (Automobile Association of America) Hawaii members.
“The Interinsurance Exchange of the Automobile Club has an outstanding reputation for customer service in California and other states where they offer their members insurance,” Schmidt said. “It’s good news when a company decides to do business in Hawai’i, bringing competition and more choices for Hawai’i’s citizens. We are particularly happy to welcome a company of the quality and character of the Exchange,” he said.
The Interinsurance Exchange of the Automobile Club was originally organized under the laws of California in 1912. Leaders received their Certificate of Authority in Hawai’i in June of last year, and have been establishing their business infrastructure to begin offering insurance products to AAA Hawaii members, he added. AAA Hawaii members may obtain online quotes at www.aaahawaii.com/insurance/index.asp.
Bank of Hawaii to offer American Express cards
- In a press release, officials at Bank of Hawaii Corporation (NYSE: BOH) and MBNA America Bank, N.A., announced the signing of a joint marketing agreement under which Bank of Hawaii officials will offer Visa and American Express credit cards to consumers, and Visa credit cards to owners and operators of businesses. Bank of Hawaii officials anticipate introducing the new cards in the third quarter of this year.
“This agreement is great news for Bank of Hawaii customers,” said Allan R. Landon, Bank of Hawaii chairman and chief executive officer. “Bank of Hawaii will now offer both an American Express and a Visa credit card. MBNA is a leader in the agent creditcard industry, with a reputation for delivering outstanding customer service,” he said.
Under a separate agreement, MBNA officials purchased the existing Bank of Hawaii branded American Express credit-card accounts from American Express. Later this year, existing cardholders will receive a new American Express card with the Bank of Hawaii brand issued by MBNA, Landon explained.
Seed companies host Business After Hours
- Officials at Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. and Syngenta Seeds host a Kaua’i Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours function Feb. 28 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Waimea Plantation Cottages. There will be pupus, refreshments, live entertainment, door prizes, and more. The cost is $10 for Chamber members, and $20 for all others. The deadline to register is Feb. 21. Call 245-7363 for more information.
Arnoldus is speaker at Chamber dinner
- Clint Arnoldus, chief executive officer of Central Pacific Bank, is the keynote speaker at the Kaua’i Chamber of Commerce quarterly general membership meeting, set for March 9 at the Sheraton Kauai Resort in Po’ipu. Registration and no-host cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m., with a buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $46 per person for Chamber members, and $66 per person for guests. Call 245-7363 for more information.
Royal Hawaiian Movers blessing coming
- Officials at Royal Hawaiian Movers in the Lawai Cannery complex host a Kaua’i Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours function March 14 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., doubling as a blessing and grand-opening ceremony for the business new to Kaua’i.
There will be food, drinks, door prizes, live entertainment, and much more. The cost is $10 per person for Chamber members, and $20 for all others. The registration deadline is March 7. Call 245-7363 for more information.
Princeville at Hanalei turns one
- Leaders at Princeville at Hanalei celebrate their first year under new ownership, with a local management team, by hosting a Kaua’i Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours function March 21 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Ali’i Room of the Prince Clubhouse. There will be heavy pupus, no-host cocktails, live Hawaiian entertainment, and much more. The cost is $10 per person for Chamber members, and $20 per person for all others. The registration deadline is March 14. Call 245-7363 for more information.
Dozens of Kaua’i projects funded
- Officials with the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the County of Kaua’i Office of Economic Development announced in a press release that dozens of Kaua’i projects were funded through the HTA County Product Enrichment Program for 2006. CPEP was introduced in 2002 to create a partnership between HTA leaders and those with the four counties for tourism-product-enrichment activities.
CPEP supports endeavors to diversify Hawai’i’s tourism activities in the niche areas of agritourism, cultural tourism, ecotourism, edutourism, health and wellness tourism, and technotourism, while also fulfilling the goals and objectives of each county’s tourism program.
HTA leaders oversee, support and direct the program, while county officials manage the day-to-day operations.
“Through the Product Enrichment Program, we are proud to partner with each of the counties to support the many things that make Hawai’i both a special place to live and visit,” said Rex Johnson, HTA president and chief executive officer.
“This partnership continues to be a positive situation for all of us. The tourism programs and activities throughout the state that are sponsored through this program encourage community involvement, provide visitors a taste of the local lifestyle, and help to enrich our islands’ unique cultural, social and environmental assets,” he added.
The Kaua’i products funded include festivals and carnivals large and small, including the Festival of Lights project at the historic County Building, the Hawaii Coffee Association’s Barista Jam Competition (coming in July), the Hawaii Health Guide Film Festival (also in July), the year-round tours offered at the Haraguchi Rice Mill in Hanalei Valley, the Eo Emmalani Festival at Koke’e State Park, the Kauai Polynesian Festival, the Coconut Festival, Matsuri Kauai Festival, Kauai Music Festival, Waimea Lighted Christmas Parade, Waimea Town Celebration (coming Feb. 24 to 26), the King Kamehameha Celebration in June, the Prince Kuhio Celebration of the Arts (coming next month), and much more.
The HTA Web site, www.hawaii.gov/tourism/, has more information.
Financial-aid workshop set
- Officials with the Hawaii Association for College Admission Counseling (HACAC) and First Hawaiian Bank in a press release announced that a free, college-planning workshop is planned for Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School in Puhi.
Leaders at the how-to workshop, for parents of children in grades eight and above, will discuss college admissions and financial-aid processes for college-bound students and their parents.
College admissions criteria, selecting high-school courses, college entrance-test tips, rating and choosing a college, financing college, and financial-aid programs. All attendees will receive free copies of the workbook, “College Planning — A Family Affair.”
“As professional counselors, the members of our organization also know how difficult, intimidating and confusing the process of admissions and financial aid can be,” said Margaret Bailey, HACAC president. “We want to help families make college choices wisely.”
Realtors’ scholarships available
- Leaders of the Kauai Board of Realtors recently announced that applications are available online and through school counselors for the Fifth Annual Scholarship Program. For applications and information, go to www.kauai-realtor.com, or see a guidance counselor at school. The application deadline is April 1.
