""As this is a private event that involves many people that exceeds the customary use of the agricultural property, it requires a Special Permit," Callis said.To comply, Tepper submitted a Special Use Permit with the Windward Planning Commission in September 2024 for the annual event, which calls for a four-day-long festival with overnight camping and commercial vehicle storage on approximately 14.7 acres of the Papaikou land, with a maximum attendance of 500."
""Hawaiian culture and Burning Man culture share so many principals... decommodification, communal effort, gifting, participation, 'leave no trace' - those are all things I keep noticing in Hawaiian culture, and they are stated principles of Burning Man culture. Falls on Fire is such a wonderful blending of those cultures," Tepper told SFGATE in an email. "If any readers are Burning Man participants, come visit my camp, Habitat for Insanity, and I will serve you the fanciest, most delicious shave ice on the playa," he continued."
Andrew Tepper has purchased more than 14,000 acres in Papaikou near Hilo through Teppy Mountain LLC since 2021. Tepper hosted Falls on Fire festivals on agriculturally zoned land in 2023 and 2024 without permits, prompting neighbor backlash and government violations. County authorities have fined Teppy Mountain $34,000 so far. Tepper applied in September 2024 for a Special Use Permit for an annual four-day festival with overnight camping, commercial vehicle storage on about 14.7 acres, and a maximum attendance of 500. The event features a burning-effigy closing ceremony and awaits a contested hearing on November 13, 2025.
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