HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-13 PL-SPP-2024-000075 Opposition Testimony from Tiffany MerrickFrom:Tiffany Garcia
To:Planning WPC Testimony
Subject:Against Teppy Mtn LLC
Date:Wednesday, May 13, 2026 9:50:42 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.
Aaricultural 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 countv rules does not inspireconfidence 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 reflectthe 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.
Tiffany MerrickKa'alaea, O'ahu