1.	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Description of Business

Central Pacific Financial Corp. is a bank holding company. Our principal operating subsidiary, Central Pacific Bank, is a full-service commercial bank with 34 branches and 120 ATMs located throughout the state of Hawaii. The bank engages in a broad range of lending activities including originating commercial loans, commercial and residential mortgage loans and consumer loans. The bank also offers a variety of deposit products and services. These include personal and business checking and savings accounts, money market accounts and time certificates of deposit. Other products and services include debit cards, internet banking, cash management services, traveler's checks, safe deposit boxes, international banking services, night depository facilities and wire transfers. Wealth management products and services include non-deposit investment products, annuities, insurance, investment management, asset custody and general consultation and planning services.

When we refer to “the Company,” “we,” “us” or “our,” we mean Central Pacific Financial Corp. & Subsidiaries (consolidated). When we refer to “Central Pacific Financial Corp.” or to the holding company, we are referring to the parent company on a standalone basis. When we refer to “our bank” or “the bank,” we mean “Central Pacific Bank.”

The banking business depends on rate differentials, the difference between the interest rates paid on deposits and other borrowings and the interest rates received on loans extended to customers and investment securities held in our portfolio. These rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control. Accordingly, the earnings and growth of the Company are subject to the influence of domestic and foreign economic conditions, including inflation, recession and unemployment.

We have the following four reportable segments: (1) Commercial Real Estate, (2) Hawaii Market, (3) Treasury, and (4) Other. The Commercial Real Estate segment includes construction and real estate development lending in the markets we serve. The Hawaii Market segment includes retail branch offices, commercial lending, residential mortgage lending and servicing, indirect auto lending, trust services and retail brokerage services, and provides for a full range of deposit and loan products, as well as various other banking services. The Treasury segment is responsible for managing the Company's investment securities portfolio and wholesale funding activities. The All Others category includes activities such as electronic banking, data processing and management of bank owned properties. For further information, see Note 26.

In an effort to improve our overall financial position, we adopted and implemented a recovery plan in March 2010 to improve our financial health by completing a significant recapitalization, reducing our credit risk exposure and returning to profitability by focusing on our core businesses and traditional markets in Hawaii. Further details about our recovery plan and the progress we have made to date can be found in Note 3.

With respect to our capital raising efforts, we completed a number of key milestones during 2011. We completed our previously announced capital raise of $325 million through a private placement offering (the “Private Placement”) in February 2011.

Concurrently with the Private Placement, in February 2011, the U.S. Treasury (the “Treasury”) agreed to exchange our Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (the “TARP Preferred Stock”) purchased by the Treasury under the Troubled Assets Relief Program (“TARP”) and accrued and unpaid dividends thereon for approximately $56.2 million in our common stock (the “TARP Exchange”). The Company and Treasury also agreed to amend the ten-year warrant to purchase shares of common stock (the “TARP Warrant”) issued to the Treasury in connection with the Treasury's investment in the TARP Preferred Stock to, among other things, reduce the exercise price to the same per share purchase price in the Private Placement.

In anticipation of the completion of the Private Placement and the TARP Exchange, we effected a 1-for-20 reverse split on February 2, 2011. The reverse stock split was previously approved by our shareholders at the shareholder meeting on May 24, 2010. No fractional shares of common stock were issued as a result of the reverse stock split. For each holder of common stock, the number of shares held prior to the effectiveness of the reverse stock split were divided by twenty and, if the resulting number was not a whole number, then such number was rounded up to the next nearest whole number.

As part of the recapitalization, we also completed a rights offering ( the “Rights Offering”) whereby shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 17, 2011 received transferable rights to purchase newly issued shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $10 per share. The rights provided for the purchase of up to $20.0 million of the Company's common stock by holders of such rights. The Rights Offering was fully subscribed and completed in May 2011.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. We acquired Hawaii HomeLoans (“HHL”), which is now known as Central Pacific HomeLoans (“CPHL”), on August 17, 2005 and we acquired Pacific Islands Financial Management LLC (“PIFM”) on July 1, 2008. The results of operations of CPHL and PIFM are included in the consolidated financial statements from their respective acquisition dates.

Our former subsidiary CPHL was merged into the bank in February 2012.

We have a 50% ownership interest in the following mortgage brokerage companies: Pacific Access Mortgage, LLC and Gentry HomeLoans, LLC. These investments are accounted for using the equity method and are included in investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries. We also have non-controlling equity investments in affiliates that are accounted for under the cost method and are included in investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries.

