< Back Helpful Articles

How to Stay Cybersecure During a Global Pandemic

ASB October 06, 2020 | 5 min read N/A

Cybersecurity Month Image

Life in a global pandemic means staying at home and spending time online more than ever before. However, with more time on our devices comes increased risk of being susceptible to scams, phishing and fraudsters.

Every day, thousands of people across the nation fall victim to fraudulent emails, texts and phone calls from scammers pretending to be their bank. We’re here to keep your information and accounts safe and secure, and to remind you of ways that you can stay vigilant when it comes to spotting scams and fraudsters.

During times of crisis, fraudsters often take advantage of people’s fear of uncertainty and need for quick financial relief. Some of the COVID-19 scams that have originated during the pandemic include:

  • Fake contact tracers, asking for confidential personal and financial information
  • Fake government institutions “sending” Economic Impact Payments or other relief funding
  • Offers for COVID-19 vaccination and home test kits
  • Requests for donations from illegitimate organizations

 

Levi Carias, our Director of Information Security, recently joined HI Now Daily to talk about National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and a few ways that you can avoid coronavirus scams. Watch the video below to learn more.

In summary, here are a few ways you can continue to protect yourself and your finances during the pandemic and beyond.

  • Keep an eagle eye on mail, phone calls, texts and emails you receive. Remember that you should never provide banking information such as your account number, password and PIN number.
  • Beware of unsolicited calls, especially from numbers you do not recognize.
  • Thoroughly check the email addresses of email senders and do not open attachments from a sender you do not know.
  • Regularly review your account activity and statements.
  • Set up alerts on your accounts.

 

Fraudsters are often known to misspell words, ask you to click on links, and request your confidential information. If you think an email, text or call might be a scam, play it safe and call us at 808-627-6900 or toll-free at 1-800-272-2566.

For more cybersecurity tips, visit our Information Security, Fraud and Privacy Hub.

< Back Helpful Articles

American Savings Bank Opens Kalihi Branch

ASB September 10, 2020 | 5 min read N/A

American Savings Bank (ASB) is excited to return to the Kalihi community with the opening of its newest branch, located at 2110 N. King Street on the corner of N. King and Gulick streets. This branch offers full-service banking and new SMART ATM

“It’s been years since we’ve had a branch in the heart of Kalihi, and we are pleased to once again have a location that allows us to better serve this remarkable community,” said Rich Wacker, president and CEO of ASB. “During these challenging times, we’re more committed than ever before to make banking easy and convenient for our customers.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic has presented financial hardships and challenges for so many across the state of Hawaii,” said Rich Wacker, president and CEO of ASB. “Thanks to the generosity of our teammates, we were able to provide immediate, unrestricted funding to our nonprofit partners, who deliver much-needed assistance and support to our community during these difficult times.”

The Kalihi Branch, led by branch manager Laura Gatchalian and assistant branch manager Robelyn Sejalbo, offers parking and is open five days a week, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday. Customers can meet with a personal banker, loan officer, business banker and financial advisor to discuss their financial needs. The branch also features ASB’s SMART ATM, which is the newest in Hawaii with features including multiple check and cash deposits, paperless receipts and more. ASB is currently upgrading its entire fleet of 114 ATMs across the state.

As part of its commitment to the Kalihi community, ASB donated $3,000 to We Are Oceania, a local nonprofit that serves Hawaii’s Micronesian community and is headquartered at St. Elizabeth Church in Kalihi. We Are Oceania has seen a sharp increase in the need for services, especially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. ASB’s donation will support outreach and assistance programs for the Micronesian community.

The Kalihi Branch was constructed by general contractor Ralph S. Inouye Co., Ltd. and designed by architecture firm InForm Design. The building features a contemporary design with high ceilings, ASB’s signature Kalo Wall created by Sig Zane Designs and View Smart Windows, digitally connected glass that intelligently tints to control glare and heat to create a more comfortable environment for customers and teammates.

