The events on private property outside of Hilo were held without permits, and critics say they should not be allowed to continue, especially on agricultural land.

Pennsylvania resident Andrew Tepper likes to stage festivals on pasture land he owns outside of Hilo, gatherings inspired by the famous “Burning Man” events in Nevada. Hundreds of people have attended, but now some of his neighbors are upset.

Last year the Hawaiʻi County Planning Department warned Tepper not to hold another festival until he obtained a permit, but Tepper admits he did it anyway. The county has already imposed fines totaling $34,000 for the gatherings in 2023 and 2024.

Undaunted, Tepper hosted yet another gathering and campout, this time calling it “private,” on his land in Pāpaʻikou in early November, and ackn

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