08-31-2009, 03:25 PM
I just got this info by email from Richard Koob of Kalani Retreat:
The EMAX is fully permitted as an ag greenhouse structure and located within Kalani Kai’s special permit area allowing and supporting arts, agriculture and wellness educational programs for local community, Kalani retreatants and staff.
Being a greenhouse and saying they have (yet to be identified) complainant(s), the Planning Dept says only working with plants can be done in the building, and the (free-standing) wood floor must be removed. Kalani contends agri-culture includes all the cultural aspects rooted with farming that have characterized the Kalani village center (with preserved heiau and halau) for over 400 years, and human society since the beginning of farming 9,000 years ago. Lots of art, music and dance have been associated with farming since the beginning of settlement in Hawaii, and, indeed the beginning of agri-culture worldwide.
The PD may not yet be ready to acknowledge that greenhouses are sturdy, sustainable spaces excellent for all kinds of rural agrarian community uses all over Hawaii, however, they should recognize that the many community service uses of Kalani’s greenhouse are totally justified and in keeping with the special use permit and the heritage of the property.
Richard Koob
Founder/Director, KALANI Oceanside Retreat Village
The EMAX is fully permitted as an ag greenhouse structure and located within Kalani Kai’s special permit area allowing and supporting arts, agriculture and wellness educational programs for local community, Kalani retreatants and staff.
Being a greenhouse and saying they have (yet to be identified) complainant(s), the Planning Dept says only working with plants can be done in the building, and the (free-standing) wood floor must be removed. Kalani contends agri-culture includes all the cultural aspects rooted with farming that have characterized the Kalani village center (with preserved heiau and halau) for over 400 years, and human society since the beginning of farming 9,000 years ago. Lots of art, music and dance have been associated with farming since the beginning of settlement in Hawaii, and, indeed the beginning of agri-culture worldwide.
The PD may not yet be ready to acknowledge that greenhouses are sturdy, sustainable spaces excellent for all kinds of rural agrarian community uses all over Hawaii, however, they should recognize that the many community service uses of Kalani’s greenhouse are totally justified and in keeping with the special use permit and the heritage of the property.
Richard Koob
Founder/Director, KALANI Oceanside Retreat Village
Assume the best and ask questions.
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Punaweb moderator