SPP-21-000227 9.8.2021 R. BARKER TESTIMONY

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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 community. 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. As a school counselor at Kealakehe Elementary School I am seeing firsthand the importance of having programs for our youth especially after over a year of schools being shut down. Exercise is proven to be a positive, effective outlet for stress and a coping skill for people of all ages. Our Keiki desperately need opportunities for extracurricular activities and sports and Kona Aerials is the only gymnastics facility on the Kona side of the island.. 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, Ronda M. Barker Sent from my iPhone 2