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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

Bank of Hawai‘i Corporation (the “Parent”) is a Delaware corporation and a bank holding company headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii.  Bank of Hawai‘i Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) provide a broad range of financial products and services to customers in Hawaii, Guam, and other Pacific Islands.  The majority of the Company’s operations consist of customary commercial and consumer banking services including, but not limited to, lending, leasing, deposit services, trust and investment activities, brokerage services, and trade financing.

The accounting and reporting principles of the Company conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and prevailing practices within the financial services industry.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results may differ from those estimates and such differences could be material to the financial statements.

Certain prior period information has been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Consolidation

Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Parent and its subsidiaries.  The Parent’s principal operating subsidiary is Bank of Hawai‘i (the “Bank”).  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities

Variable interests are defined as contractual ownership or other interests in an entity that change with fluctuations in an entity’s net asset value.  The primary beneficiary consolidates the variable interest entity (“VIE”).  The primary beneficiary is defined as the enterprise that has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be significant to the VIE.

The Company has limited partnership interests in several low-income housing partnerships.  These partnerships provide funds for the construction and operation of apartment complexes that provide affordable housing to lower-income households.  If these developments successfully attract a specified percentage of residents falling in that lower income range, state and/or federal income tax credits are made available to the partners.  The tax credits are generally recognized over 10 years for federal and 5 years for state.  In order to continue receiving the tax credits each year over the life of the partnership, the low-income residency targets must be maintained.

Unfunded commitments to fund these low-income housing partnerships were $88.8 million and $44.0 million as of December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021, respectively.  These unfunded commitments are unconditional and legally binding and are recorded in other liabilities in the consolidated statements of condition.  See Note 18 Affordable Housing Projects Tax Credit Partnerships for more information.

The Company also has limited partnership interests in solar energy tax credit partnership investments.  These partnerships develop, build, own and operate solar renewable energy projects.  Over the course of these investments, the Company expects to receive federal and state tax credits, tax-related benefits, and excess cash available for distribution, if any.  The Company may be called to sell its interest in the limited partnerships through a call option once all investment tax credits have been recognized.  Tax benefits associated with these investments are generally recognized over 6 years.

Although these entities meet the definition of a VIE, the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the entities, as the general partner has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entities and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be significant to the entities.  While the partnership agreements allow the limited partners, through a majority vote, to remove the general partner, this right is not deemed to be substantive as the general partner can only be removed for cause.

The investments in these entities are initially recorded at cost, which approximates the maximum exposure to loss as a result of the Company’s involvement with these unconsolidated entities.  The balance of the Company’s investments in these entities was $175.3 million and $136.6 million as of December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021, respectively, and is included in other assets in the consolidated statements of condition.

Investment Securities

Investment Securities

Investment securities are accounted for according to their purpose and holding period.  Trading securities are those that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term.  The Company held no trading securities as of December 31, 2022 or December 31, 2021.  Available-for-sale investment securities, comprised of debt and mortgage-backed securities, are those that may be sold before maturity due to changes in the Company’s interest rate risk profile or funding needs, and are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, reported as a component of other comprehensive income.  Held-to-maturity investment securities, comprised of debt and mortgage-backed securities, are those that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity and are reported at amortized cost.

Realized gains and losses are recorded in noninterest income and are determined on a trade date basis using the specific identification method.  Interest and dividends on investment securities are recognized in interest income on an accrual basis.  Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted into interest income using the interest method over the expected lives of the individual securities.

Transfers of debt securities from the available-for-sale category to the held-to-maturity category are made at fair value at the date of transfer.  The unrealized holding gain or loss at the date of transfer remains in accumulated other comprehensive income and in the carrying value of the held-to-maturity investment security.  Premiums or discounts on investment securities are amortized or accreted as an adjustment of yield using the interest method over the estimated life of the security.  Unrealized holding gains or losses that remain in accumulated other comprehensive income are also amortized or accreted over the estimated life of the security as an adjustment of yield, offsetting the related amortization of the premium or accretion of the discount.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans Held for Sale

Residential mortgage loans with the intent to be sold in the secondary market are accounted for on an aggregate basis under the fair value option.  Fair value is primarily determined based on quoted prices for similar loans in active markets.  Non-refundable fees and direct loan origination costs related to residential mortgage loans held for sale are recognized as part of the cost basis of the loan at the time of sale.  Gains and losses on sales of residential mortgage loans (sales proceeds minus carrying value) are recorded in the mortgage banking component of noninterest income.

