HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-30 PL-SPP-2024-000075 Testimony from Hamakua CDP Action CommitteeFrom:Planning CDP
To:Planning WPC Testimony
Cc:Planning CDP
Subject:**NEED TO PROCESS** Hāmākua CDP Action Committee Testimony – Teppy Mountain
Date:Thursday, April 30, 2026 9:11:24 AM
Attachments:image001.pngimage002.pngimage003.pngimage004.pngHCDPAC Teppy Mountain Testimony.pdf
Aloha Windward Planning Commission,
Attached is testimony from the Hāmākua CDP Action Committee regarding Teppy Mountain.
Mahalo!
Jessica
Community Development Plan (CDP) Team
County of Hawaiʻi Planning Department
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720
Phone: (808) 961-8288
Email: CDP@hawaiicounty.gov
Website: www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE
Aupuni Center 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawai i 96720
(808) 961-8288 Fax (808) 961-8742
C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D.
Mayor
Brad Kurokawa
Tisha Mahealani Maikui, Chair
Ben Dalauidao
Maile Lavea-Malloe, Vice Chair
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
Robert Nishimoto
Tawn Keeney
April 30, 2026
Louis Daniele III, Chair
Windward Planning Commission
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
SUBJECT: Action Committee Letter
Regarding Teppy Mountain Application (PL-SPP-2024-000075)
Dear Chair Daniele III and Members of the Windward Planning Commission:
(CDP) Action Committee (AC), through its
Permitted Interaction Group (PIG), conducted a review of materials associated with the
dated February 17, 2026.
At meeting o
Center, community members provided in-person testimony regarding the proposed
project. The AC established a PIG to draft and present testimony at the Planning
application.
The AC serves as a liaison between the community and decision-making bodies. In this
role, the committee does not determine project preference but evaluates whether
Based on this review, the committee provides the following findings regarding the
The proposed project may align with the following CDP provisions:
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1. Economy
The proposal may contribute to economic diversification by introducing
opportunities that support local employment and economic activity. If
appropriately designed, the project could support small business development
and enhance local economic resilience. (Economy Community Objectives, p. 26)
2. Community-Based Planning and Rural Tourism
The CDP encourages community-based collaborative management and
promotes appropriate rural tourism, including festivals that celebrate music,
culture, arts, and agriculture. To the extent that the proposed event incorporates
educational, cultural, or community-based elements, these aspects may be
generally consistent with CDP objectives supporting alternative visitor
experiences and local engagement. (Community Objective 13, p. 73)
3. Rural Tourism and Community Activities
The CDP promotes appropriate rural tourism and encourages festivals that
celebrate music, culture, arts, and agriculture. To the extent that the proposed
event incorporates educational, cultural, or community-based elements, these
aspects may be generally consistent with CDP objectives supporting alternative
visitor experiences and local engagement. (Community Objective 13, p. 27;
Assets, p. 22)
The proposed project does not align with the following CDP provisions:
1. Section 1.4.2 Core Values Country/Rural Lifestyle (p. 21)
lifestyle, including agriculture, peace and quiet, and controlled, appropriate
development. The scale and nature of the proposed activities including a multi-
day festival with camping and amplified sound, as well as an industrial heavy
equipment rental base yard appear inconsistent with this core value and the
and cultural landscape.
2. Section 4.3 Protection of Agricultural Lands and Open Space (p. 58)
lands and maintain open space. The conversion or intensification of land use in
areas designated for agriculture may undermine long-term agricultural viability
and food security goals.
3. Section 3 Preferred Land Use and Settlement Patterns (p. 35)
The CDP emphasizes concentrating development within existing town centers
and designated growth areas. The proposed development may contribute to
dispersed or non-
to avoid sprawl and maintain rural character. Additionally, the introduction or
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continuation of industrial-type uses in agriculturally designated lands raises
concerns regarding consistency with CDP guidance that such uses be located in
areas appropriately zoned and supported by infrastructure.
4. Section 5 Infrastructure and Service Alignment (p. 79)
CDP policies prioritize development in areas with adequate infrastructure,
including water, wastewater, transportation, and emergency services. The
proposed location does not appear to be supported by such infrastructure, raising
concerns regarding long-term sustainability, community impacts, and the overall
appropriateness of the proposed use in this area.
Additional Considerations
The justification that the proposed activities occupy only a small portion (approximately
planning principle of compatibility between land uses. The location and proximity of
incompatible uses, rather than their proportional size, determine their impact.
For example, proposed noise mitigation measures state that amplified sound will be
directed mauka, away from neighboring dwellings. However, sound carries readily in
this area due to topography and prevailing mauka-to-makai airflow, particularly at night.
Allowing incompatible activities in this setting does not eliminate their impacts or their
Infrastructure and Public Safety
The proposal includes activities involving the intentional use of open flame or fire. In the
absence of an established water supply, fire suppression resources, and wastewater
infrastructure, these activities raise specific public safety concerns. The lack of on-site
infrastructure necessary to support emergency response and basic health and safety
needs presents additional risk considerations that are inconsistent with CDP policies
supporting safe and adequately serviced development. The proposed use may also
increase reliance on off-site emergency services, including fire, police, and medical
response, in an area not adequately supported by existing infrastructure.
Agricultural Integrity
CDP, and any proposal impacting such lands should be carefully evaluated for long-
term consequences.
Rural Character and Community Harmony
landscape. The scale, intensity, and location of the proposed activities raise questions
regarding consistency with these guiding principles. (Community Objective 3, p. 26)
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Consistency with CDP Framework
The CDP serves as the guiding document for land use decisions and as a bridge
between community values and decision-making processes. Deviations from its policies
should be clearly justified and carefully weighed.
Conclusion
Mountain application. While there are limited areas of potential alignment, the proposal
presents multiple inconsistencies with key CDP policies particularly those related to
the protection of agricultural lands, rural character, appropriate land use patterns, and
the provision of adequate infrastructure and services.
These inconsistencies should be carefully weighed by the Windward Planning
Commission in its review of the application to ensure that any decision remains
concerned about the precedence that approval of this special permit application will set
Mahalo nui loa for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
Tisha Mahealani Maikui, Chair