(Honolulu, Hawaii, January 29, 2012) –For the second year in a row, First Hawaiian Bank and its employees have contributed over $2.5 million to 400 charities in Hawaii, Guam and Saipan, bringing its total donation to $5.0 million over the past two years, according to an announcement today by Bob Harrison, First Hawaiian Bank president and chief executive officer.

"We made a promise that we would match the $2.5 million support that we achieved in 2010 and we are thrilled that we were able to do it again in 2011, providing $5.0 million to charity over the past two years. Supporting charities has been a part of our bank's culture for over 150 years and we recognize that significant support is vital for the health of our communities. I am very proud of the way our employees and retirees continue to give from their hearts so others can have a brighter future," said Bob Harrison, First Hawaiian Bank president and chief executive officer. "For 2012, we are committed to matching the $2.5 million once again.

In 2011, 96 percent of First Hawaiian Bank employees participated in Kokua Mai, the bank's annual employee giving campaign. The employees and retirees raised over $575,000 for local community non-profits.

First Hawaiian Bank was the first financial institution to administer a major internal employee giving campaign with 100 percent of the donations going directly to local charities. The online giving program is completely run by employees. Since Kokua Mai's inception in 2007, bank employees and retirees have donated nearly $2.9 million to charities in Hawaii, Guam and Saipan. "In addition to their generous monetary donations, our employees are active in their communities, volunteering their time and talents throughout the year to make our island home a better place for us all," said Iris Matsumoto, executive vice president, Human Resources.

"We are grateful for the continued support of the FHB Kokua Mai program and honored to have been selected as one of the beneficiaries," said Siana Austin Hunt, executive director, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Hawaii. "We are delighted that the employees of First Hawaiian Bank recognize the value of supporting our local keiki facing life threatening medical conditions and partner with us to enrich their experience with hope, strength and joy. Thank you for helping us share the power of a wish."

"Kauai Hospice gratefully acknowledges the loving and ongoing financial support from the employees of First Hawaiian Bank through its Kokua Mai Campaign," said Lori Miller, executive director, Kauai Hospice. "These funds are used to further the mission of Kauai Hospice to ensure the highest quality of life possible for individuals and their families who are facing a life-threatening illness; to provide bereavement services and to promote understanding of Hospice services. It's heartwarming to know that employers like First Hawaiian Bank promote a culture of community giving. Even greater are the individual employees who choose to designate their hard-earned dollars to be given to community benefit organizations such as Kauai Hospice."

"Hawaii Children's Cancer Foundation is truly grateful for the generosity of First Hawaiian Bank's employees through their Kokua Mai Program because their gifts help to support the many services and programs provided to Hawaii's keiki and their families as they battle childhood cancer, said Tracy Aiwohi, board president, Hawaii Children's Cancer Foundation (HCCF).

Each year the bank's branches serve as collection points for various charitable causes including the Star-Advertiser Good Neighbor Fund, Lokahi Giving Project, Special Olympics Troy Barboza Torch Run, Honolulu City Lights ornament fundraiser and the Hawaii Foodbank. Last year, the bank was the first company to step forward with a fundraising drive for Japan Tsunami relief, collecting $1.2 million for the Japanese Red Cross Society.

First Hawaiian Bank (www.fhb.com) with $15.8 billion in assets is Hawaii's oldest and largest bank. It has been providing its customers with Service, Solutions, and Security for over 150 years. The bank operates 58 branches in Hawaii, three on Guam and two on Saipan.