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