All ASB branches continue to follow enhanced health and safety procedures, including daily cleaning and disinfecting, providing hand sanitizer and wipes to customers and teammates, using plexiglass barriers and requiring face coverings and social distancing. Branches continue to offer Kupuna Hour during the first hour of each day, Monday through Friday, which is prioritized for seniors (ages 60 and up) and at-risk individuals, along with an accompanying caregiver or family member, as needed.

In addition to its statewide network of branches and ATMs, customers can also take advantage of ASB’s online banking options and the ASB Hawaii Mobile App. The bank also allows customers to schedule phone appointments with bankers through the Make An Appointment tool available at www.asbhawaii.com.

< Back Helpful Articles

Happy Honolulu Pride Month from ASB!

ASB October 01, 2020 | 5 min read N/A

Happy Honolulu Pride Month! Did you know that Honolulu celebrates October as Honolulu Pride Month, spearheaded by the Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation? The month gets its origins from global LGBT History Month and National Coming Out Day on October 11.

At ASB, we’re proud to support the LGBTQ+ community – during National Pride Month in June, Honolulu Pride Month in October, and all year long.

ASB pride parade

As a bank that has a vision of making dreams possible, this includes the dreams of our LGBTQ+ customers, teammates and community members. Each year, Pride Month serves as an opportunity for us to be educated, inclusive and active in equality among all.

Although the global pandemic has caused the 2020 Honolulu Pride Month to look a bit different this year, we’re still committed to honoring and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, and all walks of life that make our state and world a beautiful and diverse place.

Here are a few ways we’re celebrating Pride Month this year:

  • Rainbow Bright: We’ve rainbow-ed out the ASB Campus! If you happen to be driving by our home base on Beretania Street, check out our Pride display on our front lawn and our special building lights after sunset. You might also notice our logo and branding, featuring our custom design from MANAOLA, have turned rainbow for the month.

     
    Campus Rainbow Lights image

    Campus Rainbow Lights

    Front lawn Pride Display image

    Front lawn Pride Display

  • Proud to Be ASB: ASB is proud to be a workplace where teammates feel welcome and empowered to embrace and tell their stories. Each week, we’ll be sharing an ASB Pride Story, right here on our website.

  • Sponsoring Honolulu Pride Month: We’re proud to support the Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation and the 2020 Honolulu Pride Month as a gold sponsor. Click here to learn about their events this month, including their 2020 Virtual Honolulu Pride event on October 17, featuring Tiny Floats!

  • Paneling Pride: How do you create a safe and accepting workplace for all? Our very own Beth Whitehead joins fellow Pride leaders in our community for a free live webinar on Fostering Inclusivity in the Workplace on October 21. Stay tuned for details.

  • Instagram Filters: Make sure you’re following us on Instagram as we’ll soon be launching exclusive Pride filters. Don’t forget to tag us (@asbhawaii) so we can share!

  • Pride Backgrounds: Join us in celebrating Honolulu Pride all month long with our Pride-themed virtual backgrounds! Share your Pride by downloading and applying a background on Zoom or Webex.

     

Stay tuned for our first ASB Pride Story next week. Do you have a Pride story you’d like to share? Tag or message us on social media!

Learn more about how we support Pride by clicking here.

Reyn Sugai

Reyn Sugai

Vice President 
Executive Residential Loan Officer

 

American Savings Bank

NMLS #1636384 
Equal Housing Lender 
Direct: (808) 593-4864 
Mobile: (808) 979-6641 
rsugai@asbhawaii.com

APPLY NOWLET'S MEET

Reyn is proud to serve as a residential loan officer with American Savings Bank, where he brings his years of experience to help clients in Hawaii navigate the mortgage process with ease. Born and raised on Oahu, Reyn’s strong local values and deep appreciation for the islands drive his commitment to creating a mortgage experience that feels personal, accessible and rooted in the community. His passion lies in educating first-time homebuyers, ensuring they feel confident and informed every step of the way. Reyn specializes in loans for new build projects, as well as Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program, Veterans Affairs (VA) and Jumbo loans, providing a wide range of options for homeowners across Hawaii.

