Kauai Federal Credit Union

We’re so excited! We have not one, but three Open Houses coming up. Lihue. Kapaa. Kilauea. Put your money where your heart is, Kauai 💙 #banklocal

Join us in celebration of International Credit Union (ICU) Day® Thursday, October 17, 2024 International Credit Union (ICU) Day® celebrates the spirit of the global credit union movement. The day is recognized to reflect upon the credit union movement's history, promote its achievements, recognize hard work and share member experiences. International Credit Union (ICU) Day® has been celebrated on the third Thursday of October since 1948. The ultimate goal is to raise awareness about the tremendous work that credit unions and other financial cooperatives are doing —here on Kauai and around the world — and give members the opportunity to get more engaged. The day of festivities for credit unions and financial cooperatives globally includes fundraisers, open houses, contests, picnics, volunteering and parades. Share a picture and story on why you bank with Kauai FCU on social media and tag us @kauaicreditunion or use the hashtag #banklocalkauai #creditunions #peopleoverprofit World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU)

Waiwai Collective, a group of Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs who share kuleana and a passion for uplifting the lahui will make its Kauai debut this November, activating a new coworking and signature event space at Kalukalu at 1624 in partnership with Kauai Federal Credit Union. At the core of Ka Waiwai is the belief that traditional Hawaiian ways of thinking and doing to create abundance and value on islands can be repurposed in a contemporary context. “This is possible only if we create the space,” says Waiwai Collective co-founder Mahina Paishon, “and build the relationships to work collectively and creatively. We will learn from and build upon Kauai’s ancestral foundation of innovation and ingenuity to create new systems of wealth and abundance.”   Waiwai, Paishon adds, is a perpetual concept. “We come in service to amplify the skill sets of our people. Our responsibility to one another. This is not just a business or passion project – we are leveling up, arm in arm, with people who want healing and transformation for aina and their communities, through the vehicle of entrepreneurship, business and economic development.”   “Waiwai Collective and Kalukalu at 1624 share a vision conceived with the purchase of the space,” says Sean Kaley, Interim CEO, Kauai Federal Credit Union. “Kalukalu at 1624 does not feel like a financial institution. We wanted to be more open to the community. We knew we weren’t going to do it alone. Waiwai was an inspiration, and the synergy of this partnership will bring an exciting vision for economic transformation to life.”   Waiwai Collective and Kauai Federal Credit Union are applying the innovative work of Aina Aloha Economic Futures as a springboard for Kauai-centered economic development.   “The health of the land is our wealth,” says Paishon. “If we do this work with joy and intention, we can be a model for other regions.”   Starting in November, Waiwai Collective will offer individual co-working spaces (part-time and unlimited), day passes, space rentals, seasonally themed and signature events, guest speakers and talk story sessions, art shows, live music, individual and corporate membership packages, corporate sponsorships, fostering local entrepreneurship to create a collaborative networking eco-system in partnership with the credit union. “We are excited about this partnership,” Kaley adds, “activating the space with a shared intention to see our island thrive.” Waiwai Collective #kalukaluat1624 #CDFI #creditunion Doughnut Economics Action Lab (DEAL) Mahina Paishon Sean Kaley Lois Kitsch

Finding solutions to strengthen the social fabric of our island is what we do.

Kalukalu at 1624, a project of Kauai Federal Credit Union, is excited to officially welcome Kauai Makerspace as one of its first partners in the former Otsuka building, opened by the credit union as an economic resilience center in February 2024. “Kauai Makerspace is happy to announce that we are now set up in a new space and fortunate to be a part of Kalukalu at 1624 in Kapaa,” says Richard (Rich) O’Reilly, a retired mechanical engineer and president of Kauai Makerspace since 2018. Equipped with 16 3D printers, laser cutting machines, CNC routers, sewing machines, a wood lathe, drill press, band saw, vinyl cutters and four Raspberry pi units, Kauai Makerspace is a community-operated 501(c)3 where people with common interests, often in computers, machining, technology, science, or electronics, can meet, socialize and collaborate. Kauai Makerspace will open at Kalukalu at 1624 in early September. Memberships are available to middle school students and adults for a monthly fee of $20 to cover rent and supplies. Classes will also be offered to home school students and other groups interested in using the space for STEM camps and workshops. Rich O’Reilly, with a lifetime passion for machining and years of experience in injection mold making and product design in the aerospace, industry will teach classes in Robotics (including Aduino and Raspberry pi), CAD design, White Metal (Pewter) Casting, Resin Casting, Metal Embossing and more. “We are excited to open our doors in partnership with the Kauai Makerspace, as an incubator for experiential, hands-on learning in STEM in a family friendly environment,” says Sean Kaley, Interim CEO, Kauai Federal Credit Union. “Our collaboration reflects Kauai FCU’s intention to partner with the community to support innovation and entrepreneurship, especially for youth.” Local entrepreneur Macey Dickerson is one of the first members to test out the Makerspace at Kalukalu at 1624, using the laser cutter to custom design jewelry constructed from local wood, preserved plants and microplastics gathered from the east side shoreline. She calls the Makerspace “a super accessible, amazing resource.” As a small business owner rooted in nature inspired art, Dickerson donates 25% of her jewelry sales to Black to the Land’s Urban Forest School, empowering black and brown children through outdoor education. Through hiking, exploration and outdoor learning, the program fosters sustainable practices and cultural appreciation, nurturing a legacy of environmental stewardship for generations to come. #stem #cooperative #stewardship #makerspace #CAD #3Dprinting #art #design #kapaa #kauai KAUAI MAKERSPACE

