Bank of Hawaii Employees Raise $623,000 for Local Nonprofits as Live Kokua Giving Campaign Celebrates 15 Years

Bank of Hawaii employees and retirees raised $623,000 during its 2025 Live Kokua Giving Campaign, the bank’s biggest annual giving event, for Aloha United Way. The 15th annual campaign ran from Sept. 8 to Oct. 31 and supported a wide range of local organizations, including more than 300 AUW partner nonprofits.

Since the launch of the bank’s Live Kokua Giving Campaign in 2010, employees have raised over $9.4 million for nonprofits across Hawaii and the West Pacific.

This year, the bank’s four employee resource groups (Blue Brigade, RainBOH, Na Oiwi Aloha, Women Inspired) and the LKGC team selected organizations to receive proceeds from corporate events: U.S. VETS Hawaii, Hawaii Health & Harm Reduction Center, Aha Punana Leo, Domestic Violence Action Center, Child & Family Service, Girl Scouts of Hawaii, and Junior Achievement of Hawaii. Funds raised at corporate campaign events—such as bingo, food and craft festivals, and pau hanas—were shared among the aforementioned nonprofits, and employees could donate to partner nonprofits of AUW.

Bank of Hawaii Chairman and CEO Peter Ho presented a check to Aloha United Way CEO Michelle Bartell on Wednesday evening, Dec. 10. Over 600 employees gathered at the bank’s Main Branch in downtown Honolulu, where the donation was announced at the 14th annual Bankoh Tree Lighting Celebration, which included the bank’s official Christmas tree lighting, trolley rides to enjoy Honolulu City Lights, caroling and holiday treats.

“I’m truly inspired by the generosity and passion our bank ohana brings to this effort,” said Bank of Hawaii Chairman and CEO Peter Ho. “This campaign reflects the heart of our team, and it’s amazing to see everyone come together to uplift the nonprofits doing vital work in our communities.”

Together, Bank of Hawaii, its Foundation, bank employees and retirees donated more than $2.8 million to the community in 2025. 

In addition to our annual employee-led campaign, in 2025, Bank of Hawaii Foundation donated to many initiatives and efforts to help move our community forward, including supporting:

• Hawaii Mobile Museum of Tolerance, which offers a world-class learning experience using innovative technology and interactive lessons to bring a message of tolerance directly to schools across the state. 
• YMCA of Honolulu, aiding in the construction of a new 99,000 sq. ft. facility complete with a parking structure, 125-seat early learning center, outdoor pool, and other essential amenities.
• Holomua Collective, supporting its Lahaina Homeowner Recovery Grant Program to help families at risk of loan default and ensure homes remain primary residences or long-term rentals for local residents.

###