Commercial loans that management has an active plan to sell are valued on an individual basis at the lower-of-cost-or fair value.  Fair value is primarily determined based on quoted prices for similar loans in active markets or agreed upon sales prices.  Any reduction in the loan’s value, prior to being transferred to the held-for-sale category, is reflected as a charge-off of the recorded investment in the loan resulting in a new cost basis, with a corresponding reduction in the allowance for credit losses (the “Allowance”).  Further decreases in the fair value of the loan are recognized in noninterest expense.

Loans and Leases

Loans and Leases

Loans are reported at the principal amount outstanding, net of unearned income including unamortized deferred loan fees and costs, and cumulative net charge-offs.  Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis.  Loan origination fees, certain direct costs, and unearned discounts and premiums, if any, are deferred and are generally amortized into interest income as yield adjustments using the interest method over the contractual life of the loan.  Loan commitment fees are generally recognized into noninterest income.  Other credit-related fees are recognized as fee income, a component of noninterest income, when earned.

The Company’s lease financing arrangements primarily consist of equipment and automobile leases.  These lease arrangements are classified as sales-type leases despite not receiving a selling profit at lease inception.  Sales-type leases are carried at the aggregate of lease payments receivable plus the estimated residual value of leased property, less unearned income. Unearned income on sales-type leases is amortized over the lease term by methods that approximate the interest method.  Residual values on leased assets are periodically reviewed for impairment.

 

Non-Performing Loans and Leases

Non-Performing Loans and Leases

Generally, all classes of commercial loans and leases are placed on non-accrual status upon becoming contractually past due 90 days as to principal or interest (unless loans and leases are adequately secured by collateral, are in the process of collection, and are reasonably expected to result in repayment), when terms are renegotiated below market levels, or where substantial doubt about full repayment of principal or interest is evident.  For residential mortgage and home equity loan classes, loans past due 120 days as to principal or interest may be placed on non-accrual status, and a partial charge-off may be recorded, depending on the collateral value and/or the collectability of the loan.  For automobile and other consumer loan classes, the entire outstanding balance of the loan is charged off when the loan becomes 120 days past due as to principal or interest.

When a loan or lease is placed on non-accrual status, the accrued and unpaid interest receivable is reversed and the loan or lease is accounted for on the cash or cost recovery method until qualifying for return to accrual status.  All payments received on non-accrual loans and leases are applied against the principal balance of the loan or lease.  A loan or lease may be returned to accrual status when all delinquent interest and principal become current in accordance with the terms of the loan or lease agreement and when doubt about repayment is resolved.

Generally, for all classes of loans and leases, a charge-off is recorded when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and when it is possible to determine a reasonable estimate of the loss.  For all classes of commercial loans and leases, a charge-off is determined on a judgmental basis after due consideration of the debtor’s prospects for repayment and the fair value of collateral.  For the pooled segment of the Company’s commercial and industrial loan class, which consists of small business loans, the entire outstanding balance of the loan remains on accrual status until it is charged off during the month that the loan becomes 120 days past due as to principal or interest.  As previously mentioned, for residential mortgage and home equity loan classes, a partial charge-off may be recorded at 120 days past due as to principal or interest depending on the collateral value and/or the collectability of the loan.  In the event that a loan or line in the home equity loan class is behind another financial institution’s first mortgage, the entire outstanding balance of the loan is charged off when the loan becomes 120 days past due as to principal or interest, unless the combined loan-to-value ratio is 60% or less.  As noted above, loans in the automobile and other consumer loan classes are charged off in its entirety upon the loan becoming 120 days past due as to principal or interest.

