CPB’s Meals 4 Maui program raises $25,000 to feed Maui residents

Chef Hui Director of Operations & Events Mariah Gergen (from left), CPB EVP & CMO Brandt Farias, and Chef Hui Culinary Project Assistant Rayce Kam met for the ceremonial check presentation at Central Pacific Plaza in Downtown Honolulu.  Photo courtesy: Central Pacific Bank

HONOLULU, HI (Jan. 19, 2024) – Central Pacific Bank (CPB), in collaboration with Chef Hui, announces the results of the Meals 4 Maui fundraising campaign, that provided locally sourced nutritious meals to residents impacted by the Maui wildfires, while supporting local small businesses and farmers. The partnership is proud to announce the public donated $11,841 in the effort. CPB matched that amount and then some bringing the grand total to $25,000!

The $25,000 provided 2,150 meals to the Maui community between Nov. 15 through Dec. 15, 2023, which included 250 Thanksgiving meals to registered Lahaina families within the burn zone, 600 meals to families and keiki at a Keiki Christmas Bash, and 1,300 meals to school students.

“CPB is committed to making a positive difference in people’s lives and we are happy to sponsor the Meals 4 Maui program and help spread warmth to people during the holiday season,” said CPB President and CEO Arnold Martines. “The holidays weren’t the same this year for many on Maui and the money raised helped provide food for our friends and neighbors on the Valley Isle who are continually in our thoughts and prayers.”

“We are so grateful to the community for donating to the Meals 4 Maui cause that helps provide food for families in need, while also supporting the restaurant community and local farmers, all of whom are vital to the state’s economy,” said Co-Founder Amanda Corby Noguchi, Chef Hui. “We truly thank Central Pacific Bank for spearheading this effort and donating the funds to make a meaningful impact for people on Maui.”

“As a chef dedicated to serving our Lahaina wildfire displaced community, the opportunity to provide holiday meals was truly heartening. With the invaluable support of Chef Hui and the team at Central Pacific Bank, we truly showed how the power of community collaboration can shine,” said Chef Brian Etheredge, Tails Up Maui.

People helped the cause by donating to Meals 4 Maui at any Central Pacific Bank branch or online. 100% of the money collected went directly to Chef Hui, a coalition of local chefs and food service providers, who prepared holiday meals by locally owned and operated Maui restaurants and chefs. The donation actually supports three communities on Maui – local farmers, local restaurants, and displaced residents - meaning it helps to keep people fed and keeps farmers farming and chefs cooking.

As a reminder, the CPB Lahaina Branch is open with full services for the community and is located in the Lahaina Gateway at 355 Keawe Street, Suite 401 on Monday through Thursday from 8:30am-4pm and Friday from 8:30-6pm. The ATM is available 24/7.

About Chef Hui

Chef Hui brings together local cooks and food service providers in Hawaii to serve the community and strengthen their connection to the food system. In times of need, Chef Hui activates its network of chefs and coproducers to provide culturally appropriate and locally sourced food to those in need. Through this work, they support farmers, independent producers, and like-minded organizations in pursuit of a more resilient, collaborative and compassionate world. With partners throughout Hawaii and beyond, their vision is to expand our efforts to support the Pacific region and collaborate with similar programs.

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About Central Pacific Bank

Central Pacific Financial Corp. is a Hawaii-based bank holding company with approximately $7.64 billion in assets as of Sept. 30, 2023. Central Pacific Bank, its primary subsidiary, operates 27 branches and 58 ATMs in the State of Hawaii. Central Pacific Financial Corp. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol "CPF." For additional information, please visit: cpb.bank