Are big box stores hurting Maui's local economy and island style living?  Are the big box stores putting the Mom and Pop stores out of business and then sending their profits to the mainland (or in some cases forign countries)? This is a big debate on Maui right now.  Recently Maui County Council member Riki Hokama proposed a moratorium on the growth and expansion of superstores on the Valley Isle.  On August 14th, at the Planning Committee meeting, public testimony was given for and against this proposal.  The manager at Wal-mart Kahului feels that this is "anti competitive and unfair", she feels that this may hurt the local businesses and farmers as alot of their products are sold in these large strores.  But aren't these products also sold in other stores? Hokama says "box stores come and kill compitition, once gone the prices won't stay low".

Kauai passed a similar bill in May 2007, banning large corporate stores such as Walmart, Kmart, and Target.  Honolulu County and the Big Island are joining Maui County in the proposal.  The Maui County Council unanimously agreed to push the resolutin forward for review by the Planning Commission, stipulating that the Kauai, Honolulu, and Hawaii Island bills be attached and reviewed by the Commmission and the Cultural Resources Committee and the Hana Advisory Council.

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