The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutADDENDUM TO BACKGROUND LIST OF PUBLIC TESTIMONYSPECIAL PERMIT APPLICATION NO. 20-000220 (SPP 20-000220) APPLICANT: KIRPAL MEDITATION AND ECOLOGICAL CENTER, LLC TAX MAP KEY: (3) 1-3-008:005 ADDENDUM TO BACKGROUND REPORT WITH LIST OF PUBLIC TESTIMONY Planning Department Exhibit 7: Petition for Standing in a Contested Case Hearing from Margaret Keri Dickie-Clark dated December 29, 2020. Planning Department Exhibit 8: Email from Chris Helmuth dated October 15,2020. Planning Department Exhibit 9: Email from David Lippe dated January 6,2021. Planning Department Exhibit 10: Email from Alex and Bernadine Karp dated January 7, 2021. Planning Department Exhibit 11: Email from Fernanda Paulsen dated January 9, 2021. Planning Department Exhibit 12: Email from Robert Petricci dated January 7, 2021. Planning Department Exhibit 13: Email from Roger and Carolyn Simons dated January 11, 2021. Planning Department Exhibit 14: Email from Tom and Bonnie McCarroll dated January 11, 2021. Planning Department Exhibit 15: Email from Greg Plescia dated January 17, 2021. Planning Department Exhibit 16: Email from Larry Morris dated January 16, 2021. Planning Department Exhibit 17: Email from Dale Ekahi Michaels dated January 19, 2021. Planning Department Exhibit 18: Email from Robert Golden dated January 24, 2021. Planning Department Exhibit 19: Email from Dr. Roy Lozano dated January 28, 2021. PErnION FORSTANDING INACONTESTED CASE HEARINGIi Page I of ?) n A >€ SS S_ `t,d,• _ PRONE NO.: 1 APPLICANT/ DOCKET NO.: A Is your interest in this matter clearly distincyUlshable from that of the-eneral public* Yes No If the answer is "yes", please% ex)lain i t om 1 jk t iswmouul(,' If the answer is "no", please explain hove the proposed action will nevertheless cause you actual or threatened injury. B Are you a government a0yency whose jurisdiction includes the land involved in the subject request°? Yes No If the anns,ver is "yes", please explain the nature ofr the a eney"s jurisdiction C Do YOU lawfully reside on or have sorne property innteriRest the land involved in the subject request' w. o If the answer is "yes", please explain, Dept.Planning Appendix A Exhibit PFA I HON FOR STANDING IN A CON UESTED CASE HEARING MIIN ? of?) re yarn a person oi persons descended fiorn naltvP e I lawaiians w010 pnhalmted the I hmmmn I spands prior to 1778, who practiced those tights %%hich %%ere CUSAOMfli I and0Y iradtuomffly ew cised Rm subsistence, (-WtU4 cad 11-eh'pOUS PLUPOSeS" Yes 00 If the anmer is "yes", pease SUbrnit any genealo6cal evidence and historical e\idence showirw the ewrcise ol'those 60hts W SUpport %Off statement p. Petitiolier's Sigllattlr SIWIFF' OF FIAWAII SS, CO U'NT'Y 0 F I I A W A I I Oil this dav of V40 14A 0 before me personaHy appeared kuvy,v vrkl—to rne known to be the person describechin cirld who executed th C, for ei u n n st ru rn en t, a n d a c,k i i owl ed g,ed 0 at.h"t.ex ecu ted th e sa m e as free ac i ani d d eed 0&;) A,A, Not ryiEvr13-33S Ln 2yconinussionexpires, pp;Tk F 0 Z Tanaka Thi I C'MAM 4S E 1, /// I I " II x ADoc. )escx pticm 7It 12- '141,3 33F oVRAppen(fi\ Aaaa^ ate N TFICASION C~= t~ Ab 1,01,7ItU Or.4),-,I'k,u-t j MoriAshlex From: Chris Helmuth <dhhs@koha ty.com^ Sent Thursday, October 15' 2U2UQlWAM To: Yee, Michael Cc: Planning Internet Mail Subject: Puakea Ranch/ Full Support for Christine [ash Special Permit Special permit Number(SPP 2D+0OO219) APPLICANT: PuakeaRanch Christine Cash Request:ToOperate PuakeaRanch asaGuest Ranch offering AGActivities and non eg activities/events bzguests and the local community Tax Map Key: (3)5'6-001 08I Aloha K8r,Yee have businesses onboth sides ofthe street inHistoric HawiTown | also own three properties, commercial and agricultural/residential here inNorth Kohda. | liver here,work here,and have raised myfamily here. Ao | have already written to you from our real estate brokerage and building, |vviU be brief: We have been serving in community for over a decade with Christie Cash at Puakea Ranch. Christie practices aloha. She has always, without hesitation, strongly supported our community through providing a venue for our fundraisers,giving money and in-kind