The Windward Planning Commission on Thursday will consider a proposal to expand the Seaview Performing Arts Center for Education in Kalapana Seaview Estates in Puna.
Hawaii Volcano Circus, which runs SPACE, is requesting an increase in the special permit area from 2.5 acres to 3.13 acres, along with updates to permit conditions to support a broader range of activities.
“What it allows us to do is to have educational classes in agriculture … before our use permit only allowed us to do circus training activities,” Morgan Langham, SPACE’s executive director since 2019, told the Tribune-Herald on Thursday. “This use permit amendment allows us to have our ‘out on a limb’ agriculture program and our Seaview community school program … so it’s allowing us to diversify our program to better serve the community.”
The property is mostly designated for agricultural use, according to state and county planning maps, and is not within a Special Management Area.
The planning director has recommended approval of the expansion and related changes. The proposed updates reflect new property boundaries and the organization’s evolving mission.
Originally focused on circus arts and youth development for more than 15 years, Hawaii Volcano Circus has expanded its mission. The new proposal includes changes to its K–6 public charter school, which now includes farming education and workshops, disaster preparedness training, circus arts programs for youth, and quarterly local events.
Langham added that the organization has received over 100 letters of support, reflecting strong backing from the community.
The organization also is requesting revisions to permit conditions regarding construction timelines, building approvals and public event limits.
The proposed expansion aims to formalize the site as a community hub for education while maintaining rural compatibility and limited occupancy. According to the Planning Department, no objections were received from neighboring property owners, and all activities — including distance learning, after-school programs, and quarterly events — are scaled for the surrounding area.
Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz expressed support for the request.
“Given lower Puna’s isolation from many essential supports and resources, SPACE is a lifeline for community,” she told the Tribune-Herald on Thursday. “It’s a hub that builds resilience, connection and provides families with access to education, opportunity, preparedness and food security.”
SPACE operates at 12-253 West Pohakupele Loop near Kehauopuna Street. The property is owned by Village Green Society Ltd., a Hawaii nonprofit affiliated with Hawaii Volcano Circus.
“It’s the only school below the lower risk zone in lower Puna, and without this school, the parents are driving two hours a day to drop their kids off and pick their kids up in Pahoa because the bus service doesn’t come down here. … It’s the reason families can live down here,” Langham said.
The organization also has requested a revision to the condition that previously prohibited public performances. While originally intended to limit neighborhood impact, the Planning Department now recommends allowing up to four public events per year — such as student recitals and community fundraisers — under set conditions, including a 9 p.m. curfew and a 50-vehicle limit.
“All of our classes are accessible to anybody. We do not turn anyone away due to lack of funding. Our classes are subsidized by grants as well as by community members who donate through our friends of the HICCUP circus program,” Langham said.
If the permit amendments are approved, the organization plans to begin implementing the changes within a year and will have a five-year window to complete all improvements.
The Planning Commission meeting starts at 9 a.m. Thursday in the County Council Chambers in Hilo. Written comments are due by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
Email Daniel Farr at dfarr@hawaiitribune-herald.com.