Our investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries accounted for under the equity and cost methods were $0.6 million and $12.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2011 and $0.7 million and $14.2 million, respectively, at December 31, 2010. Our policy for determining impairment of these investments includes an evaluation of whether a loss in value of an investment is other than temporary. Evidence of a loss in value includes absence of an ability to recover the carrying amount of the investment or the inability of the investee to sustain an earnings capacity which would justify the carrying amount of the investment. We perform impairment tests whenever indicators of impairment are present. If the value of an investment declines and it is considered other than temporary, the investment is written down to its respective fair value in the period in which this determination is made.

The Company sponsors the Central Pacific Bank Foundation which is not consolidated in the Company's financial statements.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that reflect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and contingent liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance and provision for loan and lease losses, reserves for unfunded commitments, residential mortgage repurchase reserves and deferred income tax assets and income tax expense, as well as the valuation of investment securities, other intangible assets and the related amortization thereon, pension liability and the fair value of certain financial instruments.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, we consider cash and cash equivalents to include cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits in other banks, federal funds sold and all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase.

Investment Securities

Investments in debt securities and marketable equity securities are designated as trading, available for sale, or held to maturity. Securities are designated as held to maturity only if we have the positive intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity. Held to maturity debt securities are reported at amortized cost. Trading securities are reported at fair value, with changes in fair value included in earnings. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value with net unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”).

We use current quotations, where available, to estimate the fair value of investment securities. Where current quotations are not available, we estimate fair value based on the present value of expected future cash flows. We consider the facts of each security including the nature of the security, the amount and duration of the loss, credit quality of the issuer, the expectations for that security's performance and our intent and ability to hold the security until recovery. Declines in the value of debt securities and marketable equity securities that are considered other than temporary are recorded in other operating income. Realized gains and losses on the sale of investment securities are recorded in other operating income using the specific identification method.

We amortize premiums and accrete discounts associated with investment securities using the interest method over the life of the respective security instrument.

As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle (“FHLB”), the bank is required to obtain and hold a specific number of shares of capital stock of the FHLB based on the amount of outstanding FHLB advances. The securities are reported at cost and are presented separately in the consolidated balance sheets.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans held for sale consists of Hawaii residential mortgage loans, as well as residential and commercial construction loans. Hawaii residential mortgage loans classified as held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value on an aggregate basis, while mainland residential and commercial construction loans are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value on an individual basis. Net fees and costs associated with originating and acquiring residential mortgage loans held for sale are deferred and included in the basis for determining the gain or loss on sales of loans held for sale.

Loans originated with the intent to be held in our portfolio are subsequently transferred to held for sale when our intent to hold for the foreseeable future has changed. At the time of a loan's transfer to the held for sale account, the loan is recorded at the lower of cost or fair value. Any reduction in the loan's value is reflected as a write-down of the recorded investment resulting in a new cost basis, with a corresponding reduction in the allowance for loan and lease losses.

In subsequent periods, if the fair value of a loan classified as held for sale is less than its cost basis, a valuation adjustment is recognized in our consolidated statement of operations in other operating expense and the carrying value of the loan is adjusted accordingly. The valuation adjustment may be recovered in the event that the fair value increases, which is also recognized in our consolidated statement of operations in other operating expense.

The fair value of loans classified as held for sale are generally based upon quoted prices for similar assets in active markets, acceptance of firm offer letters with agreed upon purchase prices, discounted cash flow models that take into account market observable assumptions, or independent appraisals of the underlying collateral securing the loans. Collateral values are determined based on appraisals received from qualified valuation professionals and are obtained periodically or when indicators that property values may be impaired are present.

We sell residential mortgage loans under industry standard contractual provisions that include various representations and warranties, which typically cover ownership of the loan, compliance with loan criteria set forth in the applicable agreement, validity of the lien securing the loan, and other similar matters. We may be required to repurchase certain loans sold with identified defects, indemnify the investor, or reimburse the investor for any credit losses incurred. Our repurchase risk generally relates to early payment defaults and borrower fraud. We establish residential mortgage repurchase reserves to reflect this risk based on our estimate of losses after considering a combination of factors, including our estimate of future repurchase activity and our projection of expected credit losses resulting from repurchased loans. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, this reserve totaled $6.8 million and $5.0 million, respectively, and is included in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.

Loans

Loans are stated at the principal amount outstanding, net of unearned income. Unearned income represents net deferred loan fees that are recognized over the life of the related loan as an adjustment to yield. Net deferred loan fees are amortized using the interest method over the contractual term of the loan, adjusted for actual prepayments. Unamortized fees on loans paid in full are recognized as a component of interest income.

Interest income on loans is recognized on an accrual basis. For all loan types, the Company determines delinquency status by considering the number of days full payments required by the contractual terms of the loan are past due. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when interest payments are 90 days past due, or earlier should management determine that the borrowers will be unable to meet contractual principal and/or interest obligations, unless the loans are well-secured and in the process of collection. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period interest income should management determine that the collectibility of such accrued interest is doubtful. All subsequent receipts are applied to principal outstanding and no interest income is recognized unless the financial condition and payment record of the borrowers warrant such recognition. A nonaccrual loan may be restored to an accrual basis when principal and interest payments are current and full payment of principal and interest is expected.