Loans Modified in a Troubled Debt Restructuring

Loans Modified in a Troubled Debt Restructuring

Loans are considered to have been modified in a troubled debt restructuring when, due to a borrower’s financial difficulties, the Company makes certain concessions to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider.  Modifications may include interest rate reductions, principal or interest forgiveness, forbearance, and other actions intended to minimize economic loss and to avoid foreclosure or repossession of collateral.  Generally, a non-accrual loan that has been modified in a troubled debt restructuring remains on non-accrual status for a period of at least 6 months to demonstrate that the borrower is able to meet the terms of the modified loan.  However, performance prior to the modification, or significant events that coincide with the modification, are included in assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms and may result in the loan being returned to accrual status at the time of loan modification or after a shorter performance period.  If the borrower’s ability to meet the revised payment schedule is uncertain, the loan remains on non-accrual status.

In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures.”  ASU 2022-02 eliminates the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings, while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancings and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty.  ASU 2022-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2022.  ASU 2022-02 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Reserve for Credit Losses

Reserve for Credit Losses

The Company’s reserve for credit losses is comprised of the Allowance and the Unfunded Reserve.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans and Leases (the "Allowance")

Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans and Leases (the “Allowance”)

The current expected credit loss (“CECL”) approach requires an estimate of the credit losses expected over the life of an exposure (or pool of exposures).  It replaces the incurred loss approach’s threshold that delayed the recognition of a credit loss until it was probable a loss event was incurred.

The estimate of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amounts.  Historical loss experience is generally the starting point for estimating expected credit losses.  The Company then considers whether the historical loss experience should be adjusted for asset-specific risk characteristics or current conditions at the reporting date that did not exist over the historical period used.  The Company also considers future economic conditions and portfolio performance as part of a reasonable and supportable forecast period.

Portfolio segment is defined as the level at which an entity develops and documents a systematic methodology to determine its allowance for credit losses.  The Company has designated two portfolio segments of loans and leases, commercial and consumer.   These portfolio segments are further disaggregated into classes, which represent loans and leases of similar type, risk characteristics, and methods for monitoring and assessing credit risk.  The commercial portfolio segment is disaggregated into four classes, commercial and industrial, commercial mortgage, construction, and lease financing.  The consumer portfolio segment is also disaggregated into four classes, residential mortgage, home equity, auto, and other (which is comprised of

revolving credit, installment, and consumer lease financing arrangements).  Each commercial and consumer portfolio class is also segmented based on risk characteristics.

Commercial Portfolio Segment

The historical loss experience for the commercial portfolio segment is primarily determined using a Cohort method.  This method pools loans into groups (“cohorts”) sharing similar risk characteristics and tracks each cohort’s historical net charge-offs to calculate a historical loss rate.  The historical loss rates for each cohort are then averaged to calculate an overall historical loss rate which is applied to current loan balances to arrive at the quantitative baseline portion of the Allowance for most of the commercial portfolio segment.

The Company also considers qualitative adjustments to the quantitative baseline.  For example, the Company considers the impact of current environmental factors at the reporting date that did not exist over the period from which historical experience was used.  Relevant factors include, but are not limited to, concentrations of credit risk (geographic, large borrower, and industry), economic trends and conditions, changes in underwriting standards, experience and depth of lending staff, trends in delinquencies, and the level of criticized loans.

The Company also incorporates a reasonable and supportable (“R&S”) loss forecast period, which is currently one year, to account for the effect of forecasted economic conditions and other factors on the performance of the commercial portfolio, which could differ from historical loss experience.  The Company performs a quarterly asset quality review which includes a review of forecasted gross charge-offs and recoveries, nonperforming assets, criticized loans and leases, and risk rating migration.  The asset quality review is reviewed by management and the results are used to consider qualitative adjustments to the quantitative baseline.  After the one-year R&S loss forecast period, this adjustment assumes an immediate reversion to historical loss rates for the remaining expected life of the loan.