donations, serving our seniors, providing jobs to local families(including my own family). Her efforts in creating a guest ranch providing visitors accommodations is a strong benefit to North Kohala and Hawi/Kapaau. It enhances our quality oflife and aligns well with our NorthKoha|a CDP and day today life here. It's low impact. Please do not allow the vocal minority, many of which do not even have standing due to proximity,deceive/infect this process. I hearti1v recommend APPROVAL of the pending SUP. Respectfully submitted, Chris Helmuth Om H mvxh nemdcx/ / Pnnuvo! S/n,/ 8O8 O5 6 3l {?veu nU O 8S9518l k,` Serving North Kohm& Since 1984 Fop Producer Ak)rthKmhola 2010'2O00 m,/oi/ epRau| [ueB'nkmaQe L/ce'oeKH O nu Planning De Member Haw*wmAasocMmmof Rea1tons Ex»=b°° ~~~~~~~ MenmberNatmmal Assoc aMommfRealtors MemmberWest Hawa6 AssooatiomofReaftmrs x c IMPORTANT NOME Never MW Wng "AnwAns wnt by enmhk Qber WMA's are YvAng Otrucliony Apse PnHqb (up rnnWnrA";, AGOVS Alepe(UPINY Copy&m pop mg WSM tons up Peno" Ur Via C",CUM sop;"Or G teNphone colt to u trwed and verfed $one sminber (doWt caripro, using the, n(.Jmbe), proWded in the eviWo. Neve,r cl(,-,',ublwhecking that the ;Wdny AsIuMom", we conect, Mori, Ashley From: Me I <zerovisobilityl@grmaikorn Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2021 7:27 PYA To: Planning 9nternet Mail, Leonard SLISsman Subject:Kipal Meditation Center This letter is to be on record as support for the SUP application pending for the Kirpal Meditation and Ecological Center. It is refreshing to see Leonard take the necessary steps to acquire the special use permit and promote sustainable healthy living and development. When done correctly, and not in over abundance, it can help promote agritourism as well as be a local resource.. I have lived up the road from Leonards for years, and have had nothing but kind experiences with the staff and guests of Kirpal Meditation and Ecological Center. Mahalo Plenty, David Lippe Savio Realty LTD 808-785-2882 Planning to Exhibit.__-_q_ 1 .19071 Mori, ley From: Mimi Karp <mimikarp@hotmail.col Sent: Thursday,January 07, 2021 7 17 AM To: Planning Internet Mail Cc: lennysussman@gmail.com Subject:Reference # SPP206-00220 Letter in Support of Kill Meditation and Ecological Center Application For a Special Permit Reference#SPP206 00220 To:The Planning Department/Windward Planning Commission— Letter in Support of the Application of Kirpal Meditation and Ecological Center For a Special Permit Dear Windward Planning Commission Merl We are Alexander Karp and Bernadine Karp,who were neighbors to Mr.Sussman for many years(from 2009 to 2017), living just up Pohoiki Rd. from his property,the Kirpal Meditation and Ecological Center. In all the years that we were neighbors with Mr.Sussman and with the Kirpal Meditation and Ecological Center, we found them to be excellent, very considerate,and quiet neighbors.We visited this property on quite a few occasions over the years, and the property was always maintained very beautifully. It is a very well-kept, serene,and pal environment, indeed very suitable for meditation and quiet spiritual contemplation or study. The meditation activities at the Kill Center are by their nature very quiet and peaceful. I believe most, if not all, of the meditations that are done there are silent, and any discussions before or after meditations were held in peaceful, quiet, and courteous tones. This is definitely not the kind of place where you would find loud rowdy parties, blaring music,or drinking or drug consumption, or any other objectionable behavior that would interfere with any neighbor's enjoyment of their property. On the contrary,we were very happy to have such kind, quiet, and peaceful neighbors,who took such beautiful care of their property, and who contributed to the loveliness of this neighborhood on Pohol Road. Sincerely, Alex and Bernadine Karp 808)457-5482 808)769 0900 Sent from Mail for Windows 10 Planni Exhibit 0 1'.. 