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competition, small mom-and-pop stores who could barely eek out a living but contributed to the <br />economy nonetheless. <br />In the years that Wal-Mart has been on the Big Island, some small stores have gone out of <br />business. While Wal-Mart has also provided jobs and low prices for Big Island residents, the <br />jury is still out on whether the net effect has been good for Hawaii or not. But now the Planning <br />Director proposes to develop a supercenter zoning district that will surely kill off most of the <br />competition. While we cannot fault Hilo residents for patronizing supercenters because of the <br />low prices we also do not want to have the economic community taken over by a huge national <br />corporation that may be more concerned about its profits than the impact it will have on the <br />community it is in. <br />We dont need supercenters in Hilo or on the Big Island. <br />TheILWUstronglyopposesasupercenterzoneandurgesthattheHawaiiCountyPlanning <br />Commission reject that proposal. Thank you. <br />WATANABE:Thank you. Do we have any questions for this testifier? <br />DOMINGO:Just one comment. You said you represent the ILWU? <br />ATER:Right, at my store. <br />DOMINGO:At your store? <br />ATER:Yes. <br />DOMINGO:I see. Would you be aware of approximately how many members there <br />are in the division? <br />ATER:Both two stores its 70, about seven zero. <br />DOMINGO:Im glad that youve taken the initiative to come up and speak -. <br />ATER:Sorry, I was a nervous wreck. <br />DOMINGO:We appreciate that. Just cool off, calm down. You know, normally when <br />you think of unions, labor unions like that, the concentration is on wages, medical, other <br />benefits; and thats where it stops. As far back as I can recall, the ILWU has played a major part <br />in the growth of our state and effectuating certain social revolutions in the past, which has <br />brought about many changes that all the people in the state benefits. And I appreciate you <br />coming and appreciate the union coming up and making such, taking such a position and a <br />stance. Thank you very much. <br />ATER:Thank you. <br />22 EXHIBIT B <br /> <br />