SPP-21-000227 9.10.2021 M. SHOTWELL TESTIMONY

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MahkoShotvveU 68-1792 Lina Poepoe Street Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738 September 10, 2021 County of Hawaii Leeward Planning Commission 101 Pauahi Street Hilo, HI 95720 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 Kailua-Kona community to express my support for Special Permit No. 2I'000227, submitted by Kona Aerials Gymnastic Team Inc. requesting to permit the operation of a youth gymnastic and sport fitness facility on HuaIaIai 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 KaiIua-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 athietes 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. 1 ask that you please vote to approve Special Permit No. 21-000227 so that our community can continue to ejoy 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,