Mahalo to Ray Romero

The Board of Directors, management, and staff of the Hickam Federal Credit Union wishes to extend a big “mahalo and aloha” to Ray Romero for his many years of volunteer service to the credit union. Ray resigned from the Board after serving 38 years; 20 years as the Chairman of the Board between 1997 to 2017. Ray’s dedication, vision, and leadership has helped Hickam FCU grow into one of the largest credit unions in Hawaii.

During his term, Hickam FCU expanded its field of membership from employees working on Hickam Air Force Base to a community-chartered credit union that now serves the entire island of Oahu. Under his leadership, the credit union added six conveniently located branches in Pearlridge, Mililani, Kapolei, Kahala, Pearl City, and Kaneohe in addition to the Hickam Branch and grew assets from $30 million to over $600 million. Ray Romero helped establish Hickam FCU as the great financial institution it is today and we thank him for his time and commitment.

In Memoriam: Loretta Pualani Keanu

On Thursday, April 29th, 2021, Hickam Federal Credit Union Board of Director Loretta Pualani Keanu passed away at the age of 85. Loretta was a loyal Hickam Federal Credit Union member since 1967 and was elected as the first female Board of Director for the credit union in 1980. Through her forty years on the Board, she has served as Secretary, Chairperson for the Ad Hoc, Annual Report, Delinquent Loan, Goals, Nomination, and Personnel Committees respectively, as well as a contributing member on other working committees.

Loretta retired as an Air Force Federal Civilian Service employee, working as an Aircraft Dispatcher with the 619 Aerial Port Squadron at Hickam Air Force Base.

During Loretta’s tenure as a Board Member, the Credit Union achieved numerous accomplishments including expanding technological innovations from installing self-owned ATMs to issuing contactless credit/debit cards. Loretta’s contributions helped grow the credit union to an island-wide field of membership and seven branches conveniently located throughout Oahu. Loretta served the Credit Union selflessly and passionately. She will be truly missed.

Cards with a Cause

Earlier this year, we introduced a new line of credit cards featuring vibrant designs made by teen “ARTivist” and Artists Save Waves nonprofit founder, Stephanie Hung. The cards depicted the beautiful, but fragile nature of our islands. Hickam FCU is committed to helping preserve Hawaii’s environment by supporting organizations such as Artists Save Waves and Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii (SCH).

On April 24^th, Hickam FCU staff and their families rolled up their sleeves for the SCH Earth Day Clean-Up at Sherwood Beach. We experienced first-hand the staggering amount of microplastics that litter our shores. From that event, 800 pounds of debris (200,000 pieces of microplastics) were removed. SCH Executive Director Rafael Bergstrom shared that the solution should not be in clean-ups, but in changing the way we consume materials from the start. Instead of the three R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), remember “AIR” (Avoid, Intercept, Redesign). Avoid plastic and use eco-friendly materials. Intercept pollution by composting, recycling, and getting involved with clean-ups. Finally, products should be redesigned with sustainability in mind. 

Hickam FCU staff and family members at the SCH Earth Day Clean-Up event.

To commemorate Hickam FCU’s commitment to helping our environment, Stephanie Hung created a new triptych style (three-panel) mural for our Pearl City Branch. The mural, titled "See the Light", was unveiled on June 7^th after sentiments were shared by Hickam FCU Board of Directors Chair Carol Ebia, our President/CEO Scott Kaulukukui, Stephanie Hung, SCH Executive Director Rafael Bergstrom, and City Councilman Brandon Elefante. The event was live-streamed on our Facebook and Instagram pages and are still available for viewing.

The triptych style mural painted by Stephanie Hung. It depicts a vibrant reef with marine life and a person in an old diver's suit holding a lantern that reminds us to "See the Light".

From left to right: Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii Executive Director Rafael Bergstrom, City Councilman Brandon Elefante, Stephanie Hung, Hickam FCU Chair Carol Ebia, Hickam FCU President/CEO Scott Kaulukukui.

