In attendance at the ceremony were Nobuhiko Higashikuni, the nephew of the emperor; Yoshiharu Otsuka of the JRCS; and Ed Hawkins, president of the Japan-America Society of Hawaii.
First Hawaiian established the “Japan-Hawaii Relief Fund” with an initial $100,000 to assist the survivors of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Contributions were collected at all 63 of the bank’s branches in Hawaii, Guam and CNMI. Donations as small as $1 were deposited into the bank’s fund.
“The generosity of the local community and our customers has been tremendous,” Horner said. “The victims within the region are making steady progress and their attitude and efforts are an inspiration. However, there is much work to be done and our prayers, encouragement, and donation were much appreciated.”
All of the money was given to the JRCS, who is the primary relief organization for the victims. In all, several thousand customers contributed to the Japan-Hawaii Relief Fund including $105,000 from the Friends of Hawaii Charities, $25,000 from Tanaka’s of Tokyo, $5,000 from Maui Divers and an additional $5,000 from Carole Kai Charities, among other donations.
The Japanese Red Cross Society was founded in 1877 and has an extensive network of branches in cities, towns and villages throughout Japan. They also operate hospitals and blood collection agencies through the country. The Empress serves as honorary president of the society.
First Hawaiian Bank is Hawaii’s oldest and largest bank with over $15 billion in total assets and 63 branches throughout Hawaii, Guam and CNMI. It is the largest corporate contributor to charity in Hawaii with over $2.5 million donated to over 400 local agencies in 2010.
