Bank of Hawaii’s Lihu‘e branch will celebrate 100 years of service with a special event, open to the public, tomorrow, Saturday, May 1, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Lihu‘e branch is at 4455 Rice St., on the corner
Bank of Hawaii’s Lihu‘e branch will celebrate 100 years of service with a special event, open to the public, tomorrow, Saturday, May 1, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Lihu‘e branch is at 4455 Rice St., on the corner of Kele Street.
Festivities will include inflatable rides, live entertainment, a “Kauai Idols” talent competition, and free refreshments and giveaways.
Established on Aug. 3, 1903, the Lihu‘e branch is not only Bank of Hawaii’s first branch, but it is the oldest existing bank branch of any financial institution in the state.
“We are proud to celebrate 100 years of service to the people of Kaua‘i,” said Dave Thomas, Bank of Hawaii vice chairman of retail banking.
“It has been our privilege to serve generations of families and businesses here, and we look forward to continuing to contribute to the growth and success of this community for many years to come.”
The recent $1.5-million renovation of the Lihu‘e branch represents a continuing investment in Kaua‘i, Thomas said.
Renovation of the 5,600-square-foot structure began last September, and was completed in February by Lihu‘e-based general contractor Unlimited Construction Services, Inc.
New features include an enclosed, secured, air-conditioned room with a night depository and two Bankoh BankMachines (ATMs). One is designed for business and consumer transactions, and the other for cashing customer checks and accepting deposits.
The “BankLanai” allows customers access 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It also features a mural of Kaua‘i’s picturesque Hanalei Valley by local artist Uri Blayer.
The interior and exterior branch design, by Honolulu-based Luersen Architects, includes a more modern, inviting entrance; an enlarged lobby, and an overall interior scheme that is more consistent with Bank of Hawaii branches statewide, he explained.
The branch’s upgraded exterior was also designed to tie in with the Lihu‘e Civic Center remodeling project currently in the works.
The Lihu‘e branch is the first Neighbor Island branch to undergo major renovation in recent years.
The bank operates six branches on Kaua‘i: Lihu‘e, Kapa‘a, Hanapepe, Waimea, Princeville and Po‘ipu.
