HONOLULU – The First Insurance Charitable Foundation, which is the philanthropic arm of First Insurance Company of Hawaii (FICOH), reinforced its commitment to the local community in 2024, contributing more than $488,000 to 60-plus nonprofit organizations statewide.
Continuing its expanded focus on environmental sustainability, the Foundation directed $82,000 – nearly 17% of its total annual giving – to environmental initiatives. Beneficiaries included Mālama Learning Center, Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii, The Outdoor Circle, and Trees for Honolulu’s Future.
Other notable recipients of FICOH’s 2024 philanthropic support included the University of Hawaiʻi Foundation, Aloha United Way, American Heart Association, American Red Cross, and Make-A-Wish Hawaii.
“Nonprofits play a crucial role in shaping a resilient and thriving community,” said Todd Takayama, president and CEO of FICOH. “Thanks to the dedication of our associates, we’re able to give back in a meaningful way and help drive positive change across the islands.”
Volunteerism Amplifies Impact
Beyond financial contributions, FICOH associates strengthened their community impact through active volunteerism, logging more than 850 hours in 2024 as part of the First Insurance Community Action Team (First CAT). Their hands-on efforts spanned key projects, including:
- March: More than 50 associates, family, and friends teamed up at Jefferson Elementary School in Waikiki for FICOH’s inaugural volunteer event with the Genki Ala Wai Project. Volunteers helped deploy Genki balls—mud balls designed to break down sludge—to support the effort of making the Ala Wai Canal fishable and swimmable within seven years.
- August: More than 60 associates, family members, and even their four-legged friends participated in the American Heart Association (AHA) Heart Walk at Kapiolani Park. Through collective fundraising, FICOH associates and the First Insurance Charitable Foundation raised an impressive $40,000 for heart health initiatives.
- October: First CAT volunteers rolled up their sleeves for Mālama Learning Center’s community workday at their Awawalei site in Kunia. The team removed invasive plants, spread mulch, and learned firsthand about the benefits of agroforestry in preserving Hawaii’s natural resources.
A Legacy of Giving
FICOH’s charitable giving is anchored in four key pillars:
- Family, Social Services & Health Care
- Education & Career Development
- Environment & Sustainability
- Civic, Culture & The Arts
With a strong legacy of community support, FICOH remains dedicated to making Hawaii a better place to live, work, and thrive.
To learn more about FICOH and its community giving, visit https://www.ficoh.com/about-us/community/.
About First Insurance Company of Hawaii
Founded in 1911, First Insurance Company of Hawaii, Ltd. is the oldest and largest property and casualty insurer domiciled in Hawaii. First Insurance is a member of the Tokio Marine North America (TMNA) group of companies and enjoys an “A+” rating from A.M. Best Co. Proud of its broadly experienced, service-oriented staff, First Insurance employs more than 225 insurance professionals and distributes its products through 26 independent general agencies. In 2024, First Insurance was awarded the American Heart Association’s Workplace Health Gold Achievement.
Follow First Insurance on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