The Company establishes a specific reserve for individually evaluated loans which do not share similar risk characteristics with the loans evaluated using a collective or pooled basis.  These individually evaluated loans are removed from the pooling approach discussed above for the quantitative baseline, and include non-accrual loans, troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”), and other loans as deemed appropriate by management.  In addition, the Company individually evaluates “reasonably expected” TDRs, which are identified by the Company as a commercial loan expected to be classified as a TDR within the next six months.  Management judgment is utilized to make this determination.

Consumer Portfolio Segment

The historical loss experience for the consumer portfolio segment is primarily determined using a Vintage method.  This method measures historical loss behavior in the form of a historical loss rate for homogenous loan pools that originate in the same period, known as a vintage.  The historical loss rates are then applied to origination loan balances by vintage to determine the quantitative baseline portion of the Allowance for most of the consumer portfolio segment.  The homogenous loan pools are segmented according to similar risk characteristics (e.g., residential mortgage, home equity) and may be sub-segmented further (e.g., geography, lien position) depending on the product.

The Company also considers qualitative adjustments to the quantitative baseline.  For example, the Company considers the impact of current environmental factors at the reporting date that did not exist over the period from which historical experience was used.  The environmental factors considered for the consumer portfolio are similar to the aforementioned factors considered for the commercial portfolio.

The Company also incorporates a one-year R&S loss forecast period to account for forecasted economic conditions and other factors on the performance of the consumer portfolio which could differ from historical loss experience.  The Company performs a quarterly asset quality review designed to estimate gross charge-offs and recoveries for the forecast period.  Management evaluates additional factors that may not be reflected in the net charge-off forecast to determine whether a qualitative adjustment is warranted.

The Company has chosen an immediate reversion back to average historical loss rates following the one-year R&S loss forecast period.  The reversion method does not reflect uncertainties beyond the R&S loss forecast period, for which the Company has addressed through other qualitative adjustments.

The Company establishes a specific reserve for individually evaluated loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with the loans evaluated using a collective or pooled basis.  These individually evaluated loans include “reasonably expected” TDRs, identified by the Company as a consumer loan for which a borrower’s application of loan modification due to hardship has been approved by the Company.

See Note 4 Loans and Leases and the Allowance for Credit Losses for more information.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Held-to-Maturity (“HTM”) Debt Securities

The Company’s HTM debt securities are also required to utilize the CECL approach to estimate expected credit losses.  Substantially all of the Company’s HTM debt securities are issued by U.S. government agencies or U.S. government-sponsored enterprises.  These securities carry the explicit and/or implicit guarantee of the U.S. government, are widely recognized as “risk free,” and have a long history of zero credit loss.  Therefore, the Company did not record an allowance for credit losses for these securities.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Available-for-Sale (“AFS”) Debt Securities

The impairment model for available-for-sale (“AFS”) debt securities differs from the CECL approach utilized by HTM debt securities because AFS debt securities are measured at fair value rather than amortized cost.  Although ASU No. 2016-13 replaced the legacy other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) model with a credit loss model, it retained the fundamental nature of the legacy OTTI model.  One notable change from the legacy OTTI model is when evaluating whether credit loss exists, an entity may no longer consider the length of time fair value has been less than amortized cost.  For AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis.  If either criteria is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income.  For AFS debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors.  In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors.  If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security.  If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis.  Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income.  Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as a provision for (or reversal of) credit losses.  Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of an AFS security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.  As of December 31, 2022, the Company determined that the unrealized loss positions in AFS securities were not the result of credit losses, and therefore, an allowance for credit losses was not recorded.  See Note 3 Investment Securities for more information.

Collateral-Dependent Loans

A financial asset is considered collateral-dependent when the debtor is experiencing financial difficulty and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the sale or operation of the collateral.  For all classes of loans and leases deemed collateral-dependent, the Company elected the practical expedient to estimate expected credit losses based on the collateral’s fair value less cost to sell.  In most cases, the Company records a partial charge-off to reduce the loan’s carrying value to the collateral’s fair value less cost to sell.  Substantially all of the collateral consists of various types of real estate including residential properties; commercial properties such as retail centers, office buildings, and lodging; agriculture land; and vacant land.

