2025-08-29 Testimony - Concerned Resident in Subdivision

Home

REEK?:} HAND DE1._UV["PED CUH G"4 _ANNING DEPT 3"y"�s,,.�s e:� s Aloha Planning Commission, AUG 29 2025 PH2:25 As you prepare to review the request from S.P.A.C.E for an expansion of their special use permit(SUP),I feel it is crucial to share my apprehensions about this issue,particularly considering their previous actions and the possible consequences for our community. First and foremost, I would like to draw attention to a notable incident that took place in December 2024. In clear violation of their existing SUP,which explicitly prohibits public performances, S.P.A.C.E hosted an evening public performance that attracted large crowds, causing significant noise and traffic disturbances. This event was a blatant breach of the conditions set forth in their current SUP, which strictly forbids public performances. S.P.A.C.E agreed to these terms, which did not allow for any public performances, only to subsequently violate this agreement. This disregard not only reflects noncompliance with the SUP but also a lack of consideration for the residents of Seaview who cherish their peaceful environment. This infringement prompts a critical question: Should S.P.A.C.E,having just breached the terms of their SUP, be favored with an expansion of their permit? The proposed changes to S.P.A.C.E's current SUP have sparked significant discussion among Seaview residents. Many strongly oppose any public performances and advocate for maintaining the existing regulations. Allowing even a single performance per year would not only reward bad behavior but could also set a risky precedent regarding the management of SUPs within our community. Considering the apprehensions felt by numerous residents, it is important to approach S.P.A.C.E's proposed amendments with caution. To foster a peaceful coexistence, I urge you to uphold the current permit restrictions. Should you consider approving a performance, it should be limited to daytime hours to reduce noise and traffic disruptions,prioritizing the comfort of the surrounding community This subdivision is quite small,with only one entrance and exit. It measures just about a mile in length and width. Therefore, S.P.A.C.E should refrain from holding performances within our subdivision because of its modest size and delicate nature. Previously,the former circus group left the subdivision to host their performances elsewhere, which proved to be a more effective approach. Perhaps this new group might contemplate a similar arrangement if they aren't granted their requested amendments. The situation with S.P.A.C.E has persisted for years. They have ties to a larger group that has a history of disturbances and challenges within the county. Even though the current leadership may be new,their connection to this so-called"circus group"raises suspicions about their motives and potential impact. One troubling incident involving this group left deep wounds in the Seaview community and its nearby ecosystems. The group was fined $54,000 by DLNR for illegally harvesting hundreds of`ohi`a trees from a forest reserve adjacent to S.P.A.C.E. Allegedly,the stolen wood was used in the construction of S.P.A.C.E, causing significant distress and anger among community members. To my knowledge, this fine remains unpaid. In summary, the matters related to S.P.A.C.E and its permits have fueled discontent and deepened divisions among neighbors, effects we are still navigating today. For this reason, I sincerely urge you to weigh the potential consequences of granting these extensive amendments to S.P.A.C.E, considering the impact on the surrounding residents. Mahalo, A concerned resident in the subdivision