Bank of Hawaii Execs Pack Their Own Stocks: President’s RSU Grants Signal Strong Confidence in Growth Plan

Insider Buying Spurs Confidence in Bank of Hawaii’s Growth Narrative

On February 19, 2026, President and controlling shareholder Polk James C purchased 8,861 and 17,722 restricted stock units (RSUs) of Bank of Hawaii Corp., adding 26,583 shares to his holdings. Although the transaction was executed at zero cost—typical for RSU grants tied to service and performance vesting—the timing and size are telling. The awards are vesting over two- and three-year performance periods, respectively, aligning Polk’s personal incentives with the bank’s long‑term success. For investors, such a move signals that the executive’s confidence in the company’s strategic direction and financial prospects is strong enough to lock in future equity upside.

Insider Activity Paints a Balanced Picture

Bank of Hawaii’s broader insider landscape this month shows a mix of purchases and sales across senior leadership. Vice Chair and CRO Shairson Schaud Bradley added 10,461 shares of common stock while simultaneously selling 3,439 shares at the market price of $80.07, reflecting a “sell‑the‑top‑and‑buy‑the‑bottom” approach that keeps his stake relatively stable. Similar patterns appear from Vice Chair Salmon Taryn L and Vice Chair‑CFO Steven Satenberg, who both bought and sold common shares and RSUs in the same period. These transactions suggest that top executives are actively managing liquidity needs while maintaining exposure to the company’s upside.

What This Means for Investors

The confluence of Polk’s RSU awards and the broader insider buying spree points to a leadership team that is not only confident but also actively engaged in the company’s valuation. RSUs that vest only upon meeting performance targets act as a built‑in quality check: if the bank hits its goals, insiders reap tangible rewards. For shareholders, this can be a positive signal that the management team is aligned with long‑term value creation, potentially mitigating concerns over short‑term earnings volatility.

Impact on the Stock’s Valuation and Outlook

With a market cap of roughly $3.19 billion and a P/E of 17.19, Bank of Hawaii sits comfortably within the mid‑range of regional banks. The recent insider activity has not yet moved the stock materially, but it could help cushion the 2.92 % weekly decline and support the 3.65 % monthly gain. Should the bank continue to execute on its growth strategy—expanding its commercial banking footprint in the Pacific and improving asset quality—insider confidence may translate into a rally in the share price, potentially elevating the valuation multiple over time.

Key Takeaway

Insider transactions, especially the sizable RSU awards to President Polk James C, underscore a leadership confidence that may resonate with the market. While short‑term price swings remain, the alignment of executive incentives with long‑term performance offers a compelling narrative for investors looking at Bank of Hawaii Corp. as a steady‑growth, regionally focused banking play.