As a member of the Junior Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii United Okinawa Association clubs like Yomitan and Shinka, Reyn is dedicated to honoring and supporting Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage. He is also the head coach for the Pac 5 Varsity baseball program, where he mentors young athletes and fosters the same values of teamwork, discipline and respect that he cherishes in his work. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, traveling, and supporting University of Hawaii Athletics.

A graduate of University Lab School, Reyn went on to play Division I baseball at Temple University and the University of Northern Colorado. No matter where life has taken him, Hawaii has always been home.

Reyn’s mission is to provide every client with a homebuying experience that reflects the aloha spirit — one of care, respect and trust— so they can achieve long-term financial stability and build a legacy through real estate in Hawaii.

Back to Officers Main Page

< Back Helpful Articles

American Savings Bank First in State to Achieve WELL Health-Safety Rating

ASB September 30, 2020 | 5 min read N/A

ASB Campus WELL Photo

American Savings Bank (ASB) has earned Hawaii’s first-ever WELL Health-Safety Rating – an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for businesses achieved through an in-depth assessment of operational policies, maintenance protocols, emergency plans and stakeholder engagement strategies.

The rating, which is for the ASB Campus in Honolulu, is administered through the International WELL Building Institute and is informed by guidance on the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections from the World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), global disease control and prevention centers and emergency management agencies.

“As we continue to fight this global pandemic, prioritizing health and safety in the workplace is more important than ever before,” said Rich Wacker, president and CEO of ASB. “We are proud to be the first in Hawaii to earn the WELL Health-Safety Rating, an achievement that underscores our commitment to the health and safety of our teammates, our customers and the community.”

To achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating, ASB worked with hiarchy, llp, the local architect for the Campus, to document its internal policies and procedures and submit an online application. The ASB Campus was built with health and safety in mind, including emergency and business continuity planning that incorporated pandemic planning. Some of the building’s features that are particularly effective in the COVID-19 environment include:

  • A high-grade air conditioning system that continuously circulates fresh air into the building and filters air through a catch-all filter past ultraviolet lights.
  • Reduction of contact with high-touch surfaces through provision of wipes, automatic doors, door pulls and more.
  • Adoption of comprehensive business continuity and emergency preparedness plans for a wide range of possible emergencies, including global pandemics and natural disasters.
  • Support of healthy behaviors through an employee wellness program, ongoing communications, signage throughout the building and the offering of free exercise classes and a Fitness Center.


The WELL Health-Safety Rating provides a centralized source and governing body to validate applications from owners and operators. The ASB Campus was awarded the WELL Health-Safety Rating following the successful completion of third-party documentation review, to confirm it met the feature specific intents and requirements.

BANKING WITH PRIDE

Honolulu Pride Month – October 2020

What is Pride Month?

All around the world, nations celebrate LGBT History Month annually each October. Originally designated Gay and Lesbian History Month in 1994, the annual celebration was also inspired by National Coming Out Day – October 11. Today, LGBT History Month pays homage to the history of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) community, while celebrating the civil rights and positive impacts of this group.
 
Honolulu celebrates October as Honolulu Pride Month, spearheaded by the Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation. ASB is proud to sponsor Honolulu Pride Month and the events and initiatives made possible through our sponsorship.

Proud to be ASB

In honor of Honolulu Pride Month, our LGBTQ+ teammates share their Pride stories.

Pride ASB Logo

ASB Pride Story
Watch the last in our four-part video series showcasing stories from ASB teammates.



Watch Now >

ASB Pride Document icon

In the News
Our own Beth Whitehead talks about creating a safe and respectful workplace in Hawaii Business Magazine.


