HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-12 PL-SPP-2024-000075 Opposition Testimony from Caitlin Makana SupeFrom:Caitlin S
To:Planning WPC Testimony
Subject:Falls on Fire Opposition
Date:Tuesday, May 12, 2026 6:16:30 PM
Aloha,
I am writing in strong opposition to the special permit application by Teppy Mountain LLC
(PL-SPP-2024-000075) to host an annual multi-day festival on agricultural land in Papaikou.
Many tourist, transient people, and non-residents treat Hawai'i like their playground, a refugeof debauchery without consequences due to their inequitable resources. The applicant has
already held this event several times without a permit, accumulated over $34,000 in fines, andis currently appealing those fines while simultaneously seeking this permit.
We should invest our interests, land, and resources locally to ensure a prosperous outcome that
would benefit those who actually live here. The commission understands the nuances ofpermits and can clearly see the applicant's precarious designation of only 14.7 acres for
festival use on a 1,400-acre property. This appears designed specifically to stay just under the15-acre threshold for a higher level of review, and does not reflect the true scale and impact of
this proposal.
Our rural communities, our farming families, and our agricultural lands deserve protection.Approving this permit would set a dangerous precedent for the conversion of ag land across
Hawaii Island.
Mahalo for your consideration.
Caitlin Makana Supe, Honolulu County resident (raised in Hilo)