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<br /> In addition, news articles from Kauai and interviews from Oahu have provided numerous <br /> accounts of communities benefding from our presence and small businesses prospering <br /> along side our stores. <br /> But even if it were true that Supercenters were bad for local businesses, the proposal <br /> before you would do nothing to protect them, because it would not prevent Wal-Mart or <br /> any other retailer from opening stores in every town on the Big Island, no matter how <br /> large, unless they carried Groceries. It seems fairly obvious that the real intended <br /> beneficiaries of the proposal are the big supermarket chains who seek protection against <br /> competition that might force them to reduce their prices. <br /> Wal-Mart is proud to be a part of the Big Island and I am proud to have been a part of <br /> the store opening team for the Hilo Wal-Mart. We employ over 750 associates in our <br /> two stores in Hilo and Kona. Full-time hourly associates in Hawaii eam an average of <br /> $10.58/hour, with great benefits and bonuses. Our customers often tell us how much <br /> they appreciate the savings Wal-Mart offers them on the necessities of life. <br /> Wal-Mart stands ready, willing and able to sit down with County leaders to discuss <br /> community problems and concerns and to find fair solutions that do not restrict free <br /> competition or unnecessarily burden working families. We want to continue to serve the <br /> people of the Big Island. We ask only for an even playing field. <br /> Respectfully, <br /> Brian Halsey <br /> Hawaii Market Manager <br /> cc: The Hon. Pete Hoffman <br /> The Hon. Dominic Yagong <br /> The Hon. Donald Ikeda <br /> The Hon. J Yoshimoto <br /> The Hon. Stacy Higa <br /> The Hon. Emily Naeole <br /> The Hon. Bob Jacobson <br /> The Hon. Brenda Ford <br /> Attachments <br /> <br />