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Ashley L.Kierkiewicz �Mtv OF„� (808) 961-8265 <br /> County Council District IV <°• ` +�, ashley.kierkie14,icz(4�hawaiicounty gov <br /> Policy Commillee on Planning �' •� Policy Commitlee on Public Works <br /> Land Use and Economic Development—Chair &Mass Transit- Vice Chair <br /> �rs•oF•Nra+ <br /> HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL <br /> 25 Aupuni Street • Hilo,Hawaii 96720 <br /> August 1, 2025 <br /> Hawaii County Windward Planning Commission <br /> Attn: Louis Daniele III, Chair <br /> Subject: Testimony in Support of Amending Special Permit No. 1122 <br /> Applicant: Hawai`i's Volcano Circus <br /> TMK: 1-2-009: 034; Keekee-Kehena,Puna,Hawaii <br /> Dear Chair Daniele and Honorable Windward Planning Commissioners, <br /> I write to express my strong support for Hawai`i's Volcano Circus(HVC)and its request to amend SP <br /> 41 122. HVC is a nonprofit organization that advances community development and expands access to <br /> education,the arts, and agriculture through the Seaview Performing Arts Center for Education (SPACE). <br /> After years of thoughtful planning on how to broaden its impact,this update to their special permit will <br /> help meet critical community needs in the areas of arts and culture, disaster preparedness, food security, <br /> economic development, and K-6 education. <br /> As a Council Member representing Puna, one of the fastest-growing communities in the State, I have seen <br /> both the remarkable potential of our residents and the significant barriers they face in accessing <br /> meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth. SPACE has stepped up as part of the <br /> Vibrant Hawaii Resilience Hub Network, helping to fill critical gaps in community access. The HVC <br /> team is a trusted,reliable partner with a proven ability to build capacity, expand services, and adapt to our <br /> community's changing needs. <br /> Given Lower Puna's isolation from many essential supports and resources, SPACE plays a vital role in <br /> strengthening community resilience, building social cohesion, and increasing access to educational and <br /> economic opportunities, as well as preparedness and food security resources for underserved families. <br /> I respectfully urge your favorable consideration of the amendment to SP 41122. Approving this request is <br /> an investment in the future leaders, innovators, and changemakers of our Puna community, Hawaii <br /> Island, and beyond. <br /> Cheers, <br /> Ashley Lehualani Kierkiewicz <br /> COUNCIL MEMBER, DISTRICT TV <br />