HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-13 PL-SPP-2024-000075 Opposition Testimony from Hannah HartmannFrom:Hannah Hartmann
To:Planning WPC Testimony
Subject:Testimony: STRONG OPPOSITION to permit application by Teppy Mountain LLC
Date:Wednesday, May 13, 2026 11:44:38 AM
Aloha,
My name is Hannah Hartmann, I am a resident of Hilo, and I am writing in strong opposition
to the special permit application by Teppy Mountain LLC (PL-SPP-2024-000075) to host anannual
multi-day festival on agricultural land in Pāpaʻikou. Agricultural land in Hawaii is a limitedand
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 the15-acre threshold for a higher level of review, and does not reflect the true scale and impact ofthis proposal. Our rural communities, our farming families, and our agricultural lands deserveprotection. I respectfully urge the commission to deny this application.
Mahalo for your consideration.
-- Hannah Hartmann
Bioremediation Ecologist Executive Director, EarthRM 501(c)3Sustainable Agriculture Instructor, Kūlani Correctional Facility (HCC)