39072 Mori, Ashley From: Fernanda Pau9sen <fpaU0sen rnuih.edu> Sent: Saturday, January 09, 2021 2:45 PM To: Planning Internet Mail Subject: Support for KMEC getting approved for the SUP Hawaii County Planning Department January 9th, 2021 Support for KMEC getting approved for the SUP Aloha, My name is Fernanda Paulsen, and I support the Kirpal Meditation Center getting approved for the SUP application. My husband and I have been living on Pohoiki Rd for over a decade. As a community, we have been through a lot. With the lava flow and now covid 19, job opportunities are getting less and less by day. KMEC has hired us several times; it makes sense to support organizations, institutions, and small businesses that create jobs, encouraging them to remain open to benefit our economy and neighborhood. Not to mention, we align with their mission and intention to produce organic food and provide healing for those in need. I have a Masters Degree in the science of Yoga Therapy. Researchers on meditation have shown benefits against various physical and mental conditions, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Centers like KMEC holds hope for the future. Their SUP approval can generate jobs for the community and healing support for humanity. They are creating a health promoting environment and grounds for future generations of healthy people and happy families. Approve their application. Thank you for this opportunity to testify. Fernanda Paulsen Planning Exhibit it 139137 bfl P,VV J J Mori, Ashle From: Robert <nirn(.)1767@gqnai1.corn> Sent: Thursday,January 07, 2021 11:12 AM To: Planning Internet Mail Subject: Supporting SUP application for Kirpal Meditation and Er.ological Center 1/07/2021 Re: SUP application for Kirpal Meditation and Ecological Center Aloha Letter in support of Kirpal Meditation and Ecological Center's SUP application. I recently received a telephone call from my immediate neighbor on Polioiki rd. Pualani Lindsey asking me to sign a document in opposition to Leonard Sussman's SUP application. I was surprised by that, I was not aware of any problems related to the Kirpal Meditation Center. I decided the best way to deal with this as neighbors was to call Leonard who I have known for many years to get as clear picture of what this was about as possible. Leonard told me he was not aware of the petition to deny being circulated. After talking to Leonard and having a better understanding of what was happening I decided to write a letter supporting him for the following reasons. I have lived on Polloiki rd near Leonard's farm since 2005 when the lots were subdivided and sold, Leonard has been a great neighbor, help Lis any time I ask. The people initiating the petition to deny didn't call me directly, even though they know me. Instead enlisting a third party neighbor and mutual friend who had never even met Leonard. The comments struck me as orchestrated to get us to sign in opposition without Leonard being able to respond. Leonard's faun has provided employment opportunities for my family and others in the surrounding community that are hard to come by out here. Leonard purchased trees and bamboo plants from our farm and other local fanners in the area, supporting us, his neighbors economically. In our case it was well over a hundred plants over several years, tree trimming and removal, and years of mowing his whole farm which paid about $300.00 each time. That money went right into our community. Leonard has enforced strict rules for the people that stay there such as no tobacco, alcohol, or drugs of any kind. When I talked to him for some people I knew, lie was very clear, even for my friends, vegans only, no drugs, alcohol, or tobacco is allowed. The people I have met there over the last dozen years or more have always been pleasant and friendly, I have never had any problem ever with any of them. Leonard's fills a unique niche market that not many others offer. During the eruption in 2018, Leonard worked with our family and many others to make sure we were all ok, got the help we needed, and we checked on each other's homes while the area was cut off from road access. The majority of our neighbors pulled together and helped each other, our bond with each other as a community was strengthened by the experience. During the eruption and evacuation you really got to know your neighbors, who you could Count on, who you could call when you needed help, Leonard was one of those neighbors to me