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     At the July 9 meeting, Hawaii County Council Chair J Yoshimoto, who has served on Council for eight years, said citizens might be better served by four-year Council terms and by at-large voting for the Councilmembers.

     Yoshimoto, who cannot run for reelection to the Council due to term limits, said when we talk to elected officials, we should take note of how well they listen.  For him, that is a measure of effectiveness. Elected officials should "listen, listen" and "contemplate," he said.

     He said his big dream for the County remains unrealized, but that he intends to continue to press for it.  That is to replace the aged Civic Center with a larger venue that would better serve the community.

     Yoshimoto was first elected to Council in 2006.  He has practiced law since 1992, is married to Tracie Nakano-Yoshimoto, who operates The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo. The couple has three children.  Yoshimoto is home grown and educated: EB De Silva Elementary, Hilo Intermediate and Hilo High, bachelor's degree from UH-Manoa and law degree from the Richardson School of Law.