HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-13 PL-SPP-2024-000075 Opposition Testimony from Tiffany KochFrom:Tiffany Koch
To:Planning WPC Testimony
Subject:Opposition to Special Permit PL-SPP-2024-000075 (Teppy Mountain LLC)
Date:Wednesday, May 13, 2026 7:59:02 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 Hawaiʻi is a limited and valuable resource, and approving this permit
would set a concerning precedent for non-agricultural use across Hawaiʻi Island.
The applicant has already held this event multiple times without a permit, accruing over$34,000 in fines, which are currently under appeal while this permit is being pursued. This
pattern raises serious concerns about compliance with county regulations and future permitconditions.
I also urge the commission to closely examine the application’s designation of only 14.7 acres
for festival use on a 1,400-acre property. This appears structured to remain just below the 15-acre threshold for heightened review and may not accurately reflect the full scope and impact
of the proposed use.
Our rural communities, farming families, and agricultural lands deserve thoughtful protection.I respectfully urge the commission to deny this application.
Mahalo for your consideration.
-- Tiffany Koch
Keauhou Bay Area