HomeMy WebLinkAboutSPP-21-000227 9.3.2021 L. HERBERT TESTIMONY V17' U .1
COH PLANNING DEPT
Leah Herbert SEP 8 2021 AH8:02
77-6470 Ono Rd.
Kailua Kona, HI 96740 PE8'D BY MAIL
September 3, 2021
County of Hawaii
Leeward Planning Commission
101 Pauahi Street
Hilo, HI 96720
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. 21-000227, submitted by Kona Aerials Gymnastic Team Inc.
requesting to permit the operation of a youth gymnastic and sport fitness facility on Hualalai 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 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.
I would also like to add that Kona Aerials does a fantastic job of implementing and enforcing COVID
safety precautions in their open-air facility. It would be quite a shame if this safe, healthy activity
were to shut down due to a permit issue in such a difficult time.
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,
I �
Leah Herbert
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