History and Background

Honolulu Federal Credit Union (HFCU) was chartered on December 3, 1936 as a financial cooperative for U.S. Federal Employees employed in Honolulu. It was the fifth credit union formed in what was then the Territory of Hawaii. Today, HFCU has more than 18,000 members with assets of over $214 million, served by over 60 employees at five branches and one accounting office.

The credit union was chartered as a not-for-profit cooperative, owned and operated for the benefit of its members. While what a credit union does is similar to what a bank does (both make loans and accept deposits), it is why we do it and how we do it that make us different from banks. Credit unions are owned by their members, and any surplus above expenses belongs to its members. Credit unions are run by unpaid volunteers who serve on the Board of Directors and/or Supervisory Committees. The board, in turn, hires a staff to run the day-to-day operations. Credit unions do not have stockholders and are democratically run, meaning each member has only one vote. There are over 8,600 credit unions in America today.

HFCU is "Enriching..." Our mission statement reflects this dedication: "We are committed to serve our members by providing quality services, products and education to help achieve their financial success!"

Some benefits that credit unions give which other financial institutions do not are free member insurance - life savings, loan protection and accidental death. Our credit union also has no fee for most ATM withdrawals and travelers' checks; no annual fee on VISA Gold and Classic credit cards, and one free order of share drafts (checks) per year.

The objective of HFCU is to provide high savings rates and low loan rates to our members.

In 2007, HFCU shares were $185.9 million and loans grew to $130.0 million. The credit union approved 3,539 loans totaling $45.1 million. The average return on all shares was 2.63% and the average rate on all loans was 6.81%. Net income was $484 thousand and capital remained a strong 12.55% of assets. This very high capital ratio helps to keep HFCU strong and your savings safe.

Fields of Membership (FOM) - Membership Eligibility

Individuals in the following fields of membership are eligible to join Honolulu FCU:
• Civilian employees of the U.S. Government headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii, including civilian and military employees of all branches of Department of Defense.
• Civilian and military personnel of the 14th Coast Guard District who work in or have headquarters in the 14th Coast Guard District, Hawaii.
• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces including the U.S. Coast Guard who live in Hawaii, active or retired, or their dependents or dependent survivors who live in Hawaii who are eligible to receive and are receiving benefits or services from the Sand Island Coast Guard Base in Hawaii.
• Contractors and employees of contractors who regularly work at the Sand Island Coast Guard Base in Hawaii under contract with the U.S. Government except those who are eligible for primary membership in another credit union by virtue of their employment.
• Employees of Honolulu FCU.