Donald Kang, president and CEO of retailer Hilo Hattie’s parent company, has been elected chairman of Ohana Pacific Bank.

Kang, 63, is replacing Donald Kim, who died in March.

“He has been the bank’s cornerstone since the establishment of Ohana Pacific Bank in 2006, as he served as a director or chairman of the board, and has continually contributed to the growth of our bank,” President and CEO James Hong said of Kang.

Kang is the president and CEO of Pomare Ltd., which does business as Hilo Hattie, one of Hawaii’s oldest and largest retail operators with over 100 employees throughout the state. He is also the owner and operator of Royal Hawaiian Creations, one of the state’s largest manufacturers of Hawaiian and resort apparel. He has extensive manufacturing, retail, international import/export and real estate investment experience, which the bank says enables him to provide it “potential significant business, management, and asset generation experience.”

“I see hard work ahead for me as chairman of our young and small community bank in Hawaii, where it is so difficult to compete with the larger financial institutions,” Kang said. “I look forward to working with President and CEO James Hong, Vice Chairman Wayne Miyao, my fellow bank directors, our shareholders, customers, executive management and employees to make a better Ohana Pacific Bank and contribute to Hawaii’s local communities.”

Ohana Pacific, which opened June 4, 2006, has its corporate headquarters and main branch at 1357 Kapiolani Blvd. and an in-store branch in Palama Market’s Kalihi store at 1070 North King St.