August 29, 2003

(Honolulu, Hawaii, August 28, 2003) – First Hawaiian Bank today announced the officer promotions of:

  • Craig S. Avellar to assistant vice president and sales manager, First Investment Center. Avellar joined First Hawaiian in 1995 as an investment specialist. He was promoted to sales manager in 2002.
  • Susan M. Lau to assistant vice president and branch manager, Haleiwa Branch. Lau joined First Hawaiian in 1984 as a management trainee. She was promoted to branch manager in 1988. Lau is a graduate of Sacred Hearts Academy and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawaii.
  • May C. Nishijima to manager, Kaneohe Bay Branch. Nishijima joined First Hawaiian in 1986 as a management trainee. She has held positions as loan representative, assistant branch manager and business banking officer. Nishijima is a graduate of Kalani High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawaii.

First Hawaiian Bank also announced the following officer appointments:

  • Clyde T. Nakasue to vice president and area manager, Hilo Branch.
  • Robert D. Drown to corporate training officer, Training Department.
  • Lynne Dela Cruz to manager, Pahoa Branch.
  • Mele Heresa to trust real estate officer, Trust Real Estate Services.

First Hawaiian Bank ($9.3 billion in assets) was founded in 1858 and is Hawaii’s oldest bank. It has 56 branches in Hawaii, three on Guam and one on Saipan. It is a subsidiary of BancWest Corporation, the largest Hawaii-based bank holding company, with assets of $36.4 billion.