HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL-SPP-2022-000016 Elise Fried Support Testimony 07.06.23 within 48 hrs From: elise Fried
To: WPCtestimonv
Subject: Support for H.e.r's special use permit PL-SPP-2022-000016
Date: Thursday,July 6,2023 7:05:22 AM
Greetings! and Aloha!
AsI was asked, I am willing to write you in support of the above application for a special use
permit.
I resided at H.E. R recently, for three months, and it was a beneficial and healthful experience.
I believe that with the special use permit, the facilities could be more greatly utilised by the
greater community.
They are and have been doing their best under adverse conditions for a decade. What has
resulted is a community mindset, but also a functional mindset to the degree that they attract
people who are also contributors to the planet, in ways which are musical, artistic or
academics in need of a place to think, as well be balanced by nature. As a resident if Puna, I
believe this place helps those who wish to be healthy, eat healthy and also to detox from
substance abuse, as there is a strict no substance policy. Nada. There is also a general
friendliness and competency, with no frills that can be witnessed.
Mr. silber, while not a perfect human, is certainly open minded enough to accept criticism and
try to improve, and evolve, which the best of us, do, meaning open to adaptation and problem
solving.
I do not see him
as rigid or argumentative, but conciliatory, consensus seeking, and conscious. His
authoritarianism is strictly in the effort of` getting things done around the farm, and I have
witnessed that he is the hardest worker there.
Up before dawn and stopping at communal dinner. Dinner is a wonderful event, showing off
the lands abundance, and the care and talent of its current inhabitants. Always healthy fare,
with accommodation for food preferences, allergies and the like.
The gardens/orchards and off-grid infrastructure exemplify how people can live more closely
to the land. It also teaches one to live with insects,pigs and morning birds. And there are
many people in this world who do not get that opportunity. They return to their place of origin
changed. Why is this place different? Most people stay a month or longer. This is not Kalani
style tourism, it is a deeper dive into puna, and many guests return, or use this place as a
stepping stone to buy land, and fully integrate into the larger puna or island.
I have witnessed 6 such people since arriving.
Places to land in puna only help its economy.
Air bnb's do not help with integration, eco sensitivity, or literally planting food crops.
I believe a trifecta of functioning places, like H.E.R, sundari, and kalani are necessary for
puna's economic well being, as would connecting the road back to four corners. Those people
have become economically isolated and are struggling.
I have witnessed negotiations and responsiveness to neighbours , in that regular meetings
occur. I cant imagine any issues as there is a strict no noise policy after 10 pm, and most go
to sleep earlier.
Your approval of this application would be very appreciated by those who have put in much
effort to help build sustainable community and a sustainable property.
I am
sure all guidelines set forth by you will be adhered to
Sincerely,
elise fried