CPB leads the way in U.S. Small Business Administration awards, including lender of the year category II in Hawaii

CPB was recognized as the top SBA lender at a ceremony held March 5, 2025 at Ala Moana Hotel. CPB employees also took home top individual honors in every category.

Photo courtesy: Central Pacific Bank

HONOLULU, HI (March 6, 2025) – Central Pacific Bank (CPB) today announced it is once again honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as the top lender in Hawaii for 2024, surpassing all other Hawaii Banks combined in both the number and dollar amount of SBA loans awarded. This achievement includes the prestigious SBA Lender of the Year, Category II award for Hawaii, a recognition CPB has now received a resounding 16 times since 2004.

In 2024, CPB demonstrated its unwavering commitment to Hawaii’s small business community by:

• Approving 113 7(a) loans, totaling more than $9.5 million to deserving small businesses.
• Leading Hawaii and Guam in SBA 504 loan approvals with three successful transactions.
• Providing the most loans to Veteran Owned Businesses.
• Facilitating small business growth through the loans which were used for purchasing equipment, expansion, inventory, working capital and other eligible business purposes.

“CPB was founded on the principle of empowering all of Hawaii’s people with their financial aspirations. We continue to honor that legacy and focus by providing small businesses and veterans with the essential resources, service, and capital they need to achieve success,” said CPB Chairman, President, and CEO Arnold Martines. “We are grateful for this recognition and immensely proud of all our employees who are committed to helping our customers each and every day.”

CPB loan officers were recognized for their exceptional service at the awards ceremony held on March 5, 2025 at the Ala Moana Hotel. CPB employees swept the top gold honors in all individual categories with the following awards. Congratulations to all the phenomenal employees statewide!

Gold Award:

• Amy Flores (Oahu)
• Eliza Kobayashi (Kauai)
• Ryan Fukushima (Maui)
• Crystal Kamahalohanuilai (Hilo)
• Alan Pak (Kona)

Silver Award:

• Reyn Akamine (Oahu)
• Aaron Fernandez (Kona)

Bronze Award:

• Shelly Sung (Oahu)

Honorable Mention

• Joy Agni
• Sheena Baguio-Lameg
• Sharlene Chae            
• Jordan Fabella
• Molina Gomez
• Jessica Helsham
• Lori Honda
• Chasen Kim
• Michael Kim
• Kathy Ng
• Mechell Moore
• Jon Teraizumi

“These lenders dedication to providing financial solutions and guidance to entrepreneurs is commendable and reflects the positive impact on the businesses they serve,” said District Director Dennis Kwak, U.S. Small Business Administration Hawaii District Office.

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About Central Pacific Bank

Central Pacific Bank is a Hawaii-based bank holding company with approximately $7.47 billion in assets as of Dec. 31, 2024. Central Pacific Bank, its primary subsidiary, operates 27 branches and 55 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