and others as were most of the people living here. He had a truck that he left in the kepuka that he then let other people use when we hiked in over the lava, that allowed us to get around in here, move supplies, he never asked for anything in return from me other than to check his batteries in the solar system. Leonard has been an asset to the local community and economy in multiple ways. In my experience and for my family he has been a blessing to our community for years, willing to help out when we need it. I would like to help him now, knowing how hard he has worked to get his farm and property up and running, the economic investment he has Planning Dept. 139138 Exhibit made, and the good sincere man he Is. I reap) hope a path kimard can be fOLInd for lilm now. I be II C%c approving the SUP for Kirpal Would benefit the lower Pohoiki colillnUllitV for years to come its we reshape and rebuild our community. Leonard has pro`ed lumsell'a reliable, responsible neighbor to me and others, who is eilSV to talk to, %%e need those jobs here. I believe you can work with Leonard to get a good result for everyone alle'r having w.orked withhimmyselfmanytimes. mahalo. Sincerely Robert Petricci Mori, Ashley From: Roger Simons :pheasantcrest@rnsn com> Sent: Monday, January 11, 2021 12:59 PM To: Planning Internet Mail; lennysussman@gmail corn Subject:Ref# SPP206 000220 To Whom it may concern: This letter is in support of Kirpal Meditation and Ecological Center's application for a special use permit. My wife and I live in Pahoa town and have friends and family living along Pohoiki road. We frequently walk our dogs along the stretch of Pohoiki known as Mango road. That is how we came to know the Sussmans, owners of KMEC. They have greatly improved what was once an abandoned papaya farm with nice facilities and an extensive orchard with a variety of common and exotic fruits and greenhouse for food crops. It has always been quiet there when we walk past, other than the occasional yard maintenance machinery. The very nature of their proposed business and clientele is one of peacefulness and harmony with nature. We would certainly be happy to exchange them for any of our neighbors in town with their rooster farms, hunting dog packs, and all night get-togethers. I'm sure their business will be a beneficial addition to our community. Sincerely, Roger and Carolyn Simons 15-2787 Pahoa Village Rd 808-430-0757 it°k9i (8stf13 P1G, 4 i.fl<''4.1. Plairining Dept. i x. 39170 Mori, Ashley From: Tom McCarroll ^UzmmccamoU@hotmaiicom^ Sent: Monday, January 11' ZO2l 11:03 AM To: Planning Internet Mail Subject:IPP206'00220 Aloha, This letter is in support of our neighbor, Leonard Sussman, for the permitting and approval of a special use permit for Kirpal Meditation and Ecological Center.We have lived in the neighborhood for 13 years and have never encountered any problems because of his center.We have visited the center and it is a quiet serene and beautiful setting,We believe it is an asset to our local economy and community. Tom & Bonnie McCarroll 808-339'5896 Sent from Tom @k 0onnies iphone Planning Dept. om a Q«21 - 139171 Mori, Ashlex From: zita olesda «tnuevne_7@yah000um> Sent Sunday,January 17, 2021 217 PM To; Planning Internet Mail Subject:SPP206'000220 My name is Greg Plescia. I am writing to you on behalf of Leonard Sussman of Kirpal Meditation and Ecological Center's Application for aspecial use permit. Refer to#5PP2O6'OOD22O I operate a clumbstruck delivery service and have made many deliveries, for driveways maintenance, landscaping, gardening,special aggregates for walking paths. The property located is on the lower part of Pohoiki road has a proper security gate. The property is well maintained, trees,gardens and foliage are well kept. The days that I have delivered I've never seen any large numbers of visitors or anything other than peaceful people. I believe Kirpal to be a good asset to the community. Sincerely, GREGPLESC|A 808'937'6352 C/O Gre8''sRental Dumptruck Service PKanr "ng Dept. m~mn m m 1 .19329 Mori, Ashley From: Larry Morris <larrymorris48@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday„ January 16, 2021 9:07 AM To: Planning Internet Mail Subject:reference