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MOEVAO:Neri. WATANABE:Neri, Im sorry. So that shouldbe four then. Okay, would you all kindly raise your hands so I can swear you in, raise yourright hand that is. Do you swear or affirm to tell the truth now before the Planning Commission? TESTIFIERS:I do. WATANABE:Thank you. Okay, why dont we start on my right, and I believe its Neri. MOEVAO:Neri. WATANABE:Yeah, would you state your name and address for the record prior to your testimony, then provide your testimony, please. MOEVAO:Aloha, my name is Neri Moevao. I reside at HC2, Box 3698, and this is in Keaau,Hawaii.And,actually,Illprettymuchshareorspeakonmypartofthecommunity connections out there in Keaukaha and related to this project. WATANABE:You may proceed. MOEVAO:You know, Ive worked in the Keaukaha area in the last five years, mainly with the alternative learning programs for Hilo High School, for Keaukaha Elementary and for Keonepoko. And most of the subjects I deal with is, you know, fish pond restoration, cultural enrichment and community involvement. And when I was told about this project, the only thing I saw was the ponds. I really want to save those ponds. Ive been seeing it for a long time and was kind of sadden because it was just turning into a dump site for several years; and it was just sadness. I didnt have access to them ponds when someone else owned it. And, you know, finally I was like, oh, you know, somebody purchased this place and, you know, so I tried to find who it was just so, you know, so I can have some kind of ties to saving these ponds and restoring it. And, you know, because I have one right across the street at Onekahakaha which I worked with Mr. Keone Turalde. He has a program, a native Hawaiian program, out there. And, you know, its pretty close by. So I was very familiar with the environment there and very much had been meeting with people around the communities very close to this project and mainly got a lot of support from people around. They were kind of tired seeing illegal activities, people hanging out in that area, people dumping trash in that place, and just, you know, its not bringing in any type of appreciation to the environment around there. And its an opportunity for me to help and beautify this area, which has been an eyesore for a while; and thats pretty much why Im involved in this project. And, you know, Id like to thank you for your time and for hearing what I have to say. Thank you. WATANABE:Thank you. Are there any questions? Thank you. You may be seated. Mr. Patrick Kahawaiolaa. KAHAWAIOLAA:Aloha Mr. Chairman and Members of the Planning Commission, my name is Patrick Kahawaiolaa. Im the president of the Keaukaha Community Association in Keaukaha. Im a life-long resident of Keaukaha. Im 63 years old. I was born there on the 6EXHIBIT A