HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-13 PL-SPP-2024-000075 Opposition Testimony from Coryn MiyashiroFrom:Coryn Miyashiro
To:Planning WPC Testimony
Subject:Opposition to Special Permit Application by Teppy Mountain LLC for Annual Multi-Day Festival on Agricultural
Land
Date:Wednesday, May 13, 2026 9:36:46 AM
Dear Commissioners,
I respectfully submit this letter in opposition to the special permit application submitted by
Teppy Mountain LLC seeking authorization to host an annual multi-day festival onagricultural land in Papaikou.
While I support responsible agriculture, cultural activities, and appropriate community events,
I believe this proposed use is incompatible with the intended purpose of agricultural zoningand would create substantial adverse impacts on the surrounding rural community,
infrastructure, environment, and agricultural resources.
My concerns include:
1. Prior Unauthorized Operations and Outstanding Enforcement Actions
The applicant has already conducted this festival multiple times without the requiredpermits or land-use approvals and has accumulated more than $34,000 in fines and
enforcement penalties related to those activities. I also understand that the applicant iscurrently appealing those enforcement actions while simultaneously seeking approval
for the same, or substantially similar, use.This history raises serious concerns regarding compliance, good-faith participation in
the permitting process, and the applicant's willingness to adhere to permit conditions,land-use regulations, and enforcement requirements. Granting a special permit after
repeated unauthorized operations risks signaling that applicants may proceed first andseek approvals later.
Additionally, the applicant does not appear to have longstanding ties to the localcommunity directly affected by this proposal, raising concerns regarding long-term
accountability and sensitivity to the impacts on surrounding residents and agriculturaloperations.
Residents of rural Hawaii communities are the ones who will continue living with theconsequences of increased traffic, noise, environmental impacts, and strain on local
infrastructure long after the event concludes. The Commission should carefully considerwhether this proposal genuinely serves the interests of the local community and aligns
with the tenets of preserving agricultural and rural lands for future generations.2. Apparent Attempt to Avoid Higher-Level Review Thresholds
The application reportedly seeks approval for festival use on approximately 14.7 acres.Given the proximity of this figure to the 15-acre threshold associated with heightened
review requirements, this appears to raise legitimate questions as to whether the projecthas been intentionally sized to avoid a more comprehensive level of regulatory scrutiny.
The Commission should carefully evaluate the full operational footprint of the proposedevent, including parking, camping, staging, access roads, sanitation, vendor operations,
and associated activities, rather than relying solely on the acreage formally identified inthe application.
3. Incompatible Use of Agricultural LandAgricultural zoning exists to preserve agricultural productivity, open space, and rural
character. A recurring large-scale commercial festival is fundamentally inconsistent
with the long-term purpose of agricultural land designation. Granting this permit risksestablishing precedent for the gradual conversion of agricultural lands into
entertainment venues and commercial event spaces unrelated to bona fide agriculture.The continued conversion of agricultural lands into commercial entertainment uses
undermines both the spirit and purpose of Hawaii's agricultural land preservationpolicies.
4. Traffic and Public Safety ConcernsA multi-day festival would significantly increase vehicle traffic on rural roads that were
not designed to accommodate large event volumes. Increased congestion, limitedingress and egress, nighttime driving, impaired driving risks, pedestrian safety concerns,
and delayed emergency response times are all serious issues that must be carefullyconsidered.
5. Noise Disruption to Rural ResidentsExtended amplified music, nighttime activity, lighting, generators, and large crowds are
incompatible with the quiet rural environment relied upon by nearby residents, farmers,and livestock operations. A recurring annual event would impose substantial disruption
on neighboring properties and diminish the peaceful character of the area.6. Environmental and Agricultural Impacts
Large gatherings on agricultural land can result in soil compaction, erosion, dust, wastemanagement issues, water contamination risks, and damage to agricultural productivity.
The application should be closely scrutinized for impacts to drainage, wastewaterhandling, runoff, and nearby natural resources.
7. Insufficient InfrastructureRural areas generally lack the infrastructure necessary to safely support large-scale
festival operations, including parking capacity, sanitation facilities, emergency medicalaccess, law enforcement presence, and fire protection. Temporary event infrastructure
does not eliminate the long-term burden placed on surrounding public systems andneighboring communities.
8. Cumulative and Precedential EffectsApproval of this permit could encourage additional non-agricultural commercial event
uses on agricultural land throughout the region, undermining the integrity of county landuse planning policies and protections intended to preserve rural and agricultural areas of
Hawaii.
For these reasons, I respectfully request that the special permit application be denied. At very
minimum, the Commission should require a comprehensive review of traffic, environmental,agricultural, noise, wastewater, fire safety, and community impacts before considering any
approval.
Mahalo for your consideration and for protecting the rural and agricultural character of ourcommunity.
Sincerely,
Coryn MiyashiroLife-long Hilo resident