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From: Jackie Runner <br /> To: WPCtestimonv <br /> Cc: Robert Silber;iohn(aflandnlanninahawaii.com <br /> Subject: In support of the Special Permit Request PL-SPP-2022-000016 <br /> Date: Wednesday,January 4,2023 6:10:58 PM <br /> To whom it may concern, <br /> I have lived and volunteered at Lolia for over a year now. In that time I have experienced a <br /> deep sense of healing, and grounding that I have needed since coming from the mainland. <br /> The property is gorgeous, and the establishment is one based on respect and growth. The <br /> people that come here are all looking for peace and relaxation away from the busy cities. <br /> We are here to be with nature, and work together to build a strong sense of community. <br /> One that is built on integrity, ecological awareness, sobriety, and personal growth. <br /> Robert Silber has put blood sweat and tears into this place to create a space for a loving <br /> group of people to come together and put in what it takes to heal and change the world. It <br /> starts in little communities and ripples out. <br /> His dedication to the mission has been unwavering, and shows in everything he does. He is <br /> a kind hearted, brave, and sensitive man that is trying his best, like we all are, to do what <br /> he knows in his heart is right. He is not perfect, as none of us are. As a leader, he has <br /> battled the opinions and judgments of others. Many of those who have not been brave <br /> enough to stick their neck out as he has, for what he believes in. He has made mistakes, <br /> and learned from them, as we all do. He has consistently shown up in the arena, to fight for <br /> the community he envisioned, and has gotten knocked down face down, heckled, and has <br /> gotten back up, time and time again. <br /> In the time that I have been here, I have never seen anything from him that I would <br /> consider inappropriate, or illegal. What I have seen is a man that has been working really <br /> hard, and has only been criticized and held to standards that no one else would be held to; <br /> A man who has been trying to do things by the book, and only been penalized for it; A man <br /> who has spent thousands of dollars, and bent over backwards trying to please people to get <br /> this special permit so that this place can thrive as a center for healing and growth. <br /> For what it's worth, I feel like I was called here in my life, and this place has been a <br /> sanctuary for me to heal from the horrible place I was in. Robert and I are a lot alike in <br /> many ways, which is why we get along, and work together so well. It's also why I can vouch <br /> for his character, flaws, and heart. <br /> Please consider this when deciding on the special permit for this beautiful place. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Jackie Runner <br /> She/Her, age 38 <br />