CPB Foundation Appoints Keith Amemiya Executive Director, Awards $100,000 Grant to The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands

HONOLULU, HI | February 25, 2021 – Central Pacific Bank Foundation (CPB Foundation) announces the appointment of Keith Amemiya as its Executive Director. Amemiya will manage strategic planning, programs, and operations for CPB Foundation.

With executive leadership experience in both the public and private sector, Amemiya has unique insight to the multitude of issues facing Hawaii, coupled with the ingenuity to forge impactful solutions through public-private partnerships. Prior to his candidacy for Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, Amemiya was Senior Vice President of Island Holdings, Inc. the parent company of Island Insurance, Atlas Insurance Agency, Tradewind Capital Group, IC International, and Pacxa. He also served as Executive Director of the Hawaii High School Athletic Association. Amemiya earned his BBA from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and received his J.D. from the William S. Richardson School of Law.

“Keith brings a wealth of knowledge, relationships and experience to CPB Foundation,” said Catherine Ngo, Chair, CPB Foundation. “His leadership is proving invaluable to hit the ground running, forging a bright path forward beyond the current pandemic and continuing our mission of supporting Hawaii communities.”

As one of Amemiya’s first actions as Executive Director, CPB Foundation awarded The Salvation Army's Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division a $100,000 grant to support their Addiction Treatment Services (ATS) program located in Nuuanu. The ATS program is a 66-bed licensed and accredited residential treatment facility for men and women offering confidential assessment, individualized treatment planning, private one-to-one counseling, group counseling sessions, cognitive restructuring, family education and counseling, alcohol and drug education, life skills seminars, HIV prevention and education, 12-step support services, drug testing, professionally prepared meals, and continuing care.

“In 2020, ATS served 1,030 men and women, down from the previous year due to fewer available beds caused by critical funding cuts and COVID-related regulations,” said Major Jeff Martin, Divisional Leader, The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division. “CPB Foundation’s support allows us to provide a comprehensive continuum of substance abuse treatment services for those in our community most in need. We are grateful for their assistance.”

“Homelessness is a crisis affecting every community in the state, and substance abuse is one of the leading causes,” said Amemiya. “As a longtime advocate that’s been involved with several projects to address homelessness, I’m pleased to announce the $100,000 grant to The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division’s highly successful ATS program. Especially during these difficult economic times, it’s critical that they have the resources needed to continue their important work in helping people get back on their feet.”

The CPB Foundation has a long history of support for The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division. Most recently joining iHeart Media Honolulu as premiere sponsors of The Salvation Army’s "Rescue Christmas" program - supporting their mission to provide help and hope to those most in need in Hawaii. For the past 10 years, the CPB Foundation played a leading role in supporting The Salvation Army with their Angel Tree Campaign and 4-Corner Red Kettle Challenge.