Hawaii Island Business Report 2018
Questions & Answers
What is an old way of doing business that is important to preserve today?
There are several parts to this that are tied together with a strong sense of integrity and personal responsibility. Today we carry this out by being very clear in what our expectations are of those who we do business with and what our commitments are. It is always best to have these stated and understood up front. Beyond that, personal responsibility (whether that is personal to a person or to – as in our case – a corporation) includes the overall effect of our business and its facilities on our customers and the community in which they exist. We ask ourselves whether we are building buildings that our community can take pride in. Beyond that are we managing our properties in a way that our clients can have a sense of pride in where they work and can focus on doing their primary work without worry about condition of facilities or safe neighborhoods. These are commitments that W. H. Shipman has held dear for generations and will for generations to come.
–Bill Walter;
President, W.H. Shipman, Limited
Face to face transactions will always have an edge over virtual transactions; they are far more personal and effective. While businesses are going away from brick and mortar, being more customer centric and doing business the way customers want to with convenience, competitive pricing and choice are all components of doing business. However, consummating the deal in person will always add that personal touch.
–Jackie DeLuz;
President/Secretary, Big Island Toyota
A traditional way of doing business on Hawaii Island is to “malama community.” Supporting – and participating in – community events and initiatives has been a fundamental value to businesses who have survived – and thrived – through numerous generations here on Hawaii Island. Furthermore, Hawaiian language and culture can be integrated in business practices here in Hawaii. If done with integrity, that is our competitive advantage which helps to further normalize and sustain our Hawaiian way of living.
–Kaiu Kimura;
Executive Director, Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii
I think a traditional way of doing business relevant then, as it is now, is to build the business built upon true and lasting relationships and trust. I think this is a facet of tradition which still has tremendous value and purpose today. People really don’t know how much you know, until they know how much you care. I don’t think you can build any long lasting business without an intentional focus on positive relationships. We owe so much to our associates, our community and our business partners and vendors – all built upon years of positive relationships. This is something we should strive to preserve today and into the future! Also, old fashioned customer service is super important, and more than ever, is critical for a business’ health and well-being. My great grandfather and grandfather predicated our business on this concept and is something we are mindful of daily!
–Toby Taniguchi;
President/Chief Operating Officer, KTA Super Stores
We are committed to providing the best possible care to our community because our family, friends and neighbors deserve it. The Hilo tradition of caring for your patients like your tutu or papa is very much alive and well.
– Dan Brinkman;
CEO, Hilo Medical Center
What is of one of the new ways of doing business that should be implemented on Hawaii Island?
Headquartered in Hilo, we are very aware that we sit outside of the major consumer markets. Technology has been key to our ability to reach customers throughout Hawaii, the continental United States, and internationally. Nothing changes as quickly as does technology. Right now, for example, our challenge is to gain broader awareness of social media. We all must be open and able to embrace change and be able to execute quickly.
–Allan Ikawa;
Chairman and CEO, Big Island Candies
Hawaii Island would benefit from strengthening our collective impact to improve our community. A collective impact model requires having a shared goal that ensures that members of our Kauhale are thriving and succeeding. When we have members of our ohana marginalized because of poverty, it has an impact on all of us and on the future of our island. Reducing poverty increases our economic capacity, our health outcomes and our community vitality.
–Rachel Solemsaas;
Chancellor, Hawaii Community College
From a production business standpoint, it’s about taking on and understanding that it’s all of our responsibilities to be aware of the impacts that we make into the community and also the environment and build that into a business plan to get better to be able to be more efficient, lessen the environmental impact and be able to give back to the company. And a lot of times, businesses get to the point of just trying to make year-end work and be profitable and not taking a bit out of their profits and reinvesting it into approaches that can help the environment, help the city and help people around you. And it’s just something that in this day in time what we need to do ourselves because there’s not going to be foundations or government subsidizing us.
– Billy Smith;
Senior Director of Kona Operations, Kona Brewing Company
To achieve their mission of providing high quality healthcare to West Hawaii, Alii Health Center has added services such as radiology and ultrasound. They have also added much-needed doctors, specialties and programs. Today, the organization employs 21 providers specializing in family practice, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, general surgery, cardiology and orthopedics. In addition, they’ve developed specialty programs including bariatrics and weight management, heartburn and reflux treatment and total joint replacement.
– Clayton McGhan,
MHA; Interim Executive Director, Alii Health Center
