FHB Reports Record Credit, Debit Card Transactions

First Hawaiian Bank, Kīhei branch. Photo by Sonia Isotov.

By Wendy Osher

First Hawaiian Bank announced an 8.4% increase in “same store sales” for credit and debit card transactions for the second quarter of 2013.

The data, contained in the FHB Business Activity Report, represents the strongest second quarter on record, and 14th consecutive quarter of positive growth since the report was created four years ago, bank officials said.

Keith Nagata, senior vice president and Business Services manager announced the news in a company press release saying, “The hotels and shipping sectors have posted solid double-digit increases for four consecutive quarters to date which is further indication of a healthy, thriving economy.”

He continued saying, “Tourism remains the economic driver with hotels showing positive growth in 13 out of the 14 quarters measured.”

According to FHB officials, the company’s Business Activity Report tracks sales activity in 16 different economic sectors including automobile, retail, hotels, home improvement, restaurants, shipping and travel, among other categories.

***Supporting information courtesy First Hawaiian Bank.