First Insurance Celebrates 111th Anniversary and Announces $111,000 in Grants to Environmental Nonprofits

HONOLULU – As part of its commitment to the future generations of Hawaii, the First Insurance Foundation, which is the philanthropic arm of First Insurance Company of Hawaii (FICOH), is donating $111,000 to local environmental and sustainability nonprofits in 2022. The odd number is a nod to the company’s 111^th anniversary. FICOH was founded in Hawaii on August 11, 1911.

The First Insurance Foundation has a long-standing history of supporting community nonprofits, and added the environment and sustainability as a focus area in 2022. The $111,000 donated to environmental causes in 2022 represents approximately 15% of the foundation’s total annual giving.

FICOH’s $111,000 commitment includes a tree-planting partnership with Mālama Learning Center to support native reforestation efforts at Palehua, along the slopes above Kapolei and Makakilo. The First Insurance Foundation will contribute $25,000 a year for three years, for a total contribution of $75,000 between 2022 and 2024. This will cover site preparation; more than 2,000 native plants, trees and shrubs over the three years; and post-planting maintenance. FICOH associates, friends and family will provide volunteer labor to plant the trees, beginning with a series of events to take place in October through December of this year.

In addition, the First Insurance Foundation provided $5,000 grants to 11 local environmental nonprofits, for a total of $55,000. On top of that, FICOH donated $111 in each associate’s name to the environmental organization of their choice. Combined, the grants to environmental nonprofits in 2022 total approximately $111,000 (see the last page for a list of the 11 organizations).

“As a 111 year-old company, we recognize the important role sustainability plays in our resilience as a company and community,” said Janis Kushimi, FICOH vice president, human resources. “We are excited to invest more of our charitable dollars and sweat equity into the organizations that work to protect and preserve Hawaii’s natural resources for future generations. Increasing our long-term commitment to environmental causes is a way for us to give back to the community that has supported us for 111 years.”

“Mālama Learning Center is thrilled to partner with First Insurance on this tree-planting project at Camp Palehua,” said Pauline Sato, Mālama Learning Center executive director. “Trees have one of the highest cost-to-benefit ratios in addressing climate change and increasing community resiliency. We look forward to working with FICOH to make a long-term and significant impact in our native reforestation efforts.”

For more information regarding FICOH, visit: ficoh.com

About First Insurance Company of Hawaii

Founded in 1911, and celebrating its 111th anniversary this year, First Insurance Company of Hawaii, Ltd. is the oldest and largest property and casualty insurer domiciled in Hawaii, with assets of $677 million, liabilities of $423.7 million, and policyholders’ surplus of $253.3 million as of December 31, 2021.

First Insurance, a member of the Tokio Marine North America (TMNA) group of companies, enjoys an “A+” rating from A.M. Best Co. Proud of its broadly experienced, service-oriented staff, First Insurance employs 300 insurance professionals and distributes its products through 27 independent general agencies. First Insurance was awarded the American Heart Association’s Workplace Health Gold Achievement for 2020. In 2021, First Insurance was named Hawaii’s number one Best Places to Work in the “large company” category by Hawaii Business magazine.

First Insurance supports many local organizations through monetary donations made at the corporate level, by its associates and the First Insurance Foundation. Its charitable giving focuses on four areas: 1) family, social services and health care; 2) education and career development; 3) environment and sustainability; and 4) civic, culture and the arts.

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About Mālama Learning Center

Since its inception in 2004, Mālama Learning Center has worked to unify schools, residents, and businesses in West Oʻahu through education that incorporates art, science, conservation, and culture. Mālama Learning Center uses a hands-on approach to learning, preparing its participants for diverse real-world experiences and 21st century careers.

For more information, visit www.malamalearningcenter.org