LIHU‘E — Under the arch of a strong rainbow created by the light rain and blustery wind, First Hawaiian Bank unveiled the location of its newest banking center during a blessing and dedication ceremony on Monday at a 1-acre parcel adjacent to the Hokulei Shopping Village.
On completion, the banking center will redefine the in-branch banking experience by providing state-of-the-art meeting spaces and innovative environments for employees, said a release from First Hawaiian Bank.
“We’ve all seen how banking is changing, and we’re creating a new environment where people can come in and comfortably take care of their banking needs,” said Bob Harrison, who is CEO, President and Chairman of First Hawaiian Bank (FHB).
“We recognize the importance of the relationships we have cultivated at our leased Rice Street location, and we’re excited to introduce our customers to a modernized approach to banking at our new location in Hokulei Village. The development of this new location reflects our ongoing commitment to the Kaua‘i community.”
FHB Senior Vice President and Region Manager Lelani Kahawai noted that when he joined First Hawaiian Bank more than 25 years ago, FHB was constructing the Princeville Branch. He introduced John Taylor, a former branch manager at the Princeville Branch, as branch manager for the latest addition to First Hawaiian Bank when the building is completed.
“As we break ground on this new chapter for First Hawaiian Bank in Lihu‘e, we understand that we are not just constructing a new banking center, we are building a future that echoes our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and a world class banking experience for our valued customers,” Kahawai said.
Construction for the new center is scheduled to start in late spring with an expected completion date in the first quarter of 2025.
The design of the new center emphasizes sustainability by incorporating features like photovoltaic panels, electric vehicle chargers and battery backups for enhanced power efficiency. The new location will also showcase native landscaping that contributes to reduced water usage.
“This is where the driveway is going to be,” said Unlimited Construction Services, Inc. Engineer Michael Acoba, the project manager for the new bank building, as he sprinkled traditional pa‘akai he received from Kahu Jade Waialeale Bataad, who officiated the blessing.
“Everyone else is sprinkling pa‘akai on where the building is. But this is where everyone who comes here has to enter,” Acoba added.
In addition to its environmental focus, the banking center will boast innovative spaces for customer-banker interactions, complementing the conventional teller line and customer service areas.
Employees will enjoy flexible workspaces featuring meeting pods and outdoor courtyards designed for al fresco meetings. This holistic approach aims to create a modern and eco-conscious banking environment for both customers and staff.
Enhancing customer access is a key focus of the new branch, and Kaua‘i residents can look forward to enhanced convenience and a range of improved banking services. First Hawaiian Bank has designed the branch with the customer in mind, offering unique features that prioritize each of use and accessibility.
First Hawaiian Bank currently has five branches on Kaua‘i with a team of 50 employees serving the island from Princeville to Waimea on the Westside. This latest branch banking center is expected to bring an incremental increase in economic activity, provide jobs and support local businesses.
