Those of us who call Kekaha home know that when it comes to community, actions speak louder than words.
That was at the heart of the decision by a group of Kekaha Sugar Company employees who, back in 1938, organized a credit union for the sugar plantation workers. As a result of their efforts and foresight, Kekaha Federal Credit Union (KFCU) was established, and our locally grown institution served our community for generations thereafter.
This year, KFCU merged with Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union, which was made official on Nov. 1. Like the action eight decades ago, this decision was made to continue our tradition of service to the community, but also to enhance the products and services provided to our Kekaha members.
During the process, it was reassuring that both credit unions felt it was extremely important to honor and maintain the identity of Kekaha’s credit union as a longstanding institution with deep community ties and historical significance. So, under a co-branding agreement, we are continuing as “Kekaha Credit Union, a Division of Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union” now boast a new logo with familiar features, including the iconic Kekaha sugar mill. I am also pleased to announce that the former KFCU board, myself included, will remain active as the Kekaha Credit Union Advisory Board.
Most telling, however, is that one of the first official acts under this new relationship was a special dividend payout to be shared among all our eligible Kekaha members. More than 1,500 former KFCU members will share in the special dividend payment totaling $2 million. Members can receive more information about the dividend at our website, KekahaCU.com, by calling 337-1433, or by stopping by our branch location at 8254 Kekaha Rd.
Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union President and CEO Vince J. Otsuka put it best: “We are demonstrating not only that together we are financially stronger, but we also hold an equally strong commitment to the Kekaha community. Delivering value to our membership is top priority, and we are pleased to be able to help our Kekaha members continue meeting their banking needs with Aloha. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve the community in the years to come.”
I couldn’t agree more. The credit union has been and remains part of our family in Kekaha. I’m very happy this new partnership is allowing our credit union to continue serving the Kekaha community — and serving it well.
On behalf of Kekaha Credit Union and Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union, we thank all of Kekaha for the support over the years, and we look forward to an even greater level of service in the years to come.
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Lori Cardenas is a resident of Kekaha and chair of the Kekaha Credit Union Advisory Board.
