Hickam Federal Credit Union (Hickam FCU), a trusted name in Hawaii’s financial services sector, continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing exceptional banking experiences with the grand opening of its newest branch in Kaneohe. This milestone not only signifies the credit union’s steady growth but also reflects its dedication to serving the diverse communities of Oahu with modern, member-focused solutions.
A Legacy of Service: Hickam Federal Credit Union
Established to meet the financial needs of its members, Hickam Federal Credit Union has built a strong reputation over the years by prioritizing personalized service, community involvement, and financial wellness. Headquartered in Pearl City, Hawaii, Hickam FCU has consistently evolved to keep pace with changing member expectations and advancements in banking technology.
With multiple branches strategically located across Oahu, Hickam FCU continues to enhance its presence and accessibility. The recent addition of the Kaneohe branch marks a significant step in the credit union’s ongoing mission to serve the financial needs of Hawaii’s residents with excellence.
Grand Opening of the Kaneohe Branch: A New Chapter
On April 30, 2019, Hickam Federal Credit Union celebrated the grand opening of its newly designed Kaneohe branch, located in the Windward Mall shopping center. This modern, 2,054-square-foot space was conceptualized and delivered by NewGround, a renowned architecture, design, and project management firm based in St. Louis, Missouri.
The new Kaneohe branch exemplifies Hickam FCU’s vision of blending innovation with cultural relevance, ensuring a welcoming and efficient environment for members. The project is the third collaboration between Hickam FCU and NewGround, further cementing a strong partnership focused on strategic growth and design excellence.
Innovative Design Elements for an Enhanced Member Experience
One of the standout features of the Kaneohe branch is its contemporary design, which aligns with Hickam FCU’s brand identity while introducing modern elements that improve functionality and aesthetics. The branch showcases:
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Unique Ceiling and Lighting Treatments: Designed to create a bright and open atmosphere, enhancing visual appeal and member comfort.
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High Visibility Storefront Glass: Maximizes exposure to mall visitors, attracting foot traffic and making the branch easily accessible.
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Exterior ATM: Provides convenient 24/7 access to essential banking services.
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Teller Pods: Strategically placed throughout the facility to support the universal banking business model, allowing staff to assist members with a variety of services beyond traditional teller transactions.
By incorporating these design elements, Hickam FCU aims to provide a seamless, efficient, and engaging banking experience, fostering stronger relationships with its members.
Consistency in Branding: Reflecting Identity Across Locations
Maintaining a consistent brand image is crucial for any financial institution, and Hickam Federal Credit Union excels in this regard. The Kaneohe branch mirrors the finishes, color palette, and overall design aesthetics of the credit union’s recently designed corporate headquarters in Pearl City.
This deliberate approach ensures that members experience a cohesive brand identity across all Hickam FCU locations, reinforcing trust and familiarity. Whether visiting the headquarters or a neighborhood branch, members can expect the same high standards of service and ambiance.
Honoring Hawaiian Traditions: A Meaningful Soft Opening
Before officially opening its doors, Hickam Federal Credit Union hosted a soft opening event on April 22, 2019, that paid homage to local Hawaiian customs. The event featured a traditional Hawaiian blessing, conducted by a Hawaiian priest or pastor, to bless the new business and ensure prosperity and harmony.
The cultural significance of the number seven—which symbolizes perfection in Hawaiian culture, added special meaning to the occasion, as this Kaneohe location became Hickam FCU’s seventh branch on Oahu. The blessing ceremony underscored the credit union’s respect for Hawaiian heritage and its commitment to integrating cultural values into its business practices.
Representatives from NewGround, including Will Morrow and Monica Pangaribuan, attended the soft opening, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the project’s successful completion.
Partnership with NewGround: Building for the Future
The Kaneohe branch represents the third project completed by NewGround for Hickam Federal Credit Union. As a leader in strategy, innovative design, and project management for financial institutions, NewGround brings over a century of expertise to each collaboration.
Kevin Blair, President and CEO of NewGround, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating: “We were honored to work with Hickam FCU on their new Kaneohe branch location, and we look forward to continuing to partner with the credit union on future projects.”
NewGround’s involvement ensures that Hickam FCU’s facilities are not only aesthetically pleasing but also strategically designed to support operational efficiency and member satisfaction.
Serving All Regions of Oahu: Expanding Reach and Impact
With the opening of the Kaneohe branch, Hickam Federal Credit Union has successfully extended its reach to serve all regions on the island of Oahu. This expansion is a testament to the credit union’s commitment to accessibility and community engagement.
By providing convenient banking solutions and state-of-the-art facilities, Hickam FCU strengthens its position as a trusted financial partner for individuals and families across the island.
About Hickam Federal Credit Union
Hickam Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative dedicated to serving the financial needs of its members. The credit union offers a comprehensive range of products and services, including:
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Savings and Checking Accounts
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Consumer and Auto Loans
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Mortgage and Home Equity Loans
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Credit Cards
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Online and Mobile Banking Services
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Financial Education and Wellness Programs
Rooted in the values of integrity, service, and community, Hickam FCU continually strives to enhance the financial well-being of its members while fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
About NewGround
Founded over 100 years ago, NewGround is an industry leader in strategic planning, design innovation, and project management for financial institutions. The company’s expertise lies in helping organizations maximize the potential of their physical spaces to create next-generation workplaces and retail environments.
Driven by core values of Serving Others, Excellence, Innovation, Collaboration, and Communication, NewGround maintains corporate offices in St. Louis, Missouri, with additional locations in Chicago, Illinois; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Waterloo, Ontario. The firm also has a strong regional presence throughout the United States.
For more information, visit www.newground.com.
Conclusion: A Model for Modern Banking in Hawaii
The grand opening of the Kaneohe branch marks another significant milestone in Hickam Federal Credit Union’s journey of growth and service excellence. By embracing innovative design, honoring cultural traditions, and prioritizing member experience, Hickam FCU sets a high standard for modern banking in Hawaii.
Through strategic partnerships with industry leaders like NewGround, Hickam FCU continues to evolve, ensuring that its facilities and services meet the dynamic needs of its members. With a steadfast commitment to its mission and values, Hickam Federal Credit Union remains a vital financial institution dedicated to enriching the lives of its members and the communities it serves.
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