HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-13 PL-SPP-2024-000075 Opposition Testimony from Robert NishimotoFrom:Robert Nishimoto
To:Planning WPC Testimony
Subject:Teppy Mountain LLC
Date:Wednesday, May 13, 2026 8:42:13 AM
Attachments:zzzMay 13.docx
May 13, 2026
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
Robert Nishimoto, Ninole 96773