REP PWPC 124 10/03/2000 1998-2000

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC V1-'ORKS AND PARKS DATE October 3. 2000 RE COMM NO 920 PLACE Counctlroom TIME 904am Chair and ~4embers Hawaii Coun[y Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Public Works and Pazks, to which was referred Communication No 920. reports as follows Communication No 920 is from Mike Schmidt, President of Paradise .Auction. Ltd ,dated September I I, 2000. requesting a sign variance for their ".Auction Blimp " Mi Schmidt feels that their bump should not be considered a sign as rt is suspended from a rope attached to the ground and flown like a banner for not more than (8) eight hours a day, and it should he exempt from the requtrements for permanent signs as defined by the sign ordinance >vir Schmtdt also feels that the "Auction Bltmp'~ is vital to the economtc survival of their small locally run business since most of their business is generated as a direct result of flying their banner He states that the incorrect interpretation of their "Auction Blimp" causes undue and inequitable hardship and may he construed as discnmmaton• when economtc damages are considered Flying the blimp is subject to weather condmons and is stored m their warehouse mghdy, including inclement days Thee have complied with FAA regulations ~9i Schmidt informed Your Committee that he meets the requtrements of the Code regarding the height of thing the blimp. and that it is not a hazard to sight distance for motorists because rt is above the 1~-foot level required by the Code He also confirmed that the blimp is flying under FAA~s 7~-foot flight height level Although Mr Schmtdt would like to fly the blimp during business hours 7 days a week. he conveyed a willingness to work with the County to be m compliance with the Code Mr Schmidt also said that rt is unfortunate the blimp is an issue since banners are being used m the Kona area at various car dealerships that aze dust as large