HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-08 PL-SPP-2024-000075 Opposition Testimony from Tanya KauhiFrom:T Kauhi
To:Planning WPC Testimony
Subject:Testimony RE: Opposition Against the Falls of Fire permit
Date:Friday, May 8, 2026 9:26:30 PM
Attachments:Testimony in Opposition to the Falls on Fire Special Permit.docx
Please accept this letter as my official testimony in opposition to the proposed special permit for the Falls of Fire.
Tanya Kauhi
tkauhi@gmail.com
808-795-5866
May 8, 2026
RE: Oppositfon Testfmony Regarding Falls on Fire Festfval Permit Hearing – Papaikou
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writfng to express my firm oppositfon to the proposed special permit applicatfon for the
Falls on Fire Festfval planned in Papaikou.
While I understand the importance of economic actfvity for our island, I have serious concerns
regarding the locatfon, community impact, public safety, infrastructure strain, and
environmental effects this multf-day event will have on the Papaikou area and surrounding
communitfes.
Papaikou is a small residentfal and agricultural community with limited infrastructure capacity.
An event of this scale raises concerns regarding:
• Traffic congestfon and road safety on Highway 19 and nearby residentfal roads
• Noise impacts extending late into the evening hours
• Emergency access limitatfons for residents and first responders
• Parking overflow into neighborhoods and private property
• Increased litter, waste, and environmental damage to surrounding natural resources
• Potentfal impacts to nearby streams, waterfalls, and culturally sensitfve areas
• Public safety concerns related to alcohol consumptfon, large crowds, and overnight actfvitfes
Beyond the logistfcal concerns, many community members view this type of commercial festfval
actfvity as fundamentally inconsistent with the cultural values and stewardship principles of
Hawaiʻi. The land in Papaikou is not merely a venue for entertainment — it is an area deeply
connected to the history, culture, and spiritual significance of this island.
Using these lands for a large-scale festfval environment involving amplified music, heavy foot
traffic, commercial actfvity, and potentfal environmental degradatfon can be viewed as a
desecratfon of ʻāina rather than a respectiul use of it. Hawaiian culture teaches mālama ʻāina —
to care for and protect the land — not to exploit it in ways that may damage the natural and
cultural integrity of the area.
Additfonally, approval of this multf-day event would negatfvely affect neighboring communitfes
that will ultfmately bear the burden of increased traffic, noise, trespassing, parking issues, safety
concerns, and disruptfon to the peaceful rural character of the area long after the event has
concluded.
Hawaiʻi should not be expected to accommodate every type of large-scale commercial
entertainment event simply because similar festfvals are common elsewhere. Papaikou and the
surrounding communitfes possess unique cultural, environmental, and rural characteristfcs that
deserve thoughtiul protectfon and stewardship.
Events modeled after large mainland festfval culture are more appropriate in locatfons
specifically designed with the infrastructure, emergency access, transportatfon systems, and
zoning necessary to support them without negatfvely impactfng residentfal communitfes and
culturally sensitfve lands.
Many residents also feel there has not been sufficient transparency or meaningful community
engagement regarding the long-term impacts this event may create. Large commercial festfvals
should not move forward without thorough environmental review, traffic management
planning, emergency response coordinatfon, and direct consultatfon with the surrounding
community.
Papaikou is not designed to support repeated high-volume festfval actfvity without negatfvely
affectfng the quality of life of nearby residents and the integrity of the area itself.
I respectiully ask that you carefully consider the cumulatfve impacts this event may have before
approving any permits or special use authorizatfons. This festfval is not essentfal for the sake of
our community and should not be approve to proceed.
Mahalo for the opportunity to provide testfmony and for your consideratfon of the concerns
raised by community members.
Sincerely,
Tanya Kauhi