Dr. Kohn, the people of Rongelap are the reason for this study. We are the centralfigures. Or, stated another way, we are the clients. We were sent back to Rongelap Atoll in 1957 and over the years we were repeatedly told that it was safe to live, to gather and consume food ~-- from all the islands. We are the most exposed group of people in the Marshalls to radiation. We are the subject of and the reason for this study. Yet, when you completed your study, no effort has been made to communicate with our people. Mo briefings were held. We didn't know your study would be preliminary and that it would be extended for several months. You never told us. This delay has removed us from congressional consideration during this current budget cycle. Last December, you sent a video message to the people of Rongelap. informed. You indicated that you'd keep the Rongelap people ~ This is not being done. Over these many months, disclosure after disclosure has come forth. Most involve what DOE didn't do, what they didn't say, what they didn't analyze, and what they didn't tell us. The 1982 DOE report is riddled with errors. Congress established a two-part process. First, review the report to determine if it was accurate. second, if not, then a comprehensive review should be undertaken. DOE was not accurate. The comprehensive report is justified. We urge you to make that recommendation, and to make it in clear and unmistakable terms. Correct the deficiencies in your study. Make it credible in our eyes. Let it become a stepping-stone in a process to properly restore and rehabilitate Rongelap Atoll. Dr. Kohn, let me state it this way. Had the 1982 DOE report not been issued, obviously we would still be living on Rongelap Atoll. However, on the basis of the Kohn Report and its revelations, we would be packing our belongings and preparing to leave today. . The Rongelap people today live in deplorable circumstances. Above all, we seek resolution of this matter. We have become pacific nomads, not out of choice, but out of fear. In your hands is a decision to take steps toward resolution or to prolong this agony. 88