Privacy Policy
Aloha and Welcome
This Privacy Policy ("Policy") discloses the privacy practices for Hawaii Merchant Funding, LLC ("HMF," "we," "us," or "our") and applies to information collected through our website www.hmfhawaii.com, our mobile applications, and all related services (collectively, the "Platform"). This Policy complies with Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 487N (Security Breach of Personal Information Act), the Hawaii Consumer Data Protection Act, and all applicable federal and state privacy laws.
We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information with the same care and Aloha spirit that guides all our business relationships. This Policy is subject to and incorporates by reference our Terms of Use. Your use of our Platform and provision of Personal Information constitutes acceptance of this Policy.
Table of Contents
1. Definitions
2. Types of Information We Collect
3. Legal Basis and Purpose of Collection
4. Information Sharing and Disclosure
5. Data Security
6. Your Privacy Rights
7. Cookies and Tracking
8. Data Retention
9. Children's Privacy
10. Marketing and Communications
11. California Privacy Rights
12. Hawaii-Specific Provisions
13. Third-Party Links
14. International Users
15. Changes to This Policy
16. Contact Information
17. Accessibility
18. Severability
19. Governing Law
20. Mahalo
1. Definitions
For purposes of this Policy:
• "Personal Information" means an individual's first name or first initial and last name
in combination with any one or more of the following data elements: (1) Social security
number; (2) Driver's license number or Hawaii identification card number; (3) Account
number, credit or debit card number, access code, or password that would permit
access to an individual's financial account; (4) Unique biometric data; or (5) Other
information as defined under Hawaii law.
• "Sensitive Data" means data revealing racial or ethnic origin, religious beliefs, mental
or physical health diagnosis, sexual orientation, or citizenship or immigration status.
• "Processing" means any operation performed on personal information.
2. Types of Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide Directly
Business Application Information:
Business name, DBA, EIN, and business license numbers
Owner/principal information (name, SSN, DOB, driver's license)
Business physical and mailing addresses
Business bank account and routing numbers
Monthly revenue, time in business, industry type
Business tax returns and financial statements
Account Registration:
Name, email address, phone numbers
Username and secure password
Business role and authorization documentation
Communication preferences
Security questions and answers
Service Enrollment:
Merchant cash advance preferences
AI-powered analytics selections
Virtual CFO service requirements
Business consulting needs
Technology integration preferences
2.2 Information Collected Automatically
Technical Information:
IP address and device identifiers
Browser type, operating system, device type
Access dates, times, and duration
Pages visited and features used
Referral sources and exit pages
Geolocation data (only with explicit consent)
Business Intelligence Data (via AI Systems):
Daily transaction volumes and patterns
Seasonal business trends and cycles
Cash flow patterns and projections
Industry-specific performance metrics
Merchant category code (MCC) data
2.3 Information from Third Parties
We may receive information from:
Financial Institutions: Via Plaid for bank account verification and transaction
data
Credit Bureaus: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion for credit reports
Public Records: Hawaii DCCA, tax records, UCC filings
Payment Processors: Transaction and sales data
AI Systems Provider: Processed insights and risk assessments
Referral Partners: Basic business contact information
3. Legal Basis and Purpose of Collection
3.1 Legal Basis for Processing
We process your information based on:
Consent: For marketing communications and optional services
Contract Performance: To provide funding and related services
Legal Obligations: To comply with BSA/AML requirements, tax laws
Legitimate Interests: For fraud prevention, security, and service improvement
3.2 How We Use Your Information
Core Business Purposes:
Evaluate merchant cash advance applications
Perform underwriting and risk assessment
Process funding disbursements
Monitor and collect daily remittances via ACH
Provide customer support and account management
Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
Technology Services:
Generate AI-powered business insights
Create automated financial reports
Provide predictive analytics and alerts
Deliver virtual CFO recommendations
Optimize cash flow management strategies
Security and Compliance:
Verify identity and prevent fraud
Conduct BSA/AML screening (OFAC checks)
Monitor for suspicious activities
Maintain transaction records (7 years per federal law)
Respond to legal process and regulatory inquiries
Communications:
Send funding decisions and account updates
Provide service notifications and alerts
Share educational content and best practices
Deliver security alerts and breach notifications
Respond to customer inquiries
4. Information Sharing and Disclosure
4.1 Service Providers
We share information with carefully selected service providers who assist us:
Technology Partners:
AI and automation systems provider
Plaid (bank verification) - SOC 2 certified
DocuSign (e-signatures) - ISO 27001 certified
Cloud hosting provider - FedRAMP authorized
Communication services provider
Financial Partners:
Central Pacific Bank, First Hawaiian Bank, Bank of Hawaii (ACH processing)
Payment processing services - PCI DSS Level 1
Credit bureaus for underwriting
Professional Services:
Legal counsel
Independent auditors
Marketing partners (anonymized data only)
4.2 Legal Disclosures
We may disclose information when:
Required by subpoena, court order, or legal process
Necessary to comply with Hawaii state or federal law
Required to investigate or prevent fraud
Needed to protect rights, property, or safety
Necessary for law enforcement cooperation
4.3 Business Transfers
In the event of merger, acquisition, reorganization, or asset sale:
We will notify you before your information is transferred
The acquiring entity must honor this Privacy Policy
You may opt out of the transfer where legally permitted
4.4 No Sale of Personal Information
We do not and will not sell your personal information to third parties. We do not
share your information for cross-context behavioral advertising.