The East Kaua‘i Community and Circulation Plan (EKCCP) is a long-range plan to envision and shape the East Kauaʻi district over the next 20 years, to 2045. It is part of a broader effort to ensure our community's growth and development aligns with our shared values and needs. On July 25, we welcomed the project team for the EKCCP to Kalukalu at 1624 to share information and findings of early technical studies conducted on the needs of the district, realizing the purpose of a space for collective visioning and discussion around the desired future for East Kaua'i. Mahalo to all the community members who came out to share their mana'o. To learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/g_irFAze

🌺 Happy #ILoveMyCreditUnion Day! 🌺 Today, we’re celebrating all the reasons we love Kauai FCU, and we want to hear from YOU! Share your stories and experiences with us using the hashtag #ILoveMyCreditUnion and tag us @KauaiFCU. We’ll be featuring our favorite posts! Need some inspiration? Here are a few ideas: #ILoveMyCreditUnion because they put money back into our community, allowing me to #banklocal! #ILoveMyCreditUnion because they had the lowest rate on the loan for my new car! #ILoveMyCreditUnion because they are always volunteering in the community! Let’s spread the love and show everyone why Kauai FCU is the best!

An initiative led by Kauai Federal Credit Union aimed at addressing home ownership challenges has won the first Racial Economic Equity Catalyst Award presented by Filene, along with the $10,000 prize that goes with it. Our Chief Impact Officer Hazelmae Overturf was on hand to accept the award. Seeking to play a role in boosting homeownership among Native Hawaiians, Kaua’i FCU entered into a partnership to do two things: create a downpayment assistance program and a cesspool-to-septic conversion program. As CUToday.info reports, the REE network seeks to build generational wealth, financial and climate resilience, and equity through access for underserved populations. Its partners include Hawaii Community Lending, FHLB Des Moines, Hoakeolapono Trades Academy. Home Buyer Grant Program “Overturf said when KFCU asked members and communities what was their greatest need, the response was assistance with downpayments and other closing costs. “To that end the credit union worked with the FHLB-Des Moines and its downpayment assistance and financial counseling program. That included $25,000 grants for every family that is qualified. Cesspool-to-Septic Conversion “Kauai may be known as the Garden Isle, but it is also home to more than 8,000 cesspools for collecting waste, according to Overturf. Not only is that a health issue, it’s also an obstacle to homeownership, as no permit for construction or home improvements will be granted if a property has a cesspool. “But with the average cost of a cesspool-to-septic conversion averaging $40,000, it’s a huge hurdle on top of everything else, said Overturf. “In response, KFCU partnered to create a cesspool-to-septic loan, which allows for the building of additional housing units and for people to stay in houses, she said. “The long-term outcome is income generation, increased inventory, a decrease in migration and positive ecological improvements,” said Overturf. The programs launched in April of this year. To date $300,000 has been provided; $1 million in green loans made; 12 DPA grants have been deployed; more than 50 clients have been counseled, and 30 cesspools have been converted. Mahalo Filene Research Institute Hawaiian Community Assets Hawaii Community Lending Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Hoakeolapono Trades Academy. https://lnkd.in/gaTFNEaV

Construction at @Kalukalu1624 continues as excitement builds for new partner and program announcements in August and September. #creditunion #evolution #communitybuilding #kauai

How do our members benefit as members of a CDFI credit union? The CDFI Fund is one of the Federal government's best market-based strategies for leveraging private dollars. CDFIs leverage $12 of private capital for every $1 of public investment. Investing in CDFIs generates billions of dollars annually in the form of loans to create jobs and grow businesses, build homes, increase job mobility, expand access to affordable healthcare and childcare, and create financial capability to expand consumer purchasing power. Inclusiv, the community finance authority for the credit union industry represents over 9 million members in low-income communities across the US. Costco Wholesale is the latest partner to join the Inclusiv Impact Deposits Fund, which invests social impact deposits in community development credit unions to expand economic opportunities and resiliency. Costco’s $3 million commitment to the Inclusiv Impact Deposits Fund will support 12 MDI and CDFI credit unions working in a broad range of both urban and rural communities, including Kauai FCU. “This commitment from Costco demonstrates how corporations can effectively support MDI and CDFI credit unions in serving their local communities to strengthen financial well-being and create economic opportunities. Costco’s deposit will benefit more than 350,000 homeowners, small business owners and households across the country by helping twelve high-impact credit unions grow their affordable financial services and responsible lending. By working with mission-driven partners like Costco, the Inclusiv Impact Deposits Fund is reducing inequalities and building resiliency in historically underinvested communities,” said Cathie Mahon, President/CEO, Inclusiv At Kaua’i FCU, partnerships such as this enable us to grow our loan portfolio and strengthen the social fabric of our community. So that we can be here for you when you need us the most. 💚 Inclusiv Costco Wholesale Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) https://lnkd.in/gxEX7gYm