Our History

In the early 1930’s, L.T. is a young and hungry businessman. He’s a Japanese-American who was born and educated in Hawaii, and the assistant insurance officer of a Honolulu trust company. 

L.T. Kagawa noticed that non-Caucasian life insurance premiums were significantly higher than Caucasians at the time, particularly Japanese, Chinese, multi-racial persons, and native Hawaiians. Non-Caucasians were characteristically written for limited amounts at a higher premium rate and only on limited pay and endowment plans. Term life and Straight life were strictly off-limits.

L.T. conducts a study and found that non-Caucasians had excellent mortality.

In pursuit of his vision, L.T. Kagawa travels to San Francisco to meet with A.P. Giannini, the founder of Bank of America and Transamerica. Despite not having an appointment, L.T. patiently waits in the lobby until he’s able to secure a meeting with Giannini. Transamerica at the time was the holding company for Occidental Life Insurance Company of California, which later became Transamerica Occidental Life Insurance Company.

It was through this meeting that L.T. was able to present his findings on non-Caucasian life insurance premiums and mortality rates. This ultimately led to Occidental Underwriters of Hawaii becoming the first company in Hawaii to offer non-Caucasians life insurance policies at regular premium rates and without restrictions, marking a significant milestone in the history of the industry, and community of Hawaii.

After L.T. Kagawa’s groundbreaking work in establishing fair and accessible life insurance policies for non-Caucasians, he went on to open Occidental Underwriters of Hawaii. The agency quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to underwriting policies and its commitment to providing a level playing field for all individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity. Occidental Underwriters of Hawaii was highly successful and went on to become one of Transamerica’s top producers.

This success was due in no small part to L.T.’s pioneering work, which challenged the norms of the industry and helped to pave the way for greater equality and fairness in life insurance policies. The legacy of L.T. Kagawa and Occidental Underwriters of Hawaii lives on to this day, as the company continues to champion the values of diversity, inclusivity, and fairness.

In 1936, Occidental Underwriters of Hawaii made history by employing Hawaii’s first woman insurance agent, Chiyeko Takushi. This was a significant achievement at the time, as the insurance industry was largely dominated by men. Takushi’s appointment represented a breakthrough for women seeking professional opportunities in the field of insurance. Her success also paved the way for future generations of women in the industry, inspiring them to pursue their goals and break down barriers. 

Takushi’s pioneering work and achievements were recently celebrated in a featured article in The Hawaii Herald, which highlighted her contributions to the industry and to the broader community. The legacy of Chiyeko Takushi lives on as an inspiration to women in Hawaii and beyond, demonstrating the power of determination, perseverance, and breaking down barriers.

Due to the widespread fear and uncertainty among the general population after the commencement of World War II, L.T., along with his family and approximately 120,000 other individuals of Japanese-American descent, were required to relocate to government-administered internment camps.

The Kagawa family returned to Hawaii in 1945 and reestablished their business. Thankfully, Transamerica, acknowledging L.T.’s significant contributions to both the company and the insurance sector, provided assistance in safeguarding the agency’s assets and licenses.

L.T. successfully convinces A.P. Giannini and Transamerica behind his vision to provide extended access to FHA-guaranteed home loans for lower and middle-income Asian Americans in Hawaii. This collaborative effort yields remarkable results, generating a ripple effect of newfound wealth and long-term financial security for countless individuals who had previously been denied the opportunity of homeownership.

Siegfred “Sig” Kagawa, the son of L.T., takes on the role of President at Occidental Underwriters of Hawaii. With a remarkable commitment to humanitarian causes, Sig diligently combines his efforts in expanding the prosperous enterprise established by his father while also devoting himself to serving the community.

(Pictured are Sig & Betsy Kagawa)

In recognition of his groundbreaking contributions to the Japanese community in America, L.T. is honored with the prestigious Third Order of the Rising Sun by Emperor Hirohito of Japan. Subsequently, Yoshinobu, L.T.’s younger brother, is bestowed with the esteemed Second Order of the Rising Sun for his instrumental role in facilitating international expansion for Japanese corporations.

At Occidental Underwriters, the legacy of the Kagawa family continues to thrive with Gordon Kagawa, the grandson of L.T. Kagawa, leading the charge as a prominent figure within the company. As a third-generation member, Gordon brings a deep-rooted understanding of the company’s values and a wealth of experience in the insurance industry. Drawing from his family’s rich heritage, Gordon exemplifies the spirit of excellence and dedication that has been a hallmark of the Kagawa lineage, ensuring that Occidental Underwriters remains at the forefront of the industry for generations to come.