NEWS RELEASE

First Hawaiian Bank Earns Top Recognitions in Lending from U.S. Small Business Administration

HONOLULU, March 30, 2022 – First Hawaiian Bank (FHB) today announced that the bank was recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) with several lending awards, furthering FHB’s legacy as Hawaii’s leading financial institution.

First Hawaiian Bank was awarded SBA Lender of the Year in Category 1 (large-size lenders) for approving the most 7(a) loans and was recognized as 504 Lender of the Year in Category 1 for approving the most HEDCO 504 loans for commercial real estate during SBA’s fiscal year 2021. The bank also earned an In Time of Need Award for Paycheck Protection Program Support of Small Business.

In addition, Douglas Okamura, assistant vice president and business banking officer at the Kapiolani branch, received a District Director Award. This award recognizes an individual for their contributions in promoting and advocating for small business.

SBA’s Lender of the Year awards acknowledges financial institutions that have approved a significant number of SBA-backed loans in a fiscal year. First Hawaiian Bank was awarded the SBA Lender of the Year in Category 1 in 2017, 2018 and 2021 and 504 Lender of the Year in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2021. No awards were given out in 2020.

“These awards reflect the hard work of our employees during the pandemic in responding to the needs of our customers,” said Bob Harrison, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “During 2020 and 2021, the Bank originated approximately 10,000 PPP loans totaling $1.4 billion that went directly to businesses and individuals that needed it the most during a time of uncertainty. First Hawaiian remains dedicated to the communities we serve and will stand by them as we continue our recovery.”

Through a partnership with the U.S. Federal SBA and local non-profit organizations such as the Hawaii Small Business Development Center and The Hawaii Veteran’s Business Outreach Center of the Pacific, FHB also offers SBA Resource Day—free, one-hour consultations to non-profit and for-profit business owners from any industry—to educate, empower, encourage, and support our local small business community. Open to the public, it’s one of many practical ways that FHB inspires small businesses to continue to start, grow, innovate, and to push through these adversities by discussing various strategies, products and services, and resources they can leverage and utilize to help their businesses.

This year FHB will be hosting six SBA Resource Days in 2022. The dates are as follows:

  • Kapiolani Branch: Wed., March 30
  • Kalihi Branch: Thurs., April 28
  • Kaneohe Branch: Fri., July 15
  • Kapolei Branch: Thurs., Aug. 25
  • Mililani Branch: Fri., Sept. 9
  • Kahala Branch: Thurs., Sept. 22