Reserve for Unfunded Commitments

The Unfunded Reserve represents the expected credit losses on off-balance sheet commitments such as unfunded commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit.  However, a liability is not recognized for commitments unconditionally cancellable by the Company.  The Unfunded Reserve is recognized as a liability (other liabilities in the consolidated statements of condition) and the offsetting adjustment to the reserve was recognized in provision for credit losses in the consolidated statements of income.  The Unfunded Reserve is determined by estimating future draws and applying the expected loss rates on those draws.  Future draws are based on historical averages of utilization rates (i.e., the likelihood of draws taken).  To estimate future draws on unfunded balances, current utilization rates are compared to historical utilization rates.  If current utilization rates are below historical utilization rates, the rate difference is applied to the committed balance to estimate the future draw.  Loss rates are estimated by utilizing the same loss rates calculated for the Allowance general reserves.  For the commercial portfolio, the historical loss rates were calculated utilizing the Cohort methodology, while the consumer portfolio utilized the Vintage methodology.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits in other banks, and funds sold.  All amounts are readily convertible to cash and have maturities of less than 90 days.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment, including leasehold improvements, are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization.  Capital leases are included in premises and equipment at the capitalized amount less accumulated amortization.

Premises and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets.  Estimated useful lives generally range up to 30 years for buildings and up to 10 years for equipment.  Capitalized leased assets and leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term.  Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred, while improvements which extend the estimated useful life of the asset are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated remaining life of the asset.

Premises and equipment are periodically evaluated for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable.  Impairment exists when the expected undiscounted future cash flows of premises and equipment are less than its carrying amount.  In that event, the Company records a loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset based on quoted market prices, if applicable, or a discounted cash flow analysis.

Foreclosed Real Estate

Foreclosed Real Estate

Foreclosed real estate consists of properties acquired through foreclosure proceedings or acceptance of a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.  These properties are recorded at fair value less estimated costs to sell the property.  If the recorded investment in the loan exceeds the property’s fair value at the time of acquisition, a charge-off is recorded against the Allowance.  If the fair value of the property at the time of acquisition exceeds the carrying amount of the loan, the excess is recorded either as a recovery to the Allowance if a charge-off had previously been recorded, or as a gain on initial transfer in other noninterest income.  Subsequent decreases in the property’s fair value and operating expenses of the property are recognized through charges to other noninterest expense.  The fair value of the property acquired is based on third party appraisals, broker price opinions, recent sales activity, or a combination thereof, subject to management judgment.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

Mortgage Servicing Rights

Mortgage servicing rights are recognized as assets when mortgage loans are sold and the rights to service those loans are retained.  Mortgage servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value by using a discounted cash flow model to calculate the present value of estimated future net servicing income.

The Company’s mortgage servicing rights accounted for under the fair value method are carried on the statements of condition at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in mortgage banking income in the period in which the change occurs.  Changes in the fair value of mortgage servicing rights are primarily due to changes in valuation inputs, assumptions, and the collection and realization of expected cash flows.

The Company’s mortgage servicing rights accounted for under the amortization method are initially recorded at fair value.  However, these mortgage servicing rights are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income.  An impairment analysis is prepared on a quarterly basis by estimating the fair value of the mortgage servicing rights and comparing that value to the carrying amount.  A valuation allowance is established when the carrying amount of these mortgage servicing rights exceeds fair value.

Goodwill

Goodwill

Goodwill is initially recorded as the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in a business combination and is subsequently evaluated at least annually for impairment.  Goodwill impairment testing is performed at the reporting unit level, equivalent to a business segment or one level below.  The Company has goodwill assigned to the following reporting unit:  Consumer Banking.

The Company performs its annual evaluation of goodwill impairment in the fourth quarter of each year and on an interim basis if events or changes in circumstances indicate that there may be impairment.  The Company performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.  The qualitative factors considered include, but are not limited to, macroeconomic and State of Hawaii economic conditions, industry and market conditions and trends, the Company’s financial performance, market capitalization, stock price, and any Company-specific events relevant to the assessment.  If the assessment of qualitative factors indicates that it is not more likely than not that an impairment exists, no further testing is performed; otherwise an impairment test is performed.  Subsequent reversals of goodwill impairment are prohibited.  For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company’s goodwill impairment evaluation, based on its qualitative assessment, indicated there was no impairment.

