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Dear Members of the Council, <br /> I am writing today to share my support for the Kona Aerials Gymnastics Club and their special <br /> use permit#21-000227. As a local pastor in the Kona community, I have seen firsthand the <br /> positive impact that Kona Aerials has on our youth. <br /> My daughters were both competitive gymnasts at Kona Aerials for 5 and 7 years, and during <br /> that time, Kona Aerials became our second family. My wife, a public school teacher, also <br /> coached at Kona Aerials for 7 years. Through their experiences, my daughters learned more <br /> than just amazing gymnastics. They learned how to work as a team, support one another and <br /> their peers, and develop strong discipline. As a coach, my wife learned how to better support <br /> multiple ages of children all at once, finding balance between being assertive while also <br /> showing love, support and connection. <br /> Without Kona Aerials, my daughters would not be who they are today. Our oldest daughter is <br /> graduating from high school and has received a generous college scholarship to a large <br /> university, in part thanks to the skills and discipline she learned through gymnastics. Our <br /> younger daughter is a thriving high school athlete due to the discipline she learned in <br /> gymnastics. <br /> In addition to the benefits for individual youth, Kiona Aerials has served the Kona community <br /> since 1989, serving thousands of youth each year. Our community needs more programs for <br /> youth. Vaping, drugs and alcohol are destroying our young people and our community is facing <br /> a crisis because of this. We need programs like Kona Aerials to help support them and keep <br /> them on the right path towards a bright future. <br /> Please, on behalf of the faith community in Kona, please grant Kona Aerials the special use <br /> permit they are requesting. <br /> Thank you for your time and consideration. <br /> Mahalo, <br /> Aaron Barker <br /> Mokuaikaua Church <br />