HomeMy WebLinkAboutSPP-21-000227 T. MORIMOTO TESTIMONY (LATE) 05.18.23 From: Tianna Morimoto
To: LPCtestimony
Subject: Kona Aerials Special Use Permit Testimony
Date: Thursday,May 18,2023 2:11:29 PM
Attachments: Kona Aerials Special Use Permit Testimony-MORIMOTO.pdf
Aloha,
Please see the attached document for my written testimony regarding the Kona Aerials Special
Use Permit hearing. As a former gymnast, I believe the Kona community needs an athletic
facility like Kona Aerials, so kids can have a place to learn, grow,be challenged, face their
fears, and thrive.
Mahalo,
Tianna
Sincerely,
Tianna Morimoto
University of Nevada, Reno '20
M.A. Journalism
Chapman University'19
B.A. Communications Studies I Broadcast Journalism Minor
Link In
May 18, 2023
Aloha,
My name is Tianna Morimoto and I am writing to share my testimony about my experience
with Kona Aerials and why I believe you should vote in favor of granting the Special Use Permit
(No. 21-000227) to this athletic facility.
Firstly, I want to start off by saying I would not be the person I am today it wasn't for Kona
Aerials and my time in gymnastics. I started the sport when I was 6 years old, and continued
until I graduated high school at 18. For those 12 years, I learned the values of perseverance,
discipline, overcoming fears and accomplishing goals.
Gymnastics shaped me into a motivated and strong woman. While some of my friends spent
their afternoons sitting on a couch playing video games, I was in the gym training for 16 hours a
week. Not only was I getting physically stronger, but mentally too as gymnastics is a sport
where your constantly learning new skills, gaining strength, facing your fears, and doing what
some may think is impossible. I was able to level up and compete in meets on Oahu and the
mainland, and place in state championships and international competitions.
Next, gymnastics also taught me discipline. Every day, I would finish school, go to practice,
come home eat dinner, do my homework, sleep, and repeat. This routine helped me keep a
high GPA and graduate from high school with honors.
In 2012, 1 suffered a knee injury that required surgery and physical therapy. Through the
support of Kona Aerials, I persevered, competed again, and won a state championship on vault
the following year. While others would've quit and moved on, the support of Kona Aerials
helped me overcome that situation and taught me the importance of never giving up.
All of the lessons I've learned from Kona Aerials have stuck with me throughout my life and I've
applied them when faced with challenges in my education and career. To conclude, I believe
kids in Kona need a type of athletic facility in our community where they can learn, grow, be
challenged, face their fears and thrive. I am forever grateful for my time with Kona Aerials.
I hope you make the right decision to grant the Special Use Permit so Kona Aerials can continue
to positively impact the kids in the Kona community.
Mahalo,
Tianna Morimoto