Read More >

ASB Pride Calendar icon

Pride Panel
Join us for an upcoming free live webinar on October 21, 2020 designed to encourage diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Register Now >

ASB Pride Computer icon

Share Your Pride
Download one of our free virtual Pride backgrounds for your next meeting!



Download Now >

< Back Helpful Articles

Paving the Way to Diversity & Inclusion

ASB October 08, 2020 | 5 min read N/A

Organizations that prioritize diversity and inclusion in the workplace often have a competitive edge in attracting and retaining top talent, and typically see higher employee engagement – all of which can benefit your workforce and bottom line.

Here at ASB, we strive to be a workplace that accepts and supports individuals from all backgrounds, interests and sexual orientations. And, we believe it’s just as important to create a safe space and inclusive environment that encourages people to talk about and celebrate each other’s unique differences.

This week, we continue our Pride Month celebration with the first of four in our ASB Pride Stories series. Ty Yamamoto, a Digital Marketing Specialist in our Marketing & Customer Experience department, shares his ASB Pride Story in the video below.

ASB celebrates differences and recognizes that diversity in ideas, experiences and backgrounds make our bank better and stronger. Ty recently joined ASB’s Diversity Council, a group of highly engaged teammates who meet regularly to discuss how to enhance diversity and inclusivity at ASB. The Council develops ideas on how we can continue to ensure respect in the workplace while disseminating important information throughout the company.

“Honestly, throughout my life, I’ve never really been proactive in my LGBTQ pride and always sat in the background - watching everyone else make strides forward,” says Ty. “What’s great about ASB is that they give teammates an opportunity to grow and develop. One opportunity I received recently was being able to assist in planning our Pride Month festivities. These opportunities not only help me to grow professionally, but also helping me to step into who I’ve always wanted to be – a proactive LGBTQ member who has healed from past trauma, now ready to support those around him.”

ASB is proud to be a workplace where teammates feel welcome and empowered to embrace and tell their stories. Stay tuned for another ASB Pride Story next week.

Do you have a Pride story you’d like to share? Tag or message us on social media!

Learn more about how we support Pride by clicking here.

ASB JOB LISTINGS

Find out More

Health Professionals Home Buying Program*

Doctor and Dentist Promotion

  • As low as 3% down payment for loans up to $750,000 with mortgage insurance**
  • 10% down payment with a simultaneous first mortgage and home equity line of credit (HELOC) up to $1.5 million***
  • Self-employed doctors eligible with a minimum of one-year history of self-employment
  • Income eligibility for medical residents transitioning to salaried physicians


Are You An Eligible Borrower?

Medical Resident, Medical Fellow (with signed employment contract)

Medical Doctor or Surgeon (MD, DO, DPM)

Doctor of Dental Science, Dental Medicine and Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)

Doctor of Optometry (OD) , Ophthalmology (MD)

Pharmacist with a PharmD (RPh)

Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine

Health Professionals Purchase Promo:

  • Receive one-half (0.50) point off your loan origination points
  • Automatic payment of mortgage from an ASB checking account required****
* Medical and Dental Professionals Mortgage loan (“program”) is available through American Savings Bank (ASB) and is only for the purchase of owner-occupant, 1-4 unit single family dwelling (SFD), warrantable condominium, and non-warrentable condominium excluding codotels and coops in the State of Hawaii. Program is for eligible medical professionals who are employed or medical residents who will be employed as a physician within 60 days of mortgage loan closing (a fully executed employment contract is required and the borrower must have verified assets/reserves to cover the monthly housing payment [principal, interest, taxes, insurance and applicable association dues] until residency is completed). Self-employed medical professionals are eligible with 1 year of business and personal tax returns reflecting at least 1 year of self-employed income. If self-employed less than 2 years, ASB requires 1) evidence that the net self-employed income used to qualify from the medical self-employed business is comparable to non self-employed salary in the same medical field and market in which the medical professional practices; 2) documentation to support educational credentials and medical license and/or 3) W-2 (if the borrower was employed in the medical profession, using his/her medical license, in the prior tax year).
** Example: Based on a purchase price of $773,200, the loan amount would be $750,000 with a 3% down payment of $23,200 for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage at 3.500% / 3.993% APR (at 1.00 points), the monthly principal and interest payment would be $3,367.84 for 360 months which includes $362.50 monthly PMI. Interest rate used in the example is effective 5/22/2020 and assumes borrower with a minimum credit score of 760.
 
