HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-08-17 Karla Villanueva-Bernal Support TestimonyFrom:Karla Villanueva-Bernal (via Google Docs)
To:Planning LPC Testimony
Subject:Letter of Support
Date:Monday, August 17, 2026 4:58:14 PM
Attachments:Letter of Support.pdf
Karla Villanueva-Bernal attached a
document
Karla Villanueva-Bernal
(gardenislandgymnastics@gmail.com) has attached the
following document:
Aloha,
Attached is a letter of support for Kona Aerials Special Use
permit hearing.
Letter of Support
Does this item look suspicious? Report
Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043,
USA
You have received this email because
gardenislandgymnastics@gmail.com shared a document with you from
Google Docs.
August 17, 2026
Leeward Planning Commission
Attn: Chair Dean Au
Application # PL-SPP-2026-000128
RE: Letter of Support for Kona Aerials Gymnastics and Special Use Permit Application
Aloha Chair Dean Au and Members of the Leeward Planning Commission,
I am writing in strong support of Kona Aerials Gymnastics and its Special Use Permit Application
# PL-SPP-2026-000128.
As a member of the gymnastics community on Kauaʻi, I have personally experienced the
importance of this facility and the tremendous value it provides to athletes, coaches, families,
and gymnastics programs throughout Hawaiʻi. Our gymnastics team travels to Kona Aerials
Gymnastics annually, and this facility is one of the few locations in the state that has the space
and capability to host gymnastics competitions, including State-level competitions.
For programs on the neighboring islands, access to a facility like Kona Aerials Gymnastics is
especially important. Opportunities to travel, compete, train, and learn in a properly equipped
facility are essential to the growth and development of our athletes. The loss of this facility
would have an impact that extends far beyond its local community.
Equally important is the leadership and knowledge that Nanette Guiffrida provides to the
gymnastics community across our state. They have consistently supported other gyms and
athletes, sharing valuable resources, experience, and knowledge with coaches and athletes
from programs throughout Hawaiʻi. Our own athletes and coaches have benefited directly from
this support, and we have been able to bring that knowledge and experience back to our gym
on Kauaʻi to share with our athletes and coaching staff.
This spirit of collaboration is one of the things that makes Hawaiʻi’s gymnastics community
stronger. Kona Aerials Gymnastics is not simply a place where gymnastics takes place—it is an
important resource and gathering place for the broader gymnastics community. Its ability to host
competitions and provide opportunities for athletes and coaches from across the state makes it
a facility of statewide significance.
For these reasons, I respectfully ask the Leeward Planning Commission to approve the Special
Use Permit for Kona Aerials Gymnastics. Maintaining this facility is important not only to the
athletes and families it directly serves, but to gymnastics programs and communities throughout
the entire state of Hawaiʻi.
Thank you for your consideration and for recognizing the importance of preserving facilities that
provide meaningful opportunities for Hawaiʻi’s youth and athletic community.
With sincere aloha,
Karla Villanueva-Bernal
Owner
Garden Island Gymnatics
Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi
gardenislandgymnastics@gmail.com
808-635-3134