HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL-SPP-2022-000016 01.30.23 C. VERSCHUUR TESTIMONYDeVera, Ashley
From: Lahi Verschuur <lahi.verschuur@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, January 30, 2023 7:22 PM
To: WPCtestimony
Cc: john@landplanninghawaii.com; hawaiiecoretreat@gmail.com; robertsilber@gmail.com
Subject: Support for special use permit PL -SPP -2022-000016
To the Windward Planning Commission:
I am in full support of the special use permit being sought for Hawaii Eco Retreat (HER) at Lolia Place.
I have been a Puna resident (in Kalapana Seaview Estates) for the last 16 years and had the pleasure of
living at HER recently for about 10 days. I used all of the facilities, attended classes, community meetings,
enjoyed group meals, etc.
Living and participating fully in that community was one of the best experiences of my life. I felt more
freedom, happiness, sensuality, heart opening surrender, joyful playfulness, and connection with self,
others and spirit than I've felt in any workshop, camp, or any other container. The personal development
and educational opportunities there are profound and healing, not to mention environmental sustainability
in the way food is grown, off -grid solar and water catchment. HER is such a great place for eco -tourism,
as well as longer-term work trade experiences for young people. I am also a huge fan of the pickleball
court they have opened up to the community, which I use frequently.
Robert Silber and Ali Williams offer caring leadership and friendship to those in the community and
anyone who comes through for any length of stay. I have a lot of respect for Robert for offering a place that
is alcohol and drug free, as well as desiring to build and permit legally, as compared to so many other pseudo -
retreat centers in Puna that try go about their business without following county procedures that are in place.
I hope that anyone who is leery of HER will go visit, observe, and talk to the people who live and work there.
HER is truly a gift and it would be wonderful if they could put on events and advertise workshops for the greater
community.
Mahalo,
Cynthia Lahi Verschuur
12-7002 Kaiheenalu St
Pahoa HI 96778
808-965-7679
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