SUPPLY CHAIN small budget . Now that they have a life-cycle view of procurement and customer service , Allen is looking to introduce them to pricing analysis and contract law . “ The multi-billion contracts and programs we work on are a fantastic opportunity for us to get involved with the economic sustainability of Hawaii ,” she adds .
As we saw , contingency management and food security are key areas of concern . Leveraging state food programs in collaboration with the departments of agriculture and defense would reduce the islands ’ dependence on food from the mainland and stimulate local supply chains , and she remarks on the juxtaposition between the shortterm political view , and the long-term need . She ’ s also partnered with the Counties for Kauai and Big Island , as part of the Governor ’ s Executive Task Force on managing the floods and the lava , along with the Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ), to conduct compliant procurements for federal aid .
Hawaii ’ s main source of revenue is tourism , another area Allen sees scope for reform . The island ’ s 10 commercial airports have long wanted to group themselves under an airports authority and Allen is very committed to helping them to do that . “ We need a focus on points of entry and exit . I want them to be really successful and to work seamlessly with the Department of Transportation , the governor ’ s office and the airport authorities .” It ’ s a shame , she adds , that the legislation to create a central authority has stalled over recent years .
Despite Hawaii ’ s laid-back image , islanders are really hard-working . Their processes may not be familiar to outsiders but they are effective . For Allen , the Aloha spirit is about awareness of self-worth , but with humility . “ I am still learning every day . Aloha has really helped shape me as a leader : it has taught me that while the mission is important , it ’ s subservient to the spirit of people and place .” www . businesschief . com 121