2024-04-01 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 Anne Marie Schaffer Testimony

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From: Steven Schaffer To: WPCtestimonv Subject: Bill 121 Testimony Date: Monday,April 1,2024 8:20:19 PM Aloha Members of the Windward Planning Commission, My name is Anne Marie Schaffer,and I guide others on their healing journey through Somatic Breathwork,yoga, and fitness classes,here where the waves touch the shores of our healing island. I'm reaching out with a gentle yet urgent request to consider the subtleties of Bill 121 and its potential to unintentionally constrain the heart of my practice and,in essence,my livelihood. As a healer,I create spaces for transformation and renewal. Imagine a breathwork session that allows a mother to find peace after a day full of challenges,or a yoga class that gives a visitor the chance to reconnect with themselves amidst the beauty of our`aina.These experiences are more than services;they are sacred encounters that nourish the body and spirit. The potential restraints of Bill 121 could mean that a visitor,who has found solace in my sessions,might miss out on this healing due to a broad interpretation of what constitutes an'event'.This is not just a loss for those seeking healing but also for me as a practitioner. My business thrives on the ability to offer these personal healing experiences,which,in turn,support my own sustenance and the ability to continue serving our community. From a healer's perspective,I ask for a compassionate revision of the bill to recognize and protect the delicate nature of healing work.It's essential that our regulations are crafted with an understanding of the diverse ways healing manifests,ensuring that those who offer and seek it are not hindered by the very structures meant to support them. I trust in the wisdom of our leaders to make choices that honor and uphold the practices that make the Big Island a beacon of healing and wellness. With gratitude and hope, Anne Marie Schaffer