HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-13 PL-SPP-2024-000075 Opposition Testimony from Jayne LeForsFrom:Jayne LeFors
To:Planning WPC Testimony
Subject:Permit application # PL-SPP-2024-000075
Date:Wednesday, May 13, 2026 11:35:24 AM
Aloha,
I am writing to voice my 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.
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 any future permit conditions will be adhered to 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 disingenuous, designed specifically to stay just under the 15-acre
threshold for a higher level of review, and does not reflect the true scale and impacts of this proposal. These impacts
have already been documented to extend far beyond the applicant’s property boundaries.
I am a strong supporter of personal property rights and believe that people should be able to do what they want on
their own properties; however, the impacts from their previous unpermitted events have negatively affected
neighboring properties. The amount of traffic from these events is far more than these country roads were designed
to accommodate, leading to conflicts with the community. There was also loud EDM (electronic dance music)
playing until the early hours of the morning which could be heard and felt at a great distance by the neighbors,
causing sleepless nights and affecting their ability to work the next day.
Personal property rights do not entitle anyone to conduct activities that negatively impact their neighbors. Our rural
communities, our farming families, and our agricultural lands deserve protection. Agricultural land in Hawaii is a
limited and precious resource. Approving this permit would set a dangerous precedent for the conversion of ag land
to non-agricultural commercial use across Hawaii Island. I therefore respectfully urge the commission to deny this
application.
Mahalo for your consideration.
Jayne LeFors
75-5279A Mamalahoa Hwy.
Holualoa, HI
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