HILO, Hawaii – A Special Permit to allow the establishment and operation of a “Hawaiian Sanctuary” retreat center for health and well-being was approve by the Windward Planning Commission on Thursday, June 2.

The applicant – Mile Marker 12, LLC – sought a permit for the sanctuary located on 11 acres of a larger 43.57-acre on the mauka side of Highway 130 near the 12-mile marker. The project includes “the conversion of an existing dwelling into a health and wellness center; construction of 4 bungalows for overnight accommodations, group educational activities and social events”, planners said.

A number of supporters provided passionate and emotional testimony in support of the project, and applauded when the commission gave their approval, hugging eachother with joy.