HONOLULU (KHON2) -- First Hawaiian Bank Foundation has granted $150,000 to Hawaii Baptist Academy’s (HBA) Campaign for Transformation.
This multi-year initiative aims to construct a new Innovation and Discovery Center on HBA's elementary campus and create an endowment to expand the school’s curriculum to parents and the broader community.
The 7,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art center will include an Innovation Station, Collab Lab, Learning Commons, and an outdoor plaza.
These creative and dynamic spaces will provide an experiential learning environment where students can imagine and design solutions for real-world challenges.
Ron Shiira, President of Hawaii Baptist Academy, expressed his gratitude: “First Hawaiian Bank has been a cornerstone of support for HBA, and their generous award is a testament to their commitment to our mission. This partnership helps us nurture future generations of leaders rooted in faith and innovation. We are deeply grateful for their continued support as we embark on this exciting journey.”
HBA’s longstanding partnership with First Hawaiian Bank Foundation spans 44 years. With this grant, they are now part of HBA's prestigious "Gold Eagle Circle" for donors who have given over $500,000.
Bob Harrison, President of First Hawaiian Bank, added: “First Hawaiian Bank is honored to stand alongside Hawaii Baptist Academy in their pursuit of educational excellence and community impact.
Our partnership spans decades, and this grant reflects our commitment to nurturing future leaders and fostering innovation.”
HBA celebrated this partnership with members of the First Hawaiian Bank community who have strong affiliations with the school, including alumni and parents.
Notable employees of First Hawaiian Bank who are closely connected to HBA attended the celebration, including:
- Jody Mukaigawa ‘90 – Senior VP, Corporate Banking at First Hawaiian Bank, and member of the HBA Campaign Feasibility Committee.
- Kyle Kato ‘96 – Transformation Manager at First Hawaiian Bank, and member of the HBA Campaign Cabinet.
- Ryan Masuno ‘09 – AVP & Wealth Associate at First Hawaiian Bank, and member of the HBA Advisory Board.
- Candice Naito – Retired Senior Vice President at First Hawaiian Bank, and member of the HBA Advisory Board.
For more details about the Campaign for Transformation, click here.
The event featured a check presentation from First Hawaiian Bank executives and HBA President Ron Shiira '75 presenting a Gold Eagle Award to First Hawaiian Bank President Bob Harrison.