Leases

We provide equipment financing to our customers through a variety of lease arrangements. Direct financing leases are carried at the aggregate of lease payments receivable plus estimated residual value of the leased property, less unearned income. Unearned income on direct financing leases is amortized over the lease terms by methods that approximate the interest method.

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

The allowance for loan and lease losses (the “Allowance”) is established through provisions for loan and lease losses (the “Provision”) charged against income. Our policy is to charge a loan off in the period in which the loan is deemed to be uncollectible and all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period interest income. We consider a loan to be uncollectible when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the Company can make a reasonable estimate of the loss. In these instances, the likelihood of and/or timeframe for recovery of the amount due is uncertain, weak, or protracted. Subsequent receipts, if any, are credited first to the remaining principal, then to the Allowance as recoveries, and finally to unaccrued interest.

The Allowance is maintained at a level that management deems sufficient to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Our methodology for determining the adequacy of the Allowance takes into account many factors, including the level and trend of nonperforming and potential problem loans, net charge-off experience, current repayment by borrowers, fair value of collateral securing specific loans, changes in lending and underwriting standards and general economic factors, nationally and in the markets in which we operate. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination processes, periodically review our Allowance. Such agencies may require that we recognize additions to the Allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

We consider current information and events regarding our borrowers' ability to repay their obligations and treat a loan as impaired when it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. When a loan is considered to be impaired, the amount of the impairment is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, if the loan is considered to be collateral dependent, based on the fair value of the collateral. Impairment losses are included in the Allowance through a charge to the Provision.

For smaller-balance homogeneous loans (primarily residential real estate and consumer loans), the Allowance is based upon management's evaluation of the quality, character and inherent risks in the loan portfolio, current and projected economic conditions, and past loan loss experience.

Delinquent consumer loans and residential mortgage loans are charged off or written down within 120 days, unless determined to be adequately collateralized or in imminent process of collection. Delinquent commercial loans and commercial mortgage loans are charged off or written down when management determines that collectibility is doubtful and the principal amount of the loans cannot be repaid from proceeds of collateral liquidation.

Our process for determining the reserve for unfunded commitments is consistent with our process for determining the Allowance and is adjusted for estimated loan funding probabilities. Reserves for unfunded commitments are recorded separately through a valuation allowance included in other liabilities. Credit losses for off-balance sheet credit exposures are deducted from the allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures in the period in which the liability is settled. The allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit losses is established by a charge to other operating expense. The reserve for unfunded commitments totaled $7.3 million and $5.6 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are included in other operating expense and are computed using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the applicable leases. Useful lives range from five to thirty-nine years for premises and improvements, and one to seven years for equipment. Major improvements and betterments are capitalized, while recurring maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expense. Net gains or losses on dispositions of premises and equipment are included in other operating expense.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

During the first quarter of 2010, we determined that an impairment test on our remaining goodwill was required because of the uncertainty regarding our ability to continue as a going concern at that time combined with the fact that our market capitalization remained depressed. As a result of that impairment test, we determined that the remaining goodwill associated with our Hawaii Market reporting unit was impaired and we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $102.7 million. Since that time, we had no goodwill remaining on our consolidated balance sheet. See Note 10 for further information regarding the impairment charge.

Prior to the first quarter of 2010, we reviewed the carrying amount of goodwill for impairment on an annual basis and performed additional assessments on a quarterly basis whenever indicators of impairment were evident. Goodwill attributable to each of our reporting units was tested for impairment by comparing their respective fair values to their carrying values. When determining fair value, we utilized a discounted cash flow methodology for our Commercial Real Estate reporting unit and versions of the guideline company, guideline transaction and discounted cash flow methodologies for our Hawaii Market reporting unit. Absent any impairment indicators, we performed our annual goodwill impairment tests during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year.

Similar to our process for evaluating our goodwill for impairment, we also perform an impairment assessment of our other intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that the carrying value of those assets may not be recoverable.

Our impairment assessment of goodwill and other intangible assets involve, among other valuation methods, the estimation of future cash flows and other methods of determining fair value. Estimating future cash flows and determining fair values is subject to judgments and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions about the future growth and potential volatility in revenues and costs, capital expenditures, industry economic factors and future business strategy. The variability of the factors we use to perform the goodwill impairment test depends on a number of conditions, including uncertainty about future events and cash flows. All such factors are interdependent and, therefore, do not change in isolation. Accordingly, our accounting estimates may materially change from period to period due to changing market factors. If we had used other assumptions and estimates or if different conditions occur in future periods, including, but not limited to, changes in other reporting units or operating segments, future operating results could be materially impacted.

