Wong Family

Rita Wong: William and I came to Hawaii in 1977 to finish up military service in the Air Force. A year after we arrived, we were able to buy an office space at the Aiea Medical Building for Bill’s dermatology practice. When we bought the space, it was only a shell. After having our loan application for renovations rejected at another bank, we decided to go across the street to Bank of Hawaii.

Dr. William Wong, Sr.: At that time, BOH had a branch in Aiea, and the branch manager offered us a second mortgage of $50,000 to improve our office. As the practice gradually grew over the years, we grew in our banking relationship.

Now we have one realty company and two private medical practices (dermatology and ophthalmology) in our family, and we have found Bank of Hawaii very convenient and supportive of both business and personal banking.

Dr. William Wong, Jr.: My first experience was with my BOH checking account as a teenager. When we moved back to Hawaii, my story is somewhat similar to my parents, with the bank providing funding to open the Vision Clinic based on the good relationship built up over the years.

Starting a small business is always risky, and BOH helps us keep it running. Whenever we need equipment upgrades, BOH is always there to provide the next business loan. Especially when cash flow is tight or the economy isn’t doing so well, they will set up terms that will work for our business. It’s a good relationship. They have always been there when we needed assistance. Five years ago we faced a critical decision whether to expand by opening a second practice location in town. Knowing BOH was willing to make funds available prompted us to move ahead with the purchase, remodel, and furnishing of our new Kakaako office at Nauru Tower.

While expanding the practice, we were also in the process of building our new forever home; it was quite a stressful time. BOH’s construction department guided us through the process, and was flexible enough to extend the construction loan to help us cope with the inevitable delays and obstacles that arise with big projects in Hawaii. We now have a farm where the kids have space to explore nature, and learn the joys of caring for animals and plants.

Kerri Wong: We have three kids, and we opened bank accounts for them very early on so they would understand the value of money. Whenever they would receive monetary gifts over the years, I’ve had them divide it up: a part for spending, a part for donating (either to the church or a charity of their choice), and a part for putting away. And so they’ve been able to watch their accounts grow over the years and begin to learn about long-term savings and investments.

Rita: We are always learning about new services and opportunities via financial planning meetings hosted by BOH. Our current private bank advisor, Cori Weston, has been a great source of knowledge, advice and financial resources.

Through the bank, I, as an active Realtor® and real estate investor, was able to acquire multiple Waikiki properties, including two apartment buildings. Years ago we used the bank to help us fund Punahou education for our kids through an equipment leasing program. Recently, we wanted to do the same for our grandchildren, and Cori helped us set up the 529 Plan with all the necessary vehicles and administrations. It’s very nice that at one bank we’re able to take care of all three generations.

William Wong, Jr.: BOH is solid. They were around when I was a kid and will be around for generations to come.

William Wong, Sr.: It’s the relationship factor based on mutual trust, working together over the years, achieving new goals. They know our needs, and have facilitated helping us. Bank of Hawaii is a real ‘ohana bank.