Non-Marketable Equity Securities

Non-Marketable Equity Securities

The Company is required to own Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Des Moines and Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) stock as a condition of membership.  These non-marketable equity securities are accounted for at cost which equals par or redemption value.  These securities do not have a readily determinable fair value as their ownership is restricted and there is no market for these securities.  These securities can only be redeemed or sold at their par value and only to the respective issuing government sponsored institution or to another member institution.  The Company records these non-marketable equity securities as a component of other assets, which are periodically evaluated for impairment.  Management considers these non-marketable equity securities to be long-term investments.  Accordingly, when evaluating these securities for impairment, management considers the ultimate recoverability of the par value rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance

Bank-Owned Life Insurance

The Company purchases life insurance policies on the lives of certain officers and employees and is the owner and beneficiary of the policies.  The Company invests in these Bank-Owned Life Insurance (“BOLI”) policies to provide an efficient form of funding for long-term retirement and other employee benefits costs.  The Company records these BOLI policies in the consolidated statements of condition at cash surrender value, with changes recorded in noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income.

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

The Company enters into agreements under which it sells securities subject to an obligation to repurchase the same or similar securities.  Under these arrangements, the Company may transfer legal control over the assets but still retain effective control through an agreement that both entitles and obligates the Company to repurchase the assets.  As a result, securities sold under agreements to repurchase are accounted for as collateralized financing arrangements (i.e., secured borrowings) and not as a sale and subsequent repurchase of securities.  The obligation to repurchase the securities is reflected as a liability in the Company’s consolidated statements of condition, while the securities underlying the securities sold under agreements to repurchase remain in the respective asset accounts.

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans

The Company incurs certain employment-related expenses associated with its two frozen pension plans and a postretirement benefit plan (the “Plans”).  In order to measure the expense associated with the Plans, various assumptions are made including the discount rate, expected return on plan assets, anticipated mortality rates, and expected future healthcare costs.  The assumptions are based on historical experience as well as current facts and circumstances.  The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for its Plans.  As of the measurement date, plan assets are determined based on fair value, generally representing observable market prices.  The projected benefit obligation is primarily determined based on the present value of projected benefit distributions at an assumed discount rate.

Net periodic pension benefit costs include interest costs based on an assumed discount rate, the expected return on plan assets based on actuarially derived market-related values, and the amortization of net actuarial gains or losses.  Net periodic postretirement benefit costs include service costs, interest costs based on an assumed discount rate, and the amortization of prior service credits and net actuarial gains or losses.  The service cost portion of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs is recognized in salaries and benefits and interest cost, expected return on plan assets and amortization of net actuarial gains or losses are recognized in other noninterest expense in the consolidated statements of income.  Differences between expected and actual results in each year are included in the net actuarial gain or loss amount, which is recognized in other comprehensive income.  The net actuarial gain or loss in excess of a 10% corridor is amortized in net periodic benefit cost over the average remaining expected lives of the pension plan participants and over the average remaining future service years of the postretirement benefit plan participants.  The prior service credit is amortized over the average remaining service period to full eligibility for participating employees expected to receive benefits.

The Company recognizes in its consolidated statements of condition an asset for a plan’s overfunded status or a liability for a plan’s underfunded status.  The Company also measures the Plans’ assets and obligations that determine its funded status as of the end of the year and recognizes those changes in other comprehensive income, net of tax.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

The Parent files a consolidated federal income tax return with the Bank and its subsidiaries.  Calculation of the Company’s provision for income taxes requires the interpretation of income tax laws and regulations and the use of estimates and judgments in its determination.  The Company is subject to examination by governmental authorities that may give rise to income tax issues due to differing interpretations.  Changes to the liability for income taxes also occur due to changes in income tax rates,

implementation of new business strategies, resolution of issues with taxing authorities, and newly enacted statutory, judicial, and regulatory guidance.

