Supporting growing businesses in Waipahu

American Savings Bank provided a $25,000 grant to help fund the completion of the Waipahu Festival Market/Business Incubator and Training Center project, designed to enhance Waipahu's economic, social and cultural vitality.

"This grant is an investment in the future," said Anna Marie Springer, senior vice president and Community Liaison. "It is important to promote the economic, social and cultural vitality of communities like Waipahu because, as a community bank, our success depends directly on the success of the communities we serve."

The Waipahu Community Association works to build a sense of ownership, involvement and empowerment within Waipahu's residential and business communities by serving as the facilitator, coordinator and organizer of the community's resources. The $25,000 grant will be used toward construction needed to complete the project. The project will play an integral role in the overall economic and social revitalization of Waipahu by helping to create and nurture micro and small businesses, creating jobs and reducing unemployment.

"We greatly appreciate the support of American Savings Bank," said Darrlyn Bunda, executive director of the Waipahu Community Association. "American Savings Bank shows a real commitment to the future of our community through its generous donation to promote economic growth."

Creating jobs and opportunities in Papakolea

American Savings Bank recently committed a $25,000 grant to Papakolea Community Development Corp. to help open a technology center operated by Hawaiian Homestead Technology (HHT). This is the third grant American Savings Bank has given HHT projects; previous grants were supplied to technology centers operating on Hawaiian Homesteads in Anahola and Waimanalo.

Hawaiian Homestead Technology converts graphics and paper documents to digital formats for easy retrieval and storage and serves clients such as the Department of Defense. HHT is 100%-owned by a nonprofit organization, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, whose goal is to create job opportunities in underserved Hawaiian Homesteads.

According to its management, HHT has about $5 million of project work contracted, which is sufficient to sustain Anahola, Waimanalo and Papakolea technology centers for two years. The Papakolea site is projected to be self-sufficient within six to twelve months.

American Savings Bank is proud to be part of this effort to recognize and utilize the technological potential and talent of Hawaiian Homestead residents.

American Savings Bank is "people's choice" for best bank

Readers of The Honolulu Advertiser have chosen American Savings Bank as the "Best Bank or Credit Union" in the inaugural 2006 Best of the Best People's Choice Awards. A series of full-page ballots, covering 150 categories relating to everything Hawaii, ran from March through April in various sections of the paper. The reader's poll provides an opportunity for the community to vote for and express their appreciation to the many places and people who make Hawaii special. Nearly 8,000 ballots were submitted and tabulated by a non-profit organization. The complete list of winners ran in the May 28 edition of the paper.

At American Savings Bank, we strive to deliver value that enriches the lives of our customers. For more than 80 years, we have been committed to helping Hawaii's businesses and communities grow and prosper and it gives us great pride to say "Mahalo" for this honor.

The articles and opinions in this publication are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. We suggest that you consult your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor with regard to your individual situation. Entire publication ©American Savings Bank 2006. All rights reserved.