HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-13 PL-SPP-2024-000075 Opposition Testimony from Sue ArmstrongFrom:Sue
To:Planning WPC Testimony
Subject:PL-SPP-2024-00075
Date:Wednesday, May 13, 2026 7:48:16 AM
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.Agricultural land in Hawaii is a limited and
precious resource. Approving this permit would set 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 this permit. This pattern of disregard for county rules does not inspire confidence
that permit conditions will be respected going forward.
I also urge the commission to scrutinize the
application’s designation of only 14.7 acres 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 and impact of this proposal.
Our rural communities, our farming families,
and our agricultural lands deserve protection. I respectfully urge the commission to deny this
application.
Mahalo for your consideration.
Susan R ArmstrongMaui County resident
137 Kuono PlaceMakawao, Hawaii 96768