HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL-SPP-2022-000016 J. Runner Testimony support 01.04.23 From: Jackie Runner
To: WPCtestimonv
Cc: Robert Silber;iohn(aflandnlanninahawaii.com
Subject: In support of the Special Permit Request PL-SPP-2022-000016
Date: Wednesday,January 4,2023 6:10:58 PM
To whom it may concern,
I have lived and volunteered at Lolia for over a year now. In that time I have experienced a
deep sense of healing, and grounding that I have needed since coming from the mainland.
The property is gorgeous, and the establishment is one based on respect and growth. The
people that come here are all looking for peace and relaxation away from the busy cities.
We are here to be with nature, and work together to build a strong sense of community.
One that is built on integrity, ecological awareness, sobriety, and personal growth.
Robert Silber has put blood sweat and tears into this place to create a space for a loving
group of people to come together and put in what it takes to heal and change the world. It
starts in little communities and ripples out.
His dedication to the mission has been unwavering, and shows in everything he does. He is
a kind hearted, brave, and sensitive man that is trying his best, like we all are, to do what
he knows in his heart is right. He is not perfect, as none of us are. As a leader, he has
battled the opinions and judgments of others. Many of those who have not been brave
enough to stick their neck out as he has, for what he believes in. He has made mistakes,
and learned from them, as we all do. He has consistently shown up in the arena, to fight for
the community he envisioned, and has gotten knocked down face down, heckled, and has
gotten back up, time and time again.
In the time that I have been here, I have never seen anything from him that I would
consider inappropriate, or illegal. What I have seen is a man that has been working really
hard, and has only been criticized and held to standards that no one else would be held to;
A man who has been trying to do things by the book, and only been penalized for it; A man
who has spent thousands of dollars, and bent over backwards trying to please people to get
this special permit so that this place can thrive as a center for healing and growth.
For what it's worth, I feel like I was called here in my life, and this place has been a
sanctuary for me to heal from the horrible place I was in. Robert and I are a lot alike in
many ways, which is why we get along, and work together so well. It's also why I can vouch
for his character, flaws, and heart.
Please consider this when deciding on the special permit for this beautiful place.
Sincerely,
Jackie Runner
She/Her, age 38