A Message From Our President/CEO

Aloha Pearl Hawaii Members,

As we enter a new quarter together, I want to take a moment to reflect on the people, values, and vision that continue to guide our credit union forward. This season has brought both moments of deep remembrance and exciting steps toward the future, and I’m grateful to share these updates with you.

Honoring the Legacy of Gordon Sam

Our credit union family recently experienced a profound loss with the passing of Gordon Sam, our former Board Chair. Gordon was more than a leader, he was a mentor, a steady voice, and a champion for the cooperative principles that define who we are. His dedication to our members and his belief in the power of community shaped the direction of our credit union for many years.

Besides being a longtime member of the credit union, Gordon served on the credit union board for over 30 years.  Gordon’s involvement in the credit unions also resulted in numerous awards and leadership roles, including his induction into the Defense Credit Union Council Hall of Honor in 2016.

Gordon was also an active supporter of Special Olympics Hawaii, and a 2013 Hall of Fame inductee.  To honor Gordon’s legacy of service and compassion, the credit union will make a donation in his name to Special Olympics Hawaii. We hope this contribution serves as a meaningful tribute to a man who gave so much of himself to others.

Enhancing Member Experience Through Innovation

While we honor our past, we remain committed to improving the way we serve you today. One of our more significant updates took place a few months ago with the launch of our upgraded AI‑enhanced phone system/AI assistant “Pearl”. This upgrade is designed to answer many questions asked of the credit union, provide account balance information, and offer a host of other services 24 hours a day.

Although technology can never replace the personal touch our member’s value, it can help us deliver faster, more efficient service, especially during off-hours and peak call times. This enhancement is part of our broader effort to modernize our operations while keeping our commitment to member‑focused service at the center of everything we do.

Expanding Access with Our ATM Branch Rollout

We are also excited to share progress on our ATM branch expansion, which will bring new, strategically placed ATM locations to better serve our growing membership. These new access points will offer greater convenience, improved functionality, and more opportunities for members to manage their finances on their own schedule.

This rollout represents an important step in our long‑term plan to expand our physical and digital presence, ensuring that we can serve your financial needs anytime, anywhere.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, we do so with a deep appreciation for the leaders who built our foundation, the members who place their trust in us, and the opportunities ahead to strengthen our services and our community. This quarter reminds us that progress and remembrance can coexist; that we can honor the legacy of those who came before us while continuing to innovate for the future.
Thank you for being part of our credit union ‘ohana. Your support, engagement, and trust inspire us every day.

Mahalo,

Daniel T. Terada, President/CEO