HFS FCU is here to help new teachers get a great start on their careers.
What is the Kumu Kāko’o Initiative?
The Kumu Kāko’o (Teacher Support) Initiative is a partnership between the Hawai’i State Department of Education and local credit unions to offer financial assistance to newly hired public school teachers. Participating credit unions, including HFS FCU, are offering a variety of loan options to assist with the financially challenging transition between accepting a position and receiving the first paycheck. The loan process is designed to be streamlined so that applicants can get funds quickly.
Program Benefits
Whether you need help with moving costs or assistance in bridging the gap between getting hired and your first paycheck, we have a personal loan that will fit your needs. Applying online is simple and easy!
Low fixed interest rate
Terms up to 36 months1
Borrow up to $10,000
No prepayment penalty
No payments for 2 months2
No accrued interest during 2 months of deferred payments2
How it Works
To apply for a personal loan as part of the Kumu Kāko’o Initiative, click “apply” above to get started. When asked to select your Loan Purpose, please choose “New Teacher Support Program”. Once your loan application is submitted, a Loan Officer will review it and contact you with your application status and any next steps. Once approved, in many cases, you’ll be able to close your loan without needing to come into a branch, since e-signing makes the process simple. If you’re not able to apply for a personal loan online, you can schedule an appointment with a Loan Officer.
Calculate your estimated payment
Monthly Payment
The process was easy and no fuss. Everything could be done online so I didn't have to take time off of work.
Questions?
Drop us a message anytime with your questions or schedule an appointment with a loan officer.
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1APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rates are effective as of July 22, 2025. Monthly payments at 2.99% APR for 36 months will be $290.77 per $10,000.00 borrowed.
2 Interest begins to accrue on the first day of the month the first payment is due. For example, if your loan is funded in January, your first payment will be due April 30th with interest beginning to accrue on April 1st. Payments made before the month in which the first payment is due will be applied directly to the principal.
There are no additional rate discounts offered for this program. The program is subject to change and may end at any time. Existing HFS loans do not qualify for this offer. Subject to credit approval. Not all will qualify. Eligible new teachers must apply within 120 days of their employment start date to qualify. Other rates and terms are available. Applications may be submitted online or at any HFS FCU branch location.
Membership with the Credit Union is open to all who live, work, worship, attend school, volunteer or participate in associations headquartered on the island of Hawai’i. A minimum opening balance of $50.00 is required to open a Savings Account. Insured by NCUA.
The Calculator Tools are not guarantees of credit. Information and interactive calculators are made available to you as self-help tools for your independent use and are not intended to provide investment advice. We cannot and do not guarantee their applicability or accuracy in regards to your individual circumstances. All examples are hypothetical and are for illustrative purposes. We encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding all personal finance issues.
Rates
| Term | Min APR(1) | Max APR |
|---|---|---|
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Up to 36 months |
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Rates effective as of: July 29, 2025
Disclosures
1APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rates are effective as of July 22, 2025. Monthly payments at 2.99% APR for 36 months will be $290.77 per $10,000.00 borrowed.
There are no additional rate discounts offered for this program. The program is subject to change and may end at any time. Existing HFS loans do not qualify for this offer. Subject to credit approval. Not all will qualify. Eligible new teachers must apply within 120 days of their employment start date to qualify. Other rates and terms are available. Applications may be submitted online or at any HFS FCU branch location.
Membership with the Credit Union is open to all who live, work, worship, attend school, volunteer or participate in associations headquartered on the island of Hawai’i. A minimum opening balance of $50.00 is required to open a Savings Account. Insured by NCUA.
Apply for a Personal Loan
New Members
Complete your application online or visit your nearest HFS branch to meet with a Loan Officer.
Current Members
Log in to Online Banking for a quicker application process.
If you prefer to complete your application in-branch with a Loan Officer, please visit us at your nearest HFS branch location. We recommend using this checklist for a list of documents and information you will need to complete your application.
Open Account
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