REP PWIRC 036 09/18/2007 2006-2008

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Theresa Andreae and Sally Marone, committee members of the Kailua Village Design Committee are in support of this resolution. They are also active members of the Kona Outdoor Circle. The last testifier, Elizabeth Meyerson, helped author the Sign Code. The Sign Code should be enforced proactively, equally, and in a timely manner. Many law abiding business owners are upset that others are getting away with there illegal signs. As a Former tour operator and owner, she has heard many negative comments on the unsightly appearance of the real estate signs, banners and sandwich boards from the tourists they serviced. She is in full support of this resolution and perhaps will provide the teeth needed to enforce the Sign Code. Council Member Bob Jacobson thanked Ms. Meyerson for her dedication and hard work. He would also hope that action will be taken on the enforcement by the administration as he shared the public is disgusted and frustrated with these illegal signs and may take matters in their own a hands. Council Member Angel Pilago stated such use of tone earlier from Administration, and expressed the need to follow the rules. He insists that the Public Works Director Bruce McClure, or a designated assistant, consistently enforce any and all violations of section 3-7(a) of the Code and that fines for violations be aggressively pursued in accordance with section 3-38(c), of the Code (Administrative enforcement). This resolution simply calls on the director to do the job he is supposed to do under the Sign Code. Public Works Director Bruce McClure welcomes and is grateful the strong policy statement by the Council. He believes they started down this road and obviously have not done enough. Council Member Bob Jacobson asked Director McClure if there is anything the Council could do to help. As in the past, he discourages passage because enforcement is an issue. He's glad Director McClure accepted this statement. This is not a matter of criticism, it's the Council trying to help support you. Council Member Dominic Yagong fully supports the Sign Code and businesses. His businesses are fortunate that they are in key, visible locations. Some of the businesses along Ali`i drive and their locations are examples. Due to the nooks and crannies of where some of these businesses are, it is virtually impossible for smaller businesses to be seen from the street or store front. He brought this forward as an awareness that how the Sign Code is written, it will affect small businesses. He supports Council Member Pilago and this resolution, for the record I am stating that there will be businesses who will suffer from this. When the enforcement is done by DPW in Hilo or Kona, I believe there will be casualties. He would like to support with strong reservations. Council Chair Pete Hoffman shares the same concerns as Council Member Dominic Yagong; please enforce this. Council Member Stacy Higa questioned Director Bruce McClure on sandwich boards. He is aware that these do create traffic and safety hazards as seen in the industrial area in Hilo.