SPP-21-000227 9.8.2021 S. HARRIS TESTIMONY

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Stephanie Harris 275 Anela Street Hilo, 111 96720 September 8, 2021 County of Hawaii Leeward Planning Commission 101 Pauahi Street Hilo, HI 96720 Dear Mr. Chair Vitousek and Members of the Leeward Planning Commission: I'm writing to you on my own behalf and as a member of the Hawaii island community to express my support for Special Permit No. 21-000227, submitted by Kona Aerials Gymnastic Team Inc. requesting to permit the operation of a youth gymnastic and sport fitness facility on Hualalai Road in Kailua-Kona. Kona Aerials Gymnastics Inc. (KAG) is a non-profit organization that has served West Hawaii athletes for decades and is the only gymnastics training facility in Kailua-Kona. Their programs offer Big Island youth the opportunity to participate in an array of activities designed to advance physical and emotional skills as well as promote leadership skills, self-confidence, teamwork, and physical coordination. The proposed Special Permit will allow KAG to continue to provide a vital space for athletes and youth to train and further develop their skills, potentially enabling some participants to compete nationally and seek college scholarship opportunities. In addition to providing a healthy, fun, and enriching environment for our keiki, KAG, through their partnership with Nakuwana Foundation, another Hawaii Nonprofit Corporation, the facility also provides adult fitness, strength and conditioning facilities to the commnnity. The combined services offered by these two nonprofits promote a consistent, healthy, and active lifestyle for community members of all ages while providing a positive source of much needed recreational activity to West Hawaii. Kona Aerials Gymnastics has been such an integral part of my daughter's life. The gym provided an opportunity for my daughter to challenge herself and strive to be the best version of herself she can be. The coaches and staff of KAG taught my daughter the importance of teamwork, dedication, perseverance, GRIT, sacrifice, community service, patience, and mindfulness, and we will forever be indebted to the KAG staff for their dedication and support throughout the years. I ask that you please vote to approve Special Permit No. 21-000227 so that our community can continue to enjoy the many benefits that Kona Aerials Gymnastics and the Nakuwana Foundation provide. Thank you for your time and consideration of this testimony in support of this application. Sincerely, 6tAk