Post #270934 by christiki295 on Thu, Dec 7, 2006 12:58 AM

[i]On 2006-12-05 09:40, greg_surfs wrote:

As for Walmart, I take a little gentler approach to their presence in the islands. Sure, I know your small town in Iowa might be challenged by the presence of the big discounter and it may up the pace of change affecting small stores, etc. But there's a different mindset in the most remote island group in the world. It's cargo culture, baby! Stuff is hard to come by and prices are high. If somebody can come in and drop the prices, people are happy in the islands. So, yeah, I buy my souvenirs from the locals, usually find a contact who can get me a sunrise shell necklace, or Niihau leis, at a good price, but certain to have been made locally, and NOT imported from P.I. However, I'm happy to get my Hawaiian Host chocolates and all the other cheesy stuff to bring back to the Mainland, at a good price in Sam's store.

I voted Democrat in every election since 1981 (when i turned 18) and I'm very liberal.

It also may be the 2nd largest employer on the island, behind Wilcox Hospital next door.
Not that Walmart provides good jobs - they don't and are ruining good jobs and labor here in the US - but a Walmart is better than nothing.

PS - you may wish to buy your tiki souvenirs at Hilo Hatties, next door on the other side.