5. Data Security
5.1 Technical Safeguards
We implement industry-standard security measures:
Encryption: 256-bit SSL for transmission, AES-256 for storage
Access Controls: Role-based permissions, multi-factor authentication
Monitoring: 24/7 security monitoring, intrusion detection
Infrastructure: SOC 2 Type II compliant data centers
Backups: Daily encrypted backups, geographic redundancy
5.2 Administrative Safeguards
Background checks for all employees
Annual security training requirements
Confidentiality agreements for all staff
Principle of least privilege access
Regular security audits and assessments
5.3 Breach Response
In accordance with HRS §487N-2, if a security breach occurs:
We will notify you without unreasonable delay
Notice will include nature of breach and steps to take
We will provide credit monitoring if SSN compromised
We will notify Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection
We maintain cyber liability insurance coverage
6. Your Privacy Rights
6.1 Rights Under Hawaii Law
Hawaii residents have the right to:
Access: Obtain copies of your personal information
Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
Deletion: Request deletion (subject to legal retention requirements)
Opt-Out: Opt out of sale/sharing (we don't sell data)
Portability: Receive data in portable format
Non-Discrimination: Not face retaliation for exercising rights
6.2 Exercising Your Rights
To exercise your rights:
Online: Privacy portal at www.hmfhawaii.com/privacy-rights
Email: privacy@hmfhawaii.com
Phone: (808) 555-FUND (3863)
Mail: Privacy Office, 1388 Bishop Street, Suite 1010, Honolulu, HI 96813
Verification Process:
We will verify your identity before processing requests
May require government ID and account information
Authorized agents must provide written authorization
We will respond within 30 days (45 days for complex requests)
6.3 Appeal Process
If we deny your request:
We will explain the reason for denial
You may appeal to our Data Protection Officer
Appeals resolved within 30 days
You may file complaint with Hawaii OCP
7. Cookies and Tracking
7.1 Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies:
Session management and security
User authentication
Feature functionality
Cannot be disabled
Analytics Cookies:
Google Analytics (anonymized IP)
Usage patterns and performance
User experience optimization
Can be disabled via browser
Marketing Cookies:
Used only with explicit consent
Preference remembering
Relevant content delivery
Full opt-out available
7.2 Managing Cookies
Browser settings control most cookies
"Do Not Track" signals honored
Cookie-free access available on request
See www.hmfhawaii.com/cookie-policy for details
8. Data Retention
We retain information according to legal and business requirements:
Data Type Retention Period Legal Basis
Funding Records 7 years IRS requirements
Transaction Data 7 years BSA/AML
regulations
Account
Information
Duration of relationship + 7
years Business records
Marketing Data Until opt-out or 3 years inactive Legitimate interest
Security Logs 1 year Security purposes
Cookies Session or up to 1 year Per cookie policy
Deletion performed securely using DoD 5220.22-M standards.
9. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect
information from minors. If we discover collection from someone under 18, we will
promptly delete the information and terminate any account.
10. Marketing and Communications
10.1 Marketing Preferences
We will only send marketing with your consent:
Opt-in required for marketing emails
SMS marketing requires explicit consent
Recorded calls require prior consent
10.2 Opt-Out Methods
Click "unsubscribe" in any marketing email
Text STOP to any SMS message
Call (808) 555-FUND
Email optout@hmfhawaii.com
Update preferences at www.hmfhawaii.com/preferences
10.3 Essential Communications
You cannot opt out of:
Funding agreements and changes
Security alerts and breach notices
Payment confirmations
Legal notices
Account verification
11. California Privacy Rights
California residents have additional rights under CCPA/CPRA:
Right to know categories and specific pieces of information
Right to delete (with exceptions)
Right to opt-out of sale (we don't sell)
Right to non-discrimination
Right to limit use of sensitive information
See our California Privacy Notice at www.hmfhawaii.com/privacy-ca
12. Hawaii-Specific Provisions
12.1 Compliance with Hawaii Law
We comply with:
HRS Chapter 487N (Security Breach Act)
Hawaii Consumer Data Protection Act
Hawaii Consumer Protection Act (HRS §480)
Hawaii Electronic Communications Privacy Act (HRS §803)
Office of Consumer Protection regulations
12.2 Special Protections
Social Security numbers encrypted and access restricted
Biometric data requires explicit written consent
Native Hawaiian cultural values respected in all practices
Local data residency available upon request
13. Third-Party Links
Our Platform may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their
privacy practices. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing
information.
14. International Users
Our Platform operates from Hawaii, USA. By using our services from outside the United
States, you consent to transfer and processing of your information in the United States,
which may have different privacy protections than your jurisdiction.
15. Changes to this Policy
We may update this Policy to reflect changes in law or our practices:
Material changes notified 30 days in advance
Email notice to registered users
Banner notification on Platform
Continued use constitutes acceptance
16. Contact Information
Hawaii Merchant Funding, LLC
Privacy Office
1388 Bishop Street, Suite 1010
Honolulu, HI 96813
General Privacy Inquiries:
Phone: (808) 555-FUND (3863)
Email: privacy@hmfhawaii.com
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM HST
Data Protection Officer:
Email: dpo@hmfhawaii.com
Phone: (808) 555-3864
Regulatory Complaints:
Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection
Phone: (808) 586-2630
Website: cca.hawaii.gov/ocp
17. Accessibility
This Policy is available in alternative formats:
Large print version
Audio version
Hawaiian language version (upon request)
Screen reader compatible HTML
Contact accessibility@hmfhawaii.com for assistance.
18. Severability
If any provision of this Policy is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions will
continue in full force and effect.
19. Governing Law
This Policy is governed by Hawaii law without regard to conflict of law principles. Any
disputes will be resolved in Hawaii state courts in Honolulu.
20. Mahalo
Thank you for trusting Hawaii Merchant Funding with your information. We are
committed to maintaining that trust through transparent practices, robust security, and
full compliance with all applicable privacy laws.
E mālama pono - Take good care,
The Hawaii Merchant Funding Team