Residential first mortgages greater than 80% LTV require PMI, which is paid by the borrower and protects the lender from borrower default on loan payments. PMI cancellation is typically permitted: 1) borrower-requested cancellation, and 2) lender-required termination under the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998. For a borrower-requested cancellation, the borrower must provide a written request for cancellation to the lender on the date that the mortgage loan balance is first scheduled to reach 80% of the original value, based solely on the initial amortization schedule, regardless of the outstanding balance of the loan, or on the date that the mortgage loan balance actually reaches 80% of the original value. Or, borrower may request cancellation based on LTV and current property value (borrower pays for lender selected appraiser). The request can only be cancelled only if the borrowers have a good payment history and the borrower satisfies any lender requirements that the property value has not declined and that no subordinate liens exists. For a lender-required termination, the lender automatically cancels the coverage on the date that the mortgage balance is scheduled to reach 78% of original value, based soled on the initial amortization schedule, regardless of the outstanding balance of the loan and the borrowers are current on the mortgage payments. Program is subject to change or cancellation at any time without notice. Certain restrictions and conditions apply for “high risk” loans. Eligibility is subject to meeting income qualification, credit score requirements, as well as other factors.
*** The maximum loan amount for the first mortgage is $1,500,000 if the loan-to-value (LTV) is 80% (20% down payment; or 10% down payment with secondary financing) with no Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). Secondary financing must be an ASB Equity Express (EEX) Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) up to $500,000.
 
Based on a purchase price of $2,000,000 with a 10% down payment ($200,000), the first mortgage amount is $1,500,000 (75% LTV) and the HELOC amount is $300,000 (CLTV 90%). The monthly principal and interest payment for the first mortgage is $6,425.63 as of 5/22/2020 with an interest rate of 3.125% and 1.000 point/ 3.228% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) assuming a borrower minimum credit score of 760. The actual monthly mortgage payment is higher when you factor in the monthly impound amount for property tax, hazard insurance and other applicable impounds.
 
Assuming the $300,000 HELOC is fixed with a 20 year fixed rate equity option (FRELO), the APR is 4.50% and the monthly payment is $1,897.95 for a borrower with a minimum credit score of 760. HELOC current variable rate effective 5/22/2020 is 4.50% APR, and is subject to change monthly based on the highest Prime Rate published in the Wall Street Journal, plus a margin (subject to the floor rate of /4.50%; maximum APR is 18.00%). For the second monthly payment, the HELOC is interest-only based on the monthly variable rate and the outstanding principal (no principal amount is reduced unless there are additional payments made by the borrower each month; no prepayment penalty during the draw period for 120 months.
**** The mortgage discount offer (“offer”) is applicable for home purchase transactions financed through American Savings Bank residential mortgage programs. Borrower must meet Medical and Dental Professionals Portfolio Program criteria and be owner-occupant. Promotion is not applicable for brokered out loans or VA Loans. Offer good only with a completed loan application submitted to American Savings Bank and loan locked through 08/31/2020 and closed/funded by American Savings Bank by 10/31/2020. Offer is subject to automatic payment from a new or existing ASB checking account for this offer of one-half (0.50) point off loan origination points. The ASB checking account number with the intent to establish automatic payments for the mortgage must be provided prior to final approval. The establishment of automatic payment must be signed at mortgage closing. If the borrower opts out of automatic payment or the ASB checking account is not established at loan closing, this promotion will not apply. See the Personal Deposit Account Terms and Conditions, Disclosures and Fees section, for details about Kalo checking accounts. This offer cannot be combined with any other promotional discounts, long-term rate lock specials, or new project financing rates unless otherwise specified. This offer is subject to change or discontinuation without notice. Applicant(s) is/are subject to loan qualification, underwriting guidelines and credit policy of American Savings Bank. Offer valid for Hawaii properties only. Certain terms and restrictions apply. For more information, please contact an American Savings Bank Residential Loan Officer.
 
