2007-05-24 TSUPERSTORE - Laserfiche WebLink

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GRAHAM: Thank you very much. I can start with the gentleman on the right, and start with your name and address, please, and use the microphone, so that we can catch it on our transcription. HALSEY: Okay. GRAHAM: Go right ahead. HALSEY: Good afternoon. My name is Brian Halsey. My office address is at 94-595 Kupuohi Street in Waipahu. I am the Hawaii Market Manager for Wal-Mart. I oversee all the operations for the stores here in the state. I’d like to thank you for this opportunity to testify against the Resolution 21-07, the Amendment to Chapter 25 of the Hawaii County Code, relating to Retail Establishments. We strongly oppose this legislation. It’s anti-competitive and unfair. I’ve been with the company for over 18 years. Since the mid-90s, I actually helped as an assistant manager open the Hilo store. And I’ve come to truly appreciate the people and the communities on the Big Island, and I want to see the island continue to thrive with smart growth and planning for generations to come. One might assume that Wal-Mart would be the only existing business on the Big Island affected by this legislation. Unfortunately, that assumption would be wrong. Many of the local farmers and businesses would also be harmed. Why? This bill would keep us from expanding our local supplier base with additional farmers and local businesses. Approximately 40 percent of our items for our Hawaii stores come from the State of Hawaii, from over 487 Hawaii vendors and suppliers, supporting nearly 17,000 jobs. Many are based on the Big Island. One example is Hawaiian Sunshine Nursery; they have supplied our Hawaii stores with various plants since 1996. Even our Wal-Mart branded milk and bread is done in the State of Hawaii by local vendors. Wal-Mart is proud to be a part of the Big Island. As one of the island’s largest employers, we provide work for more than 750 associates in the two stores in Hilo and Kona. Average full-time associates earn $12.19 an hour for the State of Hawaii, with great benefits and bonuses. Wal-Mart stands ready and willing and able to sit down with County leaders to discuss community problems and concerns to find fair solutions that do not restrict free competition and unnecessary burden on island residents. Our goal at Wal-Mart is to be able to serve our communities with the best service and the best quality and selection at our everyday low price. After all, that’s what the residents of Hawaii deserve. Thank you again for allowing me to testify. GRAHAM: Thank you, Mr. Halsey. Do we have any questions for Mr. Halsey from the Commissioners? Thank you. Yes, Commissioner Woodward? EXHIBIT E 5