KOLOA — The light mist of an approaching weather front served as the blessing for the Garden Island Federal Credit Union, Koloa Branch Friday in the Historic Koloa Plantation Building located on Po‘ipu Road. Although the formal opening took place
KOLOA — The light mist of an approaching weather front served as the blessing for the Garden Island Federal Credit Union, Koloa Branch Friday in the Historic Koloa Plantation Building located on Po‘ipu Road.
Although the formal opening took place April 1, the grand opening celebration was pushed back until Friday, said Kim Tamaoka, GIFCU marketing coordinator.
“Our grand opening acknowledges the successful merger between Garden Island Federal Credit Union and the former Koloa Federal Credit Union,” said Keith Uyeno, president of GIFCU in a statement. “We would like to thank our members for their patience during this process and invite others, especially residents and workers of the South Shore, to discover the benefits of membership with us.”
During the grand opening, and continuing through May 31, GIFCU members have an opportunity at a trip to Las Vegas, tying in with the GIFCU Lucky 13 promotion. The campaign acknowledges the year 2013 as GIFCU’s lucky number.
“If you are not a member of GIFCU, then now is an excellent time to become one,” Tamaoka said. “Our Las Vegas giveaway is a great incentive to join this month, but what is more important is that our credit union provides quality financial products and services for our members.”
During the grand opening celebration, GIFCU members joined Koloa Branch members in enjoying the day of prize giveaways through a spin on a prize wheel and light refreshments.
Marcellina Vea attended the celebration with a tray of home-made treats.
Vea retired as manager of Koloa Federal Credit Union, which is now the Koloa Branch of GIFCU.
“I started back when the Koloa FCU was located next to Pizetta’s,” Vea said. “Back then, we had to go outside of the office to use the bathroom, which we shared with Kawamoto Store. Then, we move to the Chang Building before moving here. Those were the good ol’ days.”
The opening of the GIFCU, Koloa Branch marks the second credit union on Kaua‘i to have more than one branch location.
The GIFCU, Koloa Branch, located at 3147 Po‘ipu Road, Suite 1, is open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Friday hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Visit www.gardenislandfcu.com for more information.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