Get $100 when you 1) set up a new direct deposit to the ASB checking account you use to automatically pay your mortgage from and 2) have a minimum of 2 consecutive calendar months of direct deposit totaling $1,000 each month, and 3) qualifying direct deposit must post to your account within 3 months after the month of your mortgage note date but no later than 08/31/2020 to receive the $100 “gift”. Direct deposit means electronic government or payroll deposits made to the account. Gift will be deposited into the account used for automatic payment and where the direct deposits have posted. For Mortgage Note dates in June 2020, gift will be credited on October 9, 2020, for Mortgage Note dates in July 2020, gift will be credited on November 6, 2020 and for Mortgage Note dates in August 2020, gift will be credited on December 4, 2020. Eligible ASB checking account must not have any direct deposit posted to the account for a minimum of 3 months prior to the start of the promotion. Value of the gift is considered interest and may be reported to the IRS. Limit one gift per customer and only one account per customer is eligible.

First Time Home Buyers: Save on closing costs

First Time Home Buyer Promotion

Receive one-half (0.50) point off your loan origination points with automatic monthly mortgage payments from an ASB personal checking account for first time home purchases.1

Not a First Time Home Buyer?  
Click here to see other ways we can help you save

ASB Number One Lender

American Savings Bank is Hawaii's #1 Local Mortgage Lender*

*State of Hawaii Bureau of Conveyances Jan-Oct 2024, recorded total value of residential, non-wholesale, purchase mortgages. 

  1. The mortgage discount offer (offer) is applicable for home purchase transactions financed through American Savings Bank (ASB) residential mortgage programs. Promotion is not applicable for brokered out loans or Veterans Affairs Loans. Offer good only with a completed loan application submitted to ASB and for a loan locked through 6/30/2025 and closed/funded by ASB by 9/30/2025. Offer is subject to automatic monthly mortgage payments from a new or existing ASB personal checking account for this offer of one-half (0.50) point off loan origination points. The ASB checking account number with the intent to establish automatic monthly mortgage payments must be provided prior to final approval of the loan by ASB. The establishment of automatic payments must be signed at mortgage closing. If the borrower opts out of automatic payments or the ASB checking account is not established at loan closing, this promotion will not apply and ASB will be required to re-disclose the non-promotional rate and charges which may result in delayed closing. See the Personal Deposit Account Terms and Conditions for other terms, conditions and fees for Kalo Checking accounts. This offer cannot be combined with any other promotional discounts, long-term rate lock specials, or new project financing rates unless otherwise specified, and is limited to one promotion per loan. This offer is subject to change or discontinue without notice. Offer good for 1-4 unit single-family dwellings, condotels, and condos. The financed residential property must be owner-occupied. For the purpose of this promotion, an individual is to be considered a first time home buyer if he or she (1) is purchasing the security property; (2) will reside in the security property as a principal residence; and (3) had no ownership interest (sole or joint) in a residential property during the three-year period preceding the date of the purchase of the security property. In addition, an individual who is a displaced homemaker or single parent also will be considered a first time home buyer if he or she had no ownership interest in a principal residence (other than a joint ownership interest with a spouse) during the preceding three year time period. (Source: Fannie Mae). Applicant(s) is/are subject to loan qualification, underwriting guidelines, and credit policy of ASB. Offer valid for Hawaii properties only. Certain terms and restrictions apply. For more information, please contact an ASB Residential Loan Officer.
Subscribe to