The U.S. Small Business Administration's Hawai'i office increased its fiscal 2007 loan production by 35 percent compared with a year earlier, issuing 407 loans that totaled $54.5 million.

Twenty-six financial institutions provided the financing for small-business loans that are guaranteed by the SBA.

Bank of Hawaii led all institutions with 93 loans valued at $6.4 million and was named SBA Lender of the Year in Category 1, the SBA said.

First Hawaiian Bank issued 42 loans that totaled $5.5 million.

Central Pacific Bank was the top lender in Category 2 with 31 loans that totaled $2.86 million.

The SBA annually recognizes local banks in two categories based on total volume of their small-business portfolio.

For information about financing tools and eligibility, call the SBA at 541-2990 or visit www.sba.gov.