Coming up this Fall, Hickam FCU members will be able to sport the new debit card designed by Stephanie. 

In addition to having beautiful cards, you can support the cause too!

We will make a donation to Artists Save Waves when you use your Hickam FCU credit or debit cards.

First Time Borrower Program

Having good credit is important to financial stability, but how do you build credit without having a credit history? Hickam FCU now provides first time borrowers an opportunity to build their credit through our new First Time Borrower Program. Whether you’re just graduated or need a boost with your next step in life, let us help.

This program is designed to assist borrowers without a conventional credit score by obtaining their first automobile loan, first credit card, or first personal loan with Hickam FCU. These loans will be structured according to your income and be within your means with terms you can afford. All loans are subject to qualifications and credit approval.

 

New, Enhanced Online Banking and Mobile Banking

You asked and we listened! Coming soon this Fall, Hickam FCU will be rolling out a new online banking and mobile banking system. The new systems will enhance the way you handle your finances at Hickam FCU. 

 

Here are a few of the new features:

• Convenient debit and credit card management with CardValet
• Easy loan applications
• Enhanced security
• Personal Finance Manager
• Credit score monitoring
• Order checks directly with Harland Clarke

For a smooth conversion, it is vital that we have your most current contact information, phone number, and email address. Please update this information in your Online Banking account or give us a call at 808-423-1391.

Be sure to check our website for updates as we get closer to launch.

To access Online Banking, please visit www.hickamfcu.org. Or download our mobile app:

    

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National Credit Union Youth Month Jurassic Savings Winner

Congratulations to Jean-Louis and his family for winning our Youth Month Jurassic Savings Giveaway Drawing! They will be exploring famous movie locations at Kualoa Ranch through the Jurassic Adventure Tour.

Changes to Our Electronic Funds Transfers for All Savings Accounts

Effective August 1, 2021, Hickam Federal Credit Union will no longer enforce the monthly transaction limit of six (6) transfers and withdrawals made between your savings accounts or from your savings accounts to a third party by means of a preauthorized, automatic, or Internet transfer, by telephonic order, or by check, draft, debit card or similar transactions. Therefore, there is no limit to the number of withdrawals or transfers you can make during a month.

Making the Community Better, Together.

Hickam FCU 2^nd Annual College Scholarship

A huge congratulations to our College Scholarship recipients: Mikayla, Dharma, and Rhynne. They were each awarded with $1,000 to help with school-related costs. On May 5^th, we invited the awardees and their parents to our main office to receive their checks. We were very inspired to hear their plans for college and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Special Olympics Hawaii Donation

On May 13^th, Hickam FCU presented a $1,000 check to Special Olympics Hawaii (SOH) Regional Director Nikki Antenucci and former athlete Renee Manfredi. Our Core Values Champions Committee selected SOH to receive this donation because their mission and actions taken for individuals with intellectual disabilities resonated with our core values of caring, integrity, and commitment. SOH provides health, education, sports, and leadership programs for these individuals in the community.

Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii Fundraiser

From May 10^th to May 29^th, we sold Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii (PCAH) cookbooks in our branches to raise funds. PCAH is a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about child abuse through community education and support programs. On June 10^th, we presented the check to PCAH Executive Director Robert Raasch Barajas and Board Chair Charlene Richardson. We are proud to help collect $5,640.40 for their cause. 

Hawaii Foodbank Fundraiser

Happening right now, Hickam FCU has once again joined the Hawaii Credit Union Coalition in raising funds for the Hawaii Foodbank. One in every six Hawaii residents (including 81,000 keiki) are in dire need of food security. Did you know that just $10 can provide enough food for 25 meals? Ten dollars is about the price of a plate lunch or two boba drinks. Can you spare $10 for Hawaii's hungry?

Our goal is to reach $3,000 by July 31^st, 2021! Please donate if you can through the link or by texting “Coalition35” to 71777.