An application for a special permit to operate a gymnastic and sports fitness facility at a long contested parcel in North Kona is being heard Friday by the Leeward Planning Commission, nearly two years after originally submitting the request.
In a July 2021 Special Permit Application, Kona Aerial Gymnastic Team Inc. submitted documentation stating the use of an existing agricultural warehouse structure located off Hualalai Road, approximately 700 feet east from its intersection with Queen Ka’ ahumanu Highway for gymnastics classes and fitness training, which is currently ongoing in violation of the parcel’s zoning.
That application also stated “the applicant and landowner wish to resolve any zoning code violations by requesting a special permit to operate the gymnastics and sports fitness facility in the converted agricultural warehouse. If approved, a change of use permit will be sought and improvements can be made, if necessary, to meet occupancy requirements.”
The warehouse is located on a 2.3 acre portion of a larger 23.738 acre property owned by Daniel and Janet Bolton.
The case has been postponed several times, and has been operating outside of zoning parameters.The after-the-fact application by Kona Aerials Gymnastics is for a special use permit to legitimize its operation on agricultural land while it continues to hold classes.
The landowners had received a notice of violation and order dated April 19, 2022 relating to processing of aggregate material on agricultural land and operation of a Contractors Yard in addition to an order to remove or permit the dwelling/shed structure and the additional dwelling located on the first floor of the coffee mill agricultural processing facility. Because the violations were not remedied, fines totaling $144,900 have been levied against them as stated in a May 4 letter from the planning commission.
Kona Aerials previously operated at a Honokohau Street address but moved from that facility due to zoning issues. The applicant said the size of the warehouse is ideal and necessary for the proposed use as a youth gymnastics and sports fitness facility, which requires at least 5, 000- square feet of unobstructed clear space and a minimum ceiling height of 21 feet.
The Leeward Planning Commission will be hearing this case Friday at 9 a.m. at the West Hawaii Civic Center Council Chambers and can also be viewed online via YouTube Livestream.
The public may provide written testimony via email at LPCtestimony@hawaiicounty.gov or submitted at the Hilo or Kona Planning Department.
The public may provide verbal testimony at the meeting via Zoom or at the in-person location listed above. To testify via Zoom, please register online no later than noon on the day prior to the meeting.