HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL-SPP-2022-000016 Regan FitzPatrick Support Testimony 07.05.23 within 48 hrs From: Regan FitzPatrick
To: W PCtesti mony
Subject: Support for special use permit PL-SPP-000016
Date: Wednesday,July 5,2023 9:01:25 AM
To Windward Planning Commission
As a Hawaii Eco Retreat participant, I am writing to support the above application for a
special use permit. I attended Hawaii Eco Retreat because it offers a unique experience
many who are drawn to the island wish to have. This is an environment when you can live and
participate more like a local than an outside tourist. It is a relaxed environment that encourages
extended stays that filter longer periods of spending money in the area in a more diversified
manner than an all inclusive resort during one's visit. This space and offering helps enrich the
sense of community by offering employment opportunities to locals and encourages visitors to
come to the area and participate in a way that blends local and tourist interaction in a unique
and reciprocal manner as it allows for an immersive experience rather than a foreigner visiting
as a spectator only interested in taking and moving on. It also encourages money to go into the
Puna area by way of visitors spending money at other local establishments and events when
they stay at Hawaii Eco Retreat. Guests are also encouraged to support the local farmers
market as well. This space not only builds a sense of identity and community in this way but
also offers a greater service to those on the island and those from the larger global community
who come to learn sustainable eco-friendly practices. I have visited these facilities and intend
to do so in the future if the opportunity is still available to do so. I chose to participate at this
center because it is a friendly, welcoming space that inspires one to learn how to care for the
earth, for a larger community, and for themselves. The thoughtful structure of both the
community style living and the permaculture design of the land and off grid structures
exemplifies how to commune with our environment both in regard to nature and social
networks in a responsible manner, allowing us to live more closely with this land and with one
another. This sustainable center is structured in a way that adds a solution to the carbon crisis
rather than exacerbate it. I have seen this center display willingness to work with and support
other centers in the area, understanding that together they are all stronger as an interwoven
ecosystem of offerings and events in the area that can draw tourism as a collective including
Sundari Gardens, Kalani & HIVE Hawaii. I have witnessed not only a willingness to work in a
friendly and conducive manner with neighboring businesses and centers but also a sensitive
understanding to their immediate neighbors on or adjacent to the property and understand they
have initiated communication to determine respectful guidelines for mutual agreement in
regard to acceptable community conduct.
I would appreciate your consideration of the positive impact and future potential of this center
and would greatly appreciate your approval of this application.
Sincerely,
Regan Fitzpatrick
Hawaii Eco Retreat Participant