Posted on: Wednesday, May 7, 2003

EDITORIAL
Being 'local' is more a matter of the heart

Most people remember that well-worn credo "Think globally, act locally" in a political or environmental context. But apparently, it also works pretty well on the commercial front.

That is the impression, at any rate, following a fairly entertaining flap about locals versus outsiders that came out of our local bank wars. When Central Pacific Bank President Clint Arnoldus tried to position his bank as more "local" than either of the two biggest banks, First Hawaiian and Bank of Hawaii, you could hear the huffing all the way to Kalihi.

Arnoldus was simply trying to make a passing point about ownership, but he inadvertently opened up an extremely sensitive issue for this community.

Perhaps it is because of our relative isolation. Or it might be because many Islanders feel our unique blend of cultures and traditions is under attack by outside forces. Whatever it is, there is fierce pride in defending and honoring what is "local."

This shows up in sports, in business and most certainly in politics. Former Gov. George Ariyoshi built a successful campaign around the slogan "Hawai'i is a special place." That doesn't really say very much, but people knew what he meant.

To some degree, "local pride" may be another form of provincialism. And pride of place is not unique to Hawai'i; it can be found in virtually any community in America.

Still, there is something special about local ways, "Island style" if you will. Some folks can step off a plane and get it immediately. Others can spend most of a lifetime here and never truly get with the program.

Moreover, it's not about who your corporate owners are. Take a spin through Waikiki, for instance, and try to determine which hotels are "locally" owned and which have outside ownership. You might be surprised.

Fundamentally, "local" suggests a way of knowing, sharing with and respecting one's neighbors that seems particularly strong in island cultures. It is pride seasoned with humility.

Every business could profit from a dose of that.