HomeMy WebLinkAboutSPP-21-000227 9.4.2021 E. KUO TESTIMONY CON PLANNING DEPT
SEP 10 2021 AH7:47
Dr. Erin Kuo
65 Brighton St REC'D BY HAIL
Frankston South, VIC 3199
Australia
September 4, 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 former 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.
I attended KAG and was coached by coach Nanette over 30 years ago. These foundation years
made me who I am today,and I will forever be grateful to coach Nanette,the sport of gymnastics
and KAG. Participating as both an athlete and later a coach at KAG,I learned not only how to
appreciate and connect with the strength and wisdom of my body(something I now draw on in
multiple ways and share with others as I teach Pilates),but I learned determination,respect,and
resilience. Coach Nanette also taught me that I was supported by so many teachers, families,and
coaches during my time as a gymnast and engrained in me the need for those of us who
benefitted to continue to support and teach others and to continually give back. I was cared for,
and I have a very deep capacity and moral responsibility to now help others in my work as I
guide some of the world's biggest institutional investors and family offices to invest for social
and environmental benefit. I know first-hand how important my time with coach Nanette and at
KAG was for me and how powerful it is for all of the gymnasts and their families who are able to
build community, find confidence and have a medium to become future citizens. What a gift for
the community and families of Kailua-Kona
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 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,
C- 0 '11"()4
Dr. Erin I. Kuo
Former gymnast
it 1
c") `1
.-11-41-1
.a
—
Z
—c
i V I , _
. z .....-
...
. •
: i$
--:•
\ Y
. t
q
N
N
0
N
Ulla
400b
go')) ' Oa