Name: Elias T. Beniga
Age: 35
Position: President, Filipino Chamber of Commerce
First job: Supermarket fish department, Waianae
Favorite pastimes: Golf, tennis, reading

---

Linking Hawaii
to the Philippines

Elias T. Beniga, manager of First Hawaiian Bank's Waipahu branch, will be installed as the new president of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce on July 18.

"Our annual project is the trade mission to the Philippines," Beniga said. "This is our 15th year and it is tentatively set for November. This year we will be going to Northern Mindanao."

The mission will be looking for projects for Hawaii architectural and environmental firms, Beniga said.

He has been involved with the Waipahu Business Association, the West Pearl Harbor Rotary, the Philippine Centennial Celebration, the Kapiolani Park Citizen Patrol, and the Kapahulu Business Association.

Beniga has worked nine years for First Hawaiian Bank, and managed the Kapahulu and Waipahu branches. He earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Hawaii.

---

By Jerry Tune, Star-Bulletin