CPB customers celebrated as best small businesses in Hawaii

Awardees with their CPB bankers at the 2025 Small Business Week Winners ceremony held on May 16, 2025. Photo courtesy: Central Pacific Bank

HONOLULU, HI (May 22, 2025) – Central Pacific Bank (CPB) is proud to announce numerous of its valued customers have been honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Hawaii District Office as top businesses in Hawaii for their outstanding contributions to the Hawaii business market. These exceptional entrepreneurs and their businesses were celebrated at an awards ceremony in Honolulu on May 16, 2025.

"The success of our customers warms the hearts of the CPB team. We are incredibly proud to see so many of them recognized by the SBA," said Chairman, President & CEO Arnold Martines, Central Pacific Bank. "Each of these honorees exemplifies the hard work, innovation, and commitment to excellence that drives Hawaii's economy. Their achievements are a testament to their vision and dedication. Central Pacific Bank is committed to helping small businesses with their financial needs and providing the support they need to reach their goals and thrive."

The CPB customers receiving honors includes:

• Veteran-Owned Business Champion of the Year:
  • State of Hawaii –George Fukumoto – GC Associates USA LLC – Honolulu
• Veteran-Owned Business of the Year:
  • State of Hawaii –Chelsea Y. Chae – Dynamic Planning & Response LLC – Honolulu
  • City & County of Honolulu –Dustin T. Verity – Verity Certified Public Accountants
• Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award:
  • State of Hawaii – Rose Wong – Kolohe Ocean Gems – Honolulu
  • City & County of Honolulu ­– Jue Tina Wang – Tanaka Holding Hawaii Inc.
  • County of Kauai – Kaimana K. Cummings – Wailua Landscape & Property Maintenance – Kapa‘a
• Family-Owned Small Business of the Year Award:
  • County of Hawaii – W. Chance Carpenter and Tammie Vieth Carpenter – Big Island Jewelers, Ltd.
  • City & County of Honolulu – Theodore S. Takamori – LK Takamori Inc.
• Woman-Owned Business Champion of the Year:
  • State of Hawaii – Gaylene Ku‘ulei Vedder – Homegrown Pearlridge – Waipahu
  • City & County of Honolulu – Jeanilou Grace Torrado Maschhoff – Law Office of Jeanilou GT Maschhoff
  • County of Hawaii – Sandy Haunani Miyasato – Kii Kalo Productions, LLC
• Woman-Owned Business of the Year:
  • State of Hawaii – Nancy S. Cabral – Day-Lum Rentals & Management Inc. – Hilo
  • County of Hawaii – Celeste Cline and Taylor Cline – Poi Dogs Deli LLC

Central Pacific Bank remains steadfast in its mission to support small businesses across Hawaii, providing them with the financial tools, resources, and expertise they need to grow operations and contribute to a vibrant local economy.

CPB was also honored to be named the prestigious SBA Lender of the Year, Category II award for Hawaii, a recognition CPB has now received a resounding 16 times since 2004. CPB loan officers also received top honors in the state. To read more about these awards click here.

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About Central Pacific Bank

Central Pacific Financial Corp. is a Hawaii-based bank holding company with approximately $7.41 billion in assets as of March, 31, 2025. 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