Other intangible assets include core deposit premiums, mortgage servicing rights, customer relationships and non-compete agreements, which are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. Other intangible assets are evaluated for impairment if events and circumstances indicate a possible impairment. Core deposit premiums are amortized on an accelerated basis over a 14-year period. Mortgage servicing rights are recorded when loans are sold with servicing rights retained, thereby creating a right to receive loan servicing fees. These rights are assessed for impairment on a quarterly basis. Any such indicated impairment is recognized in income during the period in which it occurs. Mortgage servicing rights are amortized over the period of estimated net servicing income. Customer relationships and non-compete agreements are amortized on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of ten and five years, respectively.

Other Real Estate

Other real estate is composed of properties acquired through foreclosure proceedings and is initially recorded at fair value less estimated costs to sell the property, thereby establishing the new cost basis of other real estate. Losses arising at the time of acquisition of such properties are charged against the Allowance. Subsequent to acquisition, such properties are carried at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated selling expenses, determined on an individual asset basis. Any deficiency resulting from the excess of cost over fair value less estimated selling expenses is recognized as a valuation allowance. Any subsequent increase in fair value up to its cost basis is recorded as a reduction of the valuation allowance. Increases or decreases in the valuation allowance are included in other operating expense. Net gains or losses recognized on the sale of these properties are included in other operating income.

Non-Controlling Interest

Non-controlling interest is comprised of preferred stock issued to third parties by the Company's subsidiaries, CPB Real Estate, Inc. and Citibank Properties, Inc.

Share Based Compensation

On January 1, 2006, we adopted the provisions within Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation. Under this guidance, share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the employee's requisite service period. We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair-value of stock-based awards and we recognize compensation expense for all share-based payment awards on a straight-line basis over their respective vesting period. See Note 16 for further discussion of our stock-based compensation.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences and carryforwards. A valuation allowance may be required if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In determining whether a valuation allowance is necessary, we consider the level of taxable income in prior years, to the extent that carrybacks are permitted under current tax laws, as well as estimates of future taxable income and tax planning strategies that could be implemented to accelerate taxable income, if necessary. If our estimates of future taxable income were materially overstated or if our assumptions regarding the tax consequences of tax planning strategies were inaccurate, some or all of our deferred tax assets may not be realized, which would result in a charge to earnings. Our continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in interest expense and other expense, respectively.

We establish income tax contingency reserves for potential tax liabilities related to uncertain tax positions. Tax benefits are recognized when we determine that it is more likely than not that such benefits will be realized. Where uncertainty exists due to the complexity of income tax statutes, and where the potential tax amounts are significant, we generally seek independent tax opinions to support our positions. If our evaluation of the likelihood of the realization of benefits is inaccurate, we could incur additional income tax and interest expense that would adversely impact earnings, or we could receive tax benefits greater than anticipated which would positively impact earnings.

Earnings (Loss) per Share

Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, excluding unvested restricted stock. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, increased by the dilutive effect of stock options and stock awards, less shares held in a Rabbi trust pursuant to a deferred compensation plan for directors.

Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts

We are periodically a party to a limited amount of forward foreign exchange contracts to satisfy customer requirements for foreign currencies. These contracts are not utilized for trading purposes and are carried at market value, with realized gains and losses included in fees on foreign exchange.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities

We recognize all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. On the date that we enter into a derivative contract, we designate the derivative as (1) a hedge of the fair value of an identified asset or liability (“fair value hedge”), (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to an identified asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”) or (3) a transaction not qualifying for hedge accounting (“free standing derivative”). For a fair value hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative and, to the extent that it is effective, changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability, attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in current period net income in the same financial statement category as the hedged item. For a cash flow hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative, to the extent that it is effective, is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”). These changes in fair value are subsequently reclassified to net income in the same period(s) that the hedged transaction affects net income in the same financial statement category as the hedged item. For free standing derivatives, changes in fair values are reported in current period other operating income.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-20, Receivables (Topic 310), Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses. This ASU requires a greater level of disaggregated information about the credit quality of loan and leases and the allowance for loan and lease losses. This ASU also requires additional disclosures related to past due information, credit quality indicators and information related to loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”). We adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2011.

In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-02, A Creditor's Determination of Whether a Restructuring is a Troubled Debt Restructuring. This ASU provides additional guidance related to determining whether a creditor has granted a concession, includes factors and examples for creditors to consider in evaluating whether a restructuring results in a delay in payment that is insignificant, prohibits creditors from using the borrower's effective rate test to evaluate whether a concession has been granted to the borrower, and adds factors for creditors to use in determining whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties. We adopted this ASU in the Company's reporting period ended September 30, 2011.

The adoption of the pronouncements described above did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.