HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-13 PL-SPP-2024-000075 Opposition Testimony from Loki VaresFrom:Loki Vares
To:Planning WPC Testimony
Subject:Opposition to PL-SPP-2024-000075
Date:Wednesday, May 13, 2026 11:50:44 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.
Agricultural land in Hawaiʻi is a limited and precious resource. These lands are not simplyvacant open spaces for commercial entertainment ventures — they are tied to our foodsystems, rural communities, generational farming families, and our relationship to ʻāina itself.For many of us in Hawaiʻi, the land is family. It feeds us, teaches us, and carries the historyand responsibility of those who came before us. Approving this permit would set a dangerousprecedent for the continued conversion and misuse of agricultural land across Hawaiʻi Island.
There is also a growing concern throughout Hawaiʻi of outside interests coming here andtreating these islands as though they are simply another part of America to use however theychoose. Hawaiʻi is different. Our islands have limited land, fragile ecosystems, ruralagricultural communities, and a unique cultural and historical relationship to place that mustbe respected and protected. Large-scale commercial festival activity on agricultural landcannot become normalized here simply because it may be acceptable elsewhere on thecontinent.
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 thispermit. This pattern of disregard for county rules does not inspire confidence that permitconditions will be respected going forward.
I also urge the commission to scrutinize the application’s designation of only 14.7 acres forfestival use on a 1,400-acre property. This appears specifically designed to remain just underthe 15-acre threshold for a higher level of review and does not reflect the true scale and impactof this proposal.
Our rural communities, our farming families, and our agricultural lands deserve meaningfulprotection. Once agricultural land begins being treated as entertainment venue space, itbecomes increasingly difficult to preserve the integrity and purpose of these lands for futuregenerations.
I respectfully urge the commission to deny this application.
Mahalo for your consideration,
Loki Vares
Waiakea Uka