First Hawaiian Bank's investment affiliate, BancWest Investment Services, has been recognized with the 2008 Award of Excellence, by the Bank Insurance and Securities Association.

The BISA is the nation's largest trade association serving investment and insurance programs.

"BWIS continuously works with customers to develop strategies for retirement planning. The program helps our clients achieve their objectives through consistent performance, growth and excellence in customer service," said Don Horner, chairman and chief executive officer, First Hawaiian Bank. "This award provides added confidence for our clients knowing that they are working with one of the best investment programs in the nation."

The annual BISA award recognizes a bank's insurance, securities or combined program that best exemplifies excellence in implementing and conducting best practices in the industry. BancWest Investment Services was selected by the BISA board of directors from among dozens of other peer programs from across the U.S. .