Pedro Tama Testimony 05.25.23 - Laserfiche WebLink

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From: Pedro Tama To: WPCtestimonv Cc: Darrow,Jeff;Andrews.Jessica;Timothy Karamazov;Xanthe Lancaster;Jane Tama; Sahara;Gary Hauler; edward utyro; EJ Paterson Subject: Silber PL-SPP-2022-000016,July 7,2023 Date: Sunday,June 25,2023 12:09:09 PM TO: The Windward Planning Commission June 25, 2023 PC Rule 6-3 (b) (5) (B) The desired use shall not adversely affect surrounding properties, PC Rule 6-3 (b) (5) (G) The request will not be contrary to the General Plan Contrary to the Hawaii County General Plan And having adverse effects on surrounding neighbors' properties Background The 8 plus acres of the SP application of Robert Silber, commonly known as "Lolia", (and recently leased and managed by Hawaii Eco Resort—HER), is a progressive, idealistic intentional community,permaculture farm, and proposed educational center. The HER website says "HER is a community with a focus on personal growth and development." The land owner, Mr. Silber, was once well-known (and also controversial) as the founder of the Institute for Conscious Sensuality, for writing the book titled Conscious Sensuality, and for teaching classes and training teachers about the same subject (hapS7//conscioussensuality.com/category/blog/videoso. Conscious Sensuality is an outgrowth of some of the Tantra spiritual teachings from ancient India that sought spiritual enlightenment through sexual practices and experiences. At Lolia, from the years 2016 to 2019, Mr. Silber hosted the annual Hawaii Tantra Festivals, taught Conscious Sensuality regularly, and was accused, credibly, of inappropriate sexual behavior at least several times. He was also accused, credibly of rape (see Testimony, Jan 2, 2023, Ashley Kuku). Although Mr. Silber has apologised, several times over the past eight years for many of these behaviors, and has recently stated he has changed the"scope" of his teaching practice, he has yet to demonstrate any trustworthiness towards opposition neighbors and a significant subset of the Lower Puna community. It is significant to note that there is no formal organizational structure at Lolia. Mr. Silber owns the property as sole and exclusive owner. There are no officers. There is no Board of Directors for oversight. There are no Advisors. There has never been a vision statement nor mission statement nor statement of values (the HER website does state Community Agreements that are value statements, but this is relatively new). Apparently, there is no financial accountability. Since the original Notice of Violation and Order in December 2019, Mr. Silber is accumulating fines of$500 per day (approx $580,00 currently)that he has been either unable or unwilling to pay.