CPB Talk Story: Paul Kosasa of ABC Stores

In this episode of CPB Talk Story, we sit down with Paul Kosasa, President and CEO of ABC Stores, to discuss his leadership journey, his time serving on the CPB Board of Directors, and the importance of community in Hawaiʻi business culture.

Central Pacific Plaza was recently featured on American by Design, highlighting the transformation of our flagship branch into a vibrant community-focused space in the heart of Honolulu. The episode explores how thoughtful design can help create more welcoming, connected experiences for customers and the community.

CPB’s segment begins at 26:18.

This month, CPB was proud to celebrate a remarkable group of entrepreneurs and small business owners recognized at the annual SBA Awards, honoring businesses and leaders making a meaningful impact across Hawaii.

Several of this year’s honorees were proudly nominated by CPB and recognized across categories including entrepreneurship, manufacturing, exporting, family business leadership, and community impact.

Congratulations to this year’s awardees:

• Christian Whitney, Lilikoi Project Hawaii — Women Small Business Champion of the Year, County of Honolulu
• Nikki Savella, Cupcakes, BOOM!, LLC — Women Small Business Champion of the Year, State of Hawaii
• Desiree Akiona, 2BDesired LLC — Young Entrepreneur of the Year, State of Hawaii
• Jalene Kanani Hitzeman, NOHO HOME — Small Business Manufacturer of the Year, State of Hawaii
• Laura Cristobal Andersland, Salty Wahine Gourmet Hawaiian Sea Salts — Small Business Exporter of the Year, County of Kauai
• Dylan Butterbaugh, Manoa Chocolate Hawaii — Small Business Exporter of the Year, State of Hawaiʻi & Pacific Region
• Patrick G. Aiona Jr., Aiona Car Sales — Family-Owned Small Business of the Year, County of Hawaii
• Colby Ayonon, Kauai Mechanical Inc. — Family-Owned Small Business of the Year, County of Kauai
• Ryan Ouye, Service Rentals & Supplies, Inc. — Family-Owned Small Business of the Year, State of Hawaii
• Tiera Covington, Integrated Facility Services Hawaii Inc. — Veteran-Owned Business of the Year, State of Hawaii
• Manu Powers & Liam Powers, Sea Quest Hawaii — Small Business Person of the Year, County of Hawaii
• Butch Galdeira, Diamond Bakery Company, Limited — Small Business Person of the Year, County of Honolulu
• Lance Takamiya, Takamiya Market, Inc. — Small Business Person of the Year, County of Maui

It was an honor to celebrate these achievements alongside CPB bankers, fellow business owners, and community leaders. We’re proud to support the entrepreneurs and businesses helping Hawaii thrive.

Whether you’re launching a business, planning for growth, or looking for the right financial partner, CPB offers tools, guidance, and banking solutions designed to support your small business journey.

This year, we hosted Paniolo Paʻina, bringing together CPB employees and their families for a day filled with fun, food, music, and connection.

From a pickleball tournament and delicious dinner from Dickey’s BBQ Pit in Kapolei to a live performance by local band Wavvy, the event was a chance for our CPB ohana to relax, celebrate, and spend time together outside of the workday.

One of the most meaningful moments from the event came from a conversation between our Chief Happiness Officer Wendilee Adkins and her daughter Averilee, one of our Management Trainees. Reflecting on her 36 years at CPB, Wendilee shared what has kept her here all this time: the people.

The friendships, trust, support, and culture of caring for one another are what continue to make CPB feel like more than just a workplace – they’re what make it feel like ohana.