HomeMy WebLinkAboutSPP-21-000227 9.8.2021 S. HARRIS TESTIMONYMori, Ashley
From: Stephanie Harris <jkpdklh@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 8, 2021 10:48 PM
To: LPCtestimony
Subject: Kona Aerials Special Permit No. 21-000227
Attachments: kona aerials gymnastics support.pdf
Dear Mr. Chair Vitousek and Members of the Leeward Planning Commission,
Please see my attached letter in support of Kona Aerials Gymnastics Team Inc. and their request to approve Special
Permit No. 21-000227.
Mahalo for your time and consideration,
Stephanie Harris
1
Stephanie Harris
275 Anela Street
Hilo, 111 96720
September 8, 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 Hawaii island 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 commnnity. 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.
Kona Aerials Gymnastics has been such an integral part of my daughter's life. The gym provided
an opportunity for my daughter to challenge herself and strive to be the best version of herself
she can be. The coaches and staff of KAG taught my daughter the importance of teamwork,
dedication, perseverance, GRIT, sacrifice, community service, patience, and mindfulness, and
we will forever be indebted to the KAG staff for their dedication and support throughout the
years. 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,
6tAk