Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami cut short his surfing before work on Monday to participate in the blessing and opening of the First Hawaiian Bank at the Hokulei Village.
FHB President, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Bob Harrison greeted the mayor in the parking lot of the new 7,800-square-foot “comprehensive banking center.”
“At First Hawaiian Bank, we believe in building strong relationships with our customers,” said Harrison. “Our new Lihue Banking Center is more than a branch, it’s a long-term investment in the people and businesses of Kauai, and a heartfelt commitment to being a part of this vibrant community.”
First Hawaiian Bank designed the new center with customers in mind, offering unique features that prioritize ease of use and accessibility.
The Advisory building is home to the branch’s commercial banking, mortgage, wealth management and private banking services. The building that is separated from the primary banking building by the garden offers offices, a conference room, and open meeting areas with a quiet atmosphere conducive to planning and strategizing. The courtyard and breezeway provide protected and comfortable spaces for customers to meet with the FHB team in a more relaxed, open-air environment.
Bank customers, curious about what has been building over the past year, waited to view the new banking center that is designed across two buildings connected by an open-air breezeway and a courtyard featuring pohaku seating in its landscaping utilizing native plants. A covered lanai/walkway connecting the two buildings offers protection on days when the sun is overpowered by rain and wind.
The complex, described as one of the latest in the state, includes modern amenities such as private consultation rooms, and a spacious open lobby designed to enhance customer service.
Customers also have 24/7 access to two, no-envelope deposit ATMs, a night depository, and a secure self-service safe deposit box room equipped with biometric entry.
The project, which broke ground in 2023, features photovoltaic solar panels, a backup battery system that coincides with two EV charging stations, onsite bicycle parking, and drip irrigation. It is located at 4454 Nuhou St., Suite 1000, across from Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School and the YMCA.
The banking center hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, and closed on Sunday.
With the opening of the Hokulei banking center, and the closing of the Lihue branch, there are five First Hawaiian Bank branches — Princeville, Kapaa, Lihue, Koloa and Waimea — on Kauai with a team of 38 employees serving Kauai.
The new Lihue Banking Center will be staffed with 15 employees. As part of the transition to the new branch, FHB is adding to its team. Positions such as banking consultant and personal banker are available. Those interested in growing their careers with First Hawaiian Bank are invited to visit the website FHB.com/careers.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
