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CON PLANNING DEPT <br /> SEP 10 2021 AH7:47 <br /> Dr. Erin Kuo <br /> 65 Brighton St REC'D BY HAIL <br /> Frankston South, VIC 3199 <br /> Australia <br /> September 4, 2021 <br /> County of Hawaii <br /> Leeward Planning Commission <br /> 101 Pauahi Street <br /> Hilo, HI 96720 <br /> Dear Mr. Chair Vitousek and Members of the Leeward Planning Commission: <br /> I'm writing to you on my own behalf and as a former member of the Kailua-Kona community to <br /> express my support for Special Permit No.21-000227,submitted by Kona Aerials Gymnastic <br /> Team Inc.requesting to permit the operation of a youth gymnastic and sport fitness facility on <br /> Hualalai Road in Kailua-Kona. <br /> Kona Aerials Gymnastics Inc. (KAG) is a non-profit organization that has served West Hawaii <br /> athletes for decades and is the only gymnastics training facility in Kailua-Kona.Their programs <br /> offer Big Island youth the opportunity to participate in an array of activities designed to advance <br /> physical and emotional skills as well as promote leadership skills, self-confidence,teamwork, <br /> and physical coordination. The proposed Special Permit will allow KAG to continue to provide a <br /> vital space for athletes and youth to train and further develop their skills,potentially enabling <br /> some participants to compete nationally and seek college scholarship opportunities. <br /> I attended KAG and was coached by coach Nanette over 30 years ago. These foundation years <br /> made me who I am today,and I will forever be grateful to coach Nanette,the sport of gymnastics <br /> and KAG. Participating as both an athlete and later a coach at KAG,I learned not only how to <br /> appreciate and connect with the strength and wisdom of my body(something I now draw on in <br /> multiple ways and share with others as I teach Pilates),but I learned determination,respect,and <br /> resilience. Coach Nanette also taught me that I was supported by so many teachers, families,and <br /> coaches during my time as a gymnast and engrained in me the need for those of us who <br /> benefitted to continue to support and teach others and to continually give back. I was cared for, <br /> and I have a very deep capacity and moral responsibility to now help others in my work as I <br /> guide some of the world's biggest institutional investors and family offices to invest for social <br /> and environmental benefit. I know first-hand how important my time with coach Nanette and at <br /> KAG was for me and how powerful it is for all of the gymnasts and their families who are able to <br /> build community, find confidence and have a medium to become future citizens. What a gift for <br /> the community and families of Kailua-Kona <br /> In addition to providing a healthy, fun and enriching environment for our keiki, KAG, through <br /> their partnership with Nakuwana Foundation,another Hawaii Nonprofit Corporation,the facility <br /> also provides adult fitness,strength and conditioning facilities to the community.The combined <br />