2021-09-16 Leeward Exh A (Public Testimony re Item 1 SPP 21-227)

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being breached and that they'll punish whoever breaks them and not let them continue to do that. Giving this are these entities a nod when they've been admittedly breaking the law would be like sending a cheating child back into the game with a nod and a kiss and maybe some candy. A gymnasium again isn't the issue. This is about a blatant and knowing breach of laws written to protect the public, our local culture, the environment, our economy, and a hope that with the protections agriculturally viable lands, especially will be able to feed ourselves now and into the future in a sustainable way. Land use classification and zoning are some of the most valuable tools we have as a community to protect our quality of life and I believe strongly that those rules should be enforced unless there are dire, unforeseen circumstances that make exceptions necessary. This activity and use do not meet that criteria. Again, I'm confused as to why the landowner didn't clear this up by going through the proper land use channels before they allowed Kona Aerial Gymnastic Team to start using their property. After all, Bolton Inc. has been around the development block for decades. If this planning body is doing its job, it will give this request a flat"no". They should fine the entity in accordance with the law and sorry to say, as wonderful as the people are they have breaking the law, and they should be required to abandon the structure immediately, so they can find a legal place to carry on their business, and I wish them well, but not in this location. Mahalo. VITOUSEK: Thank you for your testimony. Moving on to Leah Herbert? HERBERT: Hi. Hi, my name is Leah Herbert I live in Kona and my almost four-year-old daughter attends gymnastics each week at Kona Aerial's Gymnastics. I have a bachelor's degree in elementary and special education and a master's degree in educational technology and I taught Junior High for eight years. I'm testifying today as a member of the community in support of the Special Use permit for Kona Aerial's Gymnastics. Enrolling children in gymnastics has many benefits for our community, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kona Aerial's is the only gymnastics training facility in Kailua-Kona. There are countless research studies showing that kids that are involved in extra curriculars earn better grades, have higher self-esteem, and are less likely to get into trouble. Additionally, Kona Aerial's goes above and beyond to implement and enforce COVID safety protocols in their open-air facility. Which I just want to loop back around and kind of point out why this location should have this exception is because in this emergency time of COVID-19 this facility provides open air which is an extra layer of safety. So, on top of all of the benefits that we already know exist in involving children in gymnastics this is also a safe choice. So, I just think that that's a really important thing to consider at this time. Personally, I can say that my daughter has really enjoyed attending gymnastics at Kona Aerial's and it's been a wonderful activity for her, and I feel safe sending her there. Which is why she's not enrolled in too many activities, or we really don't even have many other choices luckily, she chooses gymnastics, because it is, it is open air. So, she's inspired watching the older gymnast practice and is showing dedication already. So, it would be very sad if Kona Aerial's had to close its door, simply because of a permit issue. So, I do not believe that that choice would be in the best interest of the community. So, I'm asking that you please vote to approve the Special Permit for Kona Aerial's Gymnastics today. Thank you. 4 EXHIBIT A