Aloun Farms, the largest tenant that would be displaced if Ho’opili is developed in Ewa, delivered a letter supporting the controversial project to the state Land Use Commission Thursday, though opponents weren’t surprised.

The farm, which grows primarily produce on 1,112 acres of the 1,554-acre Ho’opili site, submitted a letter dated Tuesday to the commission stating its support for the project proposed by its landlord, developer D.R. Horton.

Opponents of Ho’opili dismissed the letter signed by farm principal and general manager Alec Sou because a clause in the farm’s lease prohibits the farm from opposing development on the site. In fact, the lease requires Aloun to support the development, according to a land manager who delivered the letter to the commission.

"This will come as a surprise to many but Aloun Farms supports the development of Ho’opili," Sou wrote.

The letter said the farm appreciated concerns expressed by residents over its displacement and assumptions that Aloun won’t be able to relocate elsewhere on Oahu.

But Sou said Aloun has secured rights to 400 acres outside Honolulu’s urban growth boundary and has the opportunity to acquire up to another 1,000 acres. Aloun also will be able to keep its warehouse and vegetable processing plant on the Ho’opili site indefinitely.