code 202-000220 To Whom it concerns We are neighbors with Kirpal Meditation center here on Pohoiki road. We can see no reason not to grant, Leonard Sussman of Kerpal center a special use pen-nit. They run a first class operation at their center and we and many others think this would only enhance our community to the fullest. Thank you, Larry Morris 13-660 Pohoiki road Planning epi. Mori, AAshniey_ From: Dale Michaels <dalemchls@gmail,com> Sent: Tuesday, January 19, 2021 525 PM To: Planning Internet Mail Subject: Re Support letter for Special Use Permit Ref #SPP 2060000220 Re# SPP 2 20 January 19, 2021 Dear County Planning Department I Ipo I-' Aloha .... This letter is to support the Special Use application pen-nit for Kirpal Meditation & Ecological Centef KMEC) This is Dale Ekahi Michaels ... I'm a Nationally Certified and Hawaii Licensed Acupuncturist since 1994. 1 have worked with KMEC for several years on many occasions. I've been on the property to do healing work on their staff, volunteers and guests. The property in and of itself is a very healing property . Clean, clear pure air, surrounded by nature , nettled in a forest setting with meditation areas throughout the property. The food there is vegan , very high quality natural and organic foods prepared consciously for the greatest health and vitality. I can attest to this also being a nutritional therapist since 1980 . Part of my practice has been helping people with their health, nutrition, and vitality . Over the years, I've given extensive healing work sessions on the KMEC grounds, which I consider to be sacred. Please support their application to legitimize their operation. The entity of Kirpal Meditation Center is an asset to our community and for tourism. Sincerely, Dale Ekahi Michaels, L.Ac; Nutritional therapist Sent from my Wad Planning Dept. Exhibi't ri 1 :39386 Mori, Ashley From: Robert Golden <rgolden46@g mail com> Sent: Sunday,January 24, 2021 6:03 PM To: Planning Internet Mail Cc: Leonard Sussman Subject:Letter of support for SPP206,000220 Aloha- I am writing this letter in support of Leonard Sussman's application for a Special Use Permit for Kirpal Meditation and Ecological Center. In my opinion as a resident of this community, an officer of ManKind Project East Hawaii Community and President of Lower Puna Rising, this Center would prove to be an invaluable addition to our community. East Hawaii MKP has used Kirpal as a meeting place for our men's groups before the lava eruption. It was centrally located and allowed men to come from Lower Puna to gather, reflect, and grow as a community. Once the roads are restored (137 and Pohoiki), we will be able once again to use Kirpal for events. There is no other place near Pohoiki that could be used for meditation, yoga, and other reflective activities. I believe Kirpal would help the community heal and recover from the devastation that it has experienced since May 2018, 1 strongly believe Leonard Sussman should be supported and encouraged in this endeavor. His program represents the heart and soul of Lower Puna. Mahalo nUi, Robert Golden 808-965-9270 Planning Dept, Exhibit.----0, 139418 Andrews, Jessica From: R.J. LOZANO <zapatalives@hotmail.com> Sent: Thursday,January 28, 2021 10:00 AM To: Planning Internet Mail Subject: Letter of support Aloha to whom it may concern; Reference# SSP206-000220 This letter is in support of Kirpal Meditation and Ecological Center pending application with you for a Special use Permit. My experience at the Kirpal Meditation & Ecological Center has been as a place the community can go to and have a learning, productive and personally rewarding experience. I have been Leonard's neighbor(1„3®635,IPha r ), on Pohoiki road though, for several years until the 2018 Volcano occurrence where I lost everything. Leonard and many of his helpers and guests have utilized my Pahoa chiropractic services.I have never experienced or heard through the coconut wireless of any unusual or unwa troubles at the Center therefore I think that KMEC is a positive influence in our area and I would support their legitimization with a special use permit. Sincerely, Dr. Roy Lozano Sent from my iPhone Sent from my iPhone Planning Exh t 1 bit