Hāmākua CDP Action Committee - 2026-04-01
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Hāmākua CDP Action Committee discussed the special permit process and public notification procedures with Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow, then focused on the Tepe Mountain application (PL-SPP-2024-000075) for a Burning Man-style festival and heavy equipment base yard on agricultural land near Pepeekeo. The committee formed a Permitted Interaction Group (Brad Korokawa, Maile Lavea Malloy, Tisha Mahealani Maikui, and Robert Nishimoto) to draft testimony for the Windward Planning Commission's upcoming special meeting in May, with members expressing concerns about safety, noise, fire risk, and inconsistency with the Hamakua CDP's policies on industrial uses in agricultural areas.
Key Decisions (2)
Formation of Permitted Interaction Group for Tepe Mountain Testimony
Committee unanimously voted to create a Permitted Interaction Group consisting of Brad Korokawa, Maile Lavea Malloy, Tisha Mahealani Maikui, and Robert Nishimoto to draft and present testimony to the Windward Planning Commission regarding the Tepe Mountain special permit application (PL-SPP-2024-000075). The testimony will address consistencies and inconsistencies with the Hamakua CDP.
Approval of Meeting Minutes
Committee approved the minutes from the previous meeting.
Zoning Changes (1)
Indian Tree Road area, south of Pepeekeo (TMK not specified in transcript)
Tepe Mountain
Development Activity (1)
Falls on Fire Festival and Heavy Equipment Base Yard
Annual 4-day Burning Man-themed festival for approximately 500 attendees with overnight camping, plus heavy equipment base yard operation. Festival has operated for 3 years (2023-2025). Property accessed via private easements crossing neighboring properties. Use area is approximately 1% of total property.
Market Signals (4)
Sentiment
Community opposition to large-scale events on agricultural land is significant, with approximately 100-200 households within a mile radius of the Tepe Mountain property expressing concerns about noise, traffic, fire safety, and trespassing.
Infrastructure
Planning Director noted the county has only three full-time subdivision planners who are overwhelmed, indicating strong development activity island-wide with approximately 30 subdivision applications per month.
Other
Large landowners with significant resources are increasingly seeking special permits for non-agricultural uses on agricultural land, with concerns raised about the permitting process favoring well-funded applicants who can afford specialized consultants and attorneys.
Housing Demand
Short-term vacation rental regulations are being updated (Bill 147) to require hosted rentals to operate as bed and breakfasts, with agricultural district rentals requiring special use permits to verify farm income requirements.