HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0032.074 2006-2008 Cindy Richardson
121 Alae Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
October 2, 2007
The Honorable Mayor of Hawaii County and
Hawaii County Council Members
IZE: Wal-Mart Superstores/Large-format Stores on the Big Island
October 3 2007 Hawaii Count~Council Meeting on above
Dear Honorable Mayor and Hawaii County Council Members:
I am an adult resident of Hilo, Hawaii and unable to be in attendance at the above-
referenced meeting, so I submit this letter in efforts to convey my thoughts and position on the
Wal-Mart Superstores/Large-format stores ("Wal-Mart Superstores/extra locations") proposal to
be considered at said meeting.
I~,m in SUPPORT of brinEine Wal-Mart Sucerstores to Hilo and the B'¢ Lland a
soon as possible for the followine reasons:
1. Wal-Mart Superstores/extra locations will add hundreds of
jobs and
employmentJhealth benefits for numerous Big Island residents;
2. In addition, Wal-Mart Superstores/extra locations would significantly help our
local fanners, local transportation companies, gas companies, etc. by buying large
quantities of the local fruits, vegetables, meats and garden/household plants on a
regular basis for merchandising in their stores. These products will need to be
transported to each store and the gas for the transportation is obvious; the long-
term job benefits are widespread, far reaching and improve the life and livelihood
for all across the State, not just the County!;
3. The additional Wal-Mart Superstorelextra locations would not diminish current
tax revenues, but rather increase them! Year around the parking lots at Wal-Mart
in Hilo and Kona are consistently full. At Christmas especially, it is impossible
to find a parking place due to these stores popularity! The extra locations/Wal-
Mart Superstores would ease the undeniable current congestion and promote
customer purchases with easier and more rewarding shopping experiences;
Comm: No. J7 7
Ref. Toe he~~ unsi
Rif, pcte
_ .
The Honorable Mayor of Hawaii County and
Hawaii County Council Members
Page 2
October 2, 2007
4. The existing Wal-Mart stores in Hilo and Kona aze not hindering the local "Mom
Fc Pop" retailers currently, nor would Wal-Mart Superstoresfextta locations in the
future. Wal-Mart Superstores/extra tocations will give consumers a broader range
of product choice and price points with added location convenience. Friendly
business competition is healthy for personal, business, County and State budgets.
I do not like being told currently that my choices are tuna, tuna or tuna at
outrageous and exorbitant prices; variety IS necessary! America is about freedom
of choice, not someone's dictatorship!;
5. Votes Wal-Mart Superstores are not votes against local "Mom & Pop"
retailers; I am not against local "Mom & Pop" retailers either for they have a
purpose in our local economies as well. I am FOR better product choices, more
affordable price points for items that my family and I use everyday, and
improving life and livelihood for everybody, especially those residing in the
County of Hawaii. I believe that Wal-Mart (and Wal-Mart Superstores in the
future) azelwill be giving back tremendously to our local communities in
increased positive and responsible ways, respectively.
6. I also support having Sam's Club come to Hilo, in addition to Wal-Mart
Superstores/extra locations for the same reasons set foRh above. Many local
families need the benefit of bulk quantity purchases and my family is no
exception to this need, as we aze considered a large family by today's statistics on
the average American family size. Kona already has Costco, Hilo needs Sam's
Club! The locals and tourists can easily support each of these stores and the
"Mom & Pop" stores as well. They create awin-win situation for all.
Please do not miss your opportunity to forevermore improve the lives of all who reside in
the State of Hawaii, and Hawaii County especially, in this most important vote on Wal-Mart
5uperstores/extra locations. Please help Wal-Mart 5uperstores/extra locations and Sam's Club
to be established here and help us all enjoy life more abundantly! I urge each of
~u to vote
FOR Wal-Mart Superstoreslextra Locations and Sam's Club coming as soon as~ossible to
Hilo and the Big Island. Please extend a warm and inviting E KOMO MAI to Wal-Mart
Superstores/extra locations and Sam's Club, and a loving ALOHA to all local ohana with
your vote FOR WaI-Mart SuperstoresJextra locations and Sam's Club! Mahalo!
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Richardson