2012-11-09 Windward Transcript Connections

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you know, this project is going to require a lot more infrastructure. So, I think, you know, when we get into the next design phase, costs, a more detailed cost evaluation will be done as well. KERN: Thank you. Are there any questions for Ms. Shen? Seeing none, thank you. Mr. Hong? HONG: Well, I think that actually concludes our presentation of the project. I understand we have a lot of public testimony. I just note that, I just note that I live in Kaūmana. My students, my two children went to Kaūmana Elementary School, just like John Thatcher who lives in Kaūmana. So when we talk about neighborhoods and neighbors, I live there too. KERN: Are there any questions for Mr. Hong. Mr. Hong, hang on for one second. I’ve got a question for you. Any questions from any of the Commissioners? ONO: I do have a question of Mr. Thatcher. KERN: Okay. Hold on, Commissioner Ono, please use your microphone and let me swear Mr. Thatcher in. Could you please raise your right hand. Do you swear to tell the truth today before the Windward Planning Commission? THATCHER: Yes, I do. KERN: Very good. And, Commissioner Ono, you may go ahead. ONO: Yes. I’m not familiar with the concept of the charter school. But what would make your program, your curriculum, unique as compared to other schools? THATCHER: Okay. I think one of the things that would make our program unique is that we are very committed. From the beginning of our school, we were a school within a school for five years. We’ve been a charter school for 13 years now. We were the first charter school authorized in the State of Hawai‘i. We believe very strongly in sustainable education and an education that will enable our graduates to be able to find meaningful employment on this island. And so it’s important to us to have an opportunity for the students to be exposed to sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation, ecotourism. These are some of the areas that were in our original charter, but the concepts were in there and we still believe in this today. ONO: Your present location that you’re seeing approval on -? THATCHER: Yes. ONO: I’m not, well, in my driving through that area, I don’t see that as a location suitable for an agricultural curriculum. Am I wrong in that? THATCHER: Well, we’re not planning a traditional agricultural curriculum. What we’re talking about is hydroponics, greenhouses, future, future-oriented agriculture. So while the land is not great land for traditional agriculture, the land is very similar to a lot of areas on this island where it is possible to develop sustainable agriculture using systems like hydroponic systems. 14 EXHIBIT A