Local values imply a cultural basis (and bias) from the plantation.  Workers were non-haole.  Many were Japanese.  The Luna or the bosses were haole.  The kanaka maoli were not early plantation workers ( for the most part).  Like the haole, the kanaka maoli were "outsiders" from plantation worker culture.

Today, the local culture has morphed into state government culture, which is evident in public unions and at the legislature.  You are correct that this article reflects Japanese values, which has become synonymous with local culture, and how our state operates.  In a not too distant past, state workers were predominantly Japanese.  There also was a glass ceiling for non-Japanese (if you managed to get in), and an expectation of "enryo" or restraint as it relates to diverse opinions.

As it relates to Chelsea Kent she (and others) brought diverse and a progressive agenda to our local Democratic Party.  As an outider Ms. Kent (and others) infiltrated the stalwart local party.