Wayne Minami, a respected figure in Hawaii’s public service and banking sectors, is being honored this week through the establishment of the Wayne & Colleen Minami Family Endowment Fund. This initiative, launched by Child & Family Service (CFS) and American Savings Bank, aims to provide sustainable support for domestic-violence prevention, shelter services, and healing programs, reinforcing Minami’s legacy of community commitment.
Endowment Fund Launch and Community Impact
The Wayne & Colleen Minami Family Endowment Fund is a significant contribution designed to ensure the longevity of vital services. CFS and American Savings Bank have pledged $100,000 to kickstart this initiative, a move that community leaders believe will secure long-term assistance for local families. “Mahalo to American Savings Bank for honoring Wayne’s memory and lifelong commitment to CFS with this generous gift,” said Amanda Pump, CFS president and CEO, according to reports by Maui Now.
The creation of the endowment builds on the foundation established by the Stronger Families Fund, which originated in 2014 following a lead pledge from Wayne and Colleen Minami. That initial commitment catalyzed a matched-giving campaign that resulted in $1 million in pledges by December 2015. This fundraising model continues to support CFS programs effectively.
Minami’s Legacy in Public Service and Banking
Minami’s career spanned several pivotal roles in Hawaii’s government, including working at the Legislative Reference Bureau in the late 1960s and serving as a deputy attorney general in the 1970s. His appointment as state attorney general by Governor George Ariyoshi in 1978 marked a significant milestone in his public service career. Later, he transitioned to the private sector, leading American Savings Bank as president and CEO during a transformative period for the institution, as highlighted in reporting by the Honolulu Advertiser.
Colleagues and nonprofit leaders recall Minami’s relationship-driven leadership style, which fostered long-lasting support for community initiatives. His approach blended high-level policy work with personal touches, such as hosting pancake breakfasts for staff, showcasing his commitment to a people-first ethos.
The newly established endowment will bolster CFS’s ability to fund domestic-violence prevention initiatives, operational costs for shelters, and comprehensive healing programs. CFS leaders emphasize that this funding is crucial for maintaining these essential services, especially during times of uncertain public funding.
Expanding Reach and Future Initiatives
CFS has a broad reach, operating over 45 programs and impacting approximately 117,000 individuals in its most recent fiscal year. This data illustrates how private philanthropy, exemplified by the Stronger Families Fund, complements government resources to support critical services across Hawaii.
For more information about the Stronger Families Fund or the Wayne & Colleen Minami Family Endowment, interested parties can visit the nonprofit’s website. This initiative not only honors Wayne Minami’s enduring legacy but also strengthens the support network for families throughout the islands.