Deferred income taxes are provided to reflect the tax effect of temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the corresponding tax basis of assets and liabilities.  Deferred income taxes are calculated by applying enacted statutory tax rates and tax laws to future years in which temporary differences are expected to reverse.  The impact on deferred tax assets and liabilities from a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that the tax rate change is enacted.  A deferred tax valuation allowance is established if it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized.

The Company’s tax sharing policy provides for the settlement of income taxes between each relevant subsidiary as if the subsidiary had filed a separate return.  Payments are made to the Parent by subsidiaries with tax liabilities and subsidiaries that generate tax benefits receive payments for those benefits as used.

The Company maintains reserves for certain tax positions that arise in the normal course of business.  As of December 31, 2022, these positions were evaluated based on an assessment of probabilities as to the likelihood of whether a liability had been incurred.  Such assessments are reviewed as events occur and adjustments to the reserves are made as appropriate.  In evaluating a tax position for recognition, the Company evaluates whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position.  If the tax position meets the more likely than not recognition threshold, the tax position is measured and recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements as the largest amount of tax benefit that, in management’s judgment, is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

Treasury Stock

Treasury Stock

Shares of the Parent’s common stock that are repurchased are recorded in treasury stock at cost.  On the date of subsequent re-issuance, the treasury stock account is reduced by the cost of such stock on a first-in, first-out basis.

Earnings Per Common Share

Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period, assuming conversion of all potentially dilutive common stock equivalents.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments

In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments as an end-user in connection with its risk management activities and to accommodate the needs of its customers.  The Company has elected not to qualify for hedge accounting methods addressed under current provisions of GAAP.  Derivative financial instruments are stated at fair value on the consolidated statements of condition with changes in fair value reported in current period earnings.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation

The Company may grant share-based compensation to employees and non-employee directors in the form of restricted stock and restricted stock units.  The fair value of restricted stock is determined based on the closing price of the Parent’s common stock on the date of grant.  The Company recognizes compensation expense related to restricted stock on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for service-based awards, plus additional recognition of costs associated with accelerated vesting based on the projected attainment of Company performance measures.  Restricted stock units (“RSUs”) are payable solely in cash which are accounted for as other liabilities in the consolidated statements of condition.  The fair value of RSUs is initially valued based on the closing price of the Parent’s common stock on the date of grant and is amortized in the statement of income over the vesting period.  The RSUs are subsequently remeasured in the same manner described above at the end of each reporting period until settlement.

Advertising Costs

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed the first time that advertising takes place.  Advertising costs were $10.0 million, $9.6 million, and $8.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively.

International Operations

International Operations

The Bank has operations that are conducted in certain Pacific Islands that are denominated in U.S. dollars.  These operations are classified as domestic.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value measurements apply whenever GAAP requires or permits assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value either on a recurring or nonrecurring basis.  Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for an asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  Fair value is based on the assumptions that management believes market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability.  Fair value measurement and disclosure guidance established a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the use of inputs used in valuation methodologies.  Management maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs when determining fair value measurements.  Management reviews and updates the fair value hierarchy classifications of the Company’s assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis.  The three-level fair value hierarchy is as follows:

 

Level 1:

Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices, unadjusted, for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.  A quoted price in an active market provides the most reliable evidence of fair value and shall be used to measure fair value whenever available.  A contractually binding sales price also provides reliable evidence of fair value.

Level 2:

Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or inputs to the valuation methodology that utilize model-based techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.

Level 3:

Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement; inputs to the valuation methodology that utilize model-based techniques for which significant assumptions are not observable in the market; or inputs to the valuation methodology that requires significant management judgment or estimation, some of which may be internally developed.

 

In some instances, an instrument may fall into multiple levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such instances, the instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest of the three levels (with Level 3 being the lowest) that is significant to the fair value measurement.  Our assessment of the significance of an input requires judgment and considers factors specific to the instrument.

 

See Note 14 Employee Benefits and Note 21 Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities for the required fair value measurement disclosures.