Bank of Hawai‘i announces today that it will invest approximately $400,000 to address community needs as part of its yearlong 125th anniversary celebration. Incorporated on December 17, 1897, Bank of Hawai‘i has been committed to strengthening communities through philanthropic support, hands-on volunteerism, sponsorships, board participation and employee giving.
“Taking care of our community is intrinsic to Bank of Hawai‘i, and we can think of no better way to recognize this milestone anniversary than to invest in the future of the people we are so privileged to serve,” said Peter Ho, chairman, president and CEO at Bank of Hawai‘i. “As we celebrate and embark on the next 125 years and beyond, we look forward to helping to sustain our island home, both in the state of Hawai‘i and in the West Pacific.”
To preserve the environment and help address climate change, Bank of Hawai‘i is partnering with Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative (HLRI) to plant 125 trees per week for one year on the bank’s behalf. Trees provide many benefits, including purifying the air by absorbing pollutant gases that cause global warming. Replenishing forests is necessary to the ecosystem — just one large tree can provide a day’s supply of oxygen for up to four people. In total, the 6,500 trees that this endeavor will produce will be planted by HLRI across the state (on O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island). In addition, Bank of Hawai‘i plans to partner with an organization to invest in a similar program in the West Pacific region.
In an effort to support a wide range of causes, Bank of Hawai‘i is also inviting its employees to help the community. Each BOH employee will have an opportunity to select a nonprofit of their choice, for Bank of Hawai‘i Foundation to make a $125 donation. With approximately 2,100 employees, the final donation would amount to more than $260,000 of additional funds for communities across Hawai‘i and the West Pacific region.
In its milestone year, Bank of Hawai‘i is honored to celebrate the official language of Hawai‘i by adding the ‘okina to its logo/name, and will begin to incorporate the change throughout the organization where the logo is used.
To learn more about Bank of Hawaiʻi’s history, visit www.boh.com/125 for a digital timeline of the bank’s accomplishments, milestones and community support, as well as videos featuring our employees and customers.