The SMS Research poll paid for by the world's largest retailer found 41 percent of those survey said they were "strongly" in favor of a Supercenter and an additional 15 percent said they were "somewhat" in favor, for a total of 56 percent.

Twenty-eight percent said they were "strongly" opposed to a Supercenter, 11 percent said they were "somewhat" opposed, for a total of 39 percent, and 6 percent were undecided.

"The survey results are very gratifying," said Kevin McCall, Wal-Mart's Hawai'i spokesman.

"The poll confirms our belief that in the 11 years since Wal-Mart opened its Lihu'e store, we have become an important part of the Garden Island community," he said. "Kaua'i's people strongly support our efforts to serve them even better by expanding our store into a Supercenter with a full supermarket."

The United Food & Commercial Workers Union Local 480 said last year that it feared Wal-Mart's entry into Hawai'i's grocery market will force conventional supermarkets to reduce wages to compete with the massive retailer and its low prices.

Wal-Mart would need county approval to proceed with its plans.

There are eight Wal-Mart stores and two Sam's Club stores in Hawai'i.

Plans to erect another regular Wal-Mart store at a busy intersection in Kapolei have brought some objections from local residents.

Those polled were asked: "There have been discussions about building a Wal-Mart Supercenter on your island. Overall, do you favor or oppose a Wal-Mart Supercenter on this island?"