Lani Tapat (left) and Kelly Souza of Hawaii Pacific Federal Credit Union present a check for $1,840 to Matthew Yim (center) of the Hawaii Chapter of the American Red Cross. Funds from the credit union’s donation drive will support disaster relief in Hawaii.

Hawaii Pacific Federal Credit Union donated $1,840 last week to the Hawaii Chapter of the American Red Cross in support of disaster relief efforts throughout Hawaii. More than 150 members and employees made cash donations during the campaign. Hawaii Pacific Federal collected donations at all of its locations during March and April 2011.

“We take pride in our efforts to support the Hawaii Chapter of the American Red Cross, and we appreciate everyone’s generosity in this year’s campaign,” said Mark Yamane, president of Hawaii Pacific Federal. “Disasters are not something we can prevent, but when they happen, we are happy to be able to help.”

Yamane continued that although the Hawaii Chapter of the American Red Cross is involved with tsunami relief efforts in Japan, the donations from the Hawaii Pacific Federal campaign will be used to support areas of need locally. “When disasters strike, sometimes people reallocate their donation dollars, which can result in local needs going unmet,” said Yamane. “Putting all of our donations into the local chapter of the American Red Cross puts funds into Hawaii’s community, where there are areas of substantial need.”

Hawaii Pacific Federal has supported the American Red Cross’ Hawaii Chapter since 2001. The credit union also contributes to a number of non-profit organizations focused on helping Hawaii’s local community; in addition to the American Red Cross’ Hawaii Chapter, it supports the LOKAHI Giving Project, Hawaii Foodbank, and Aloha United Way through various efforts throughout the year.

Hawaii Pacific Federal is a full-service financial institution offering exceptional products and services with distinct, personalized customer service. Established in Hawaii in 1941, Hawaii Pacific Federal specializes in assisting the hundreds of businesses within Ala Moana Center and the Kapiolani vicinity and is conveniently located in the Ala Moana Building and Pearlridge Center. Member benefits include free checking accounts with debit cards that provide convenient, free access to the largest ATM network in the state, free Online Banking and Bill Payment, online loan applications with approvals in less than 45 seconds, and fixed and adjustable rate mortgage loans. For more information, call 955-5933 or visit www.hawaiipacific.org.