HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-12 PL-SPP-2024-000075 Opposition Testimony from Skyler ChongFrom:Skyler Chong
To:Planning WPC Testimony
Subject:Opposition to special use permit application by Teppy Mountain LLC
Date:Tuesday, May 12, 2026 9:02:41 PM
Aloha,
I am writing in strong opposition to the special use permit application by Teppy Mountain
LLC (PL-SPP-2024-000075) to host an annual multi-day festival on agricultural land inPapaikou.
Agricultural land in Hawaii is a limited and precious resource. Approving this permit wouldset a dangerous precedent for the conversion of ag land across Hawaii Island.
The applicant has already held this event several times without a permit, accumulated over
$34,000 in fines, and is currently appealing those fines while simultaneously seeking thispermit. This pattern of disregard for county rules does not inspire confidence that permit
conditions will be respected going forward.
Therefore, I also urge the commission to scrutinize the application's designation of only 14.7acres for festival use on a 1,400-acre property. This appears designed specifically to stay just
under the 15-acre threshold for a higher level of review, and does not reflect the true scale andimpact of this proposal.
The limited agricultural land that Hawai’i holds should be put towards its intendedpurpose of providing locally produced sustenance to our communities, not for theentertainment of billionaires and foreigners. If Andrew Tepper wants to start an event like
this in a truly transparent manner, he has more than enough funds to purchase a proper venuefor his parties. I respectfully urge the commission to deny this application.
Mahalo for your consideration.
Skyler ChongPapa’ikou resident