COM 0642.000 2018-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Since the Niumalu Marketplace is a large commercial center, Signage Master Plan was intended to provide the KVDC and County Council an opportunity to evaluate the sign variances needed for the entire project as a whole, rather than presenting individual variance requests for consideration piecemeal over the course of the development, which would take up valuable County resources and time. The Signage Master Plan attempts to address all the foreseeable signage presently needed within the Project, while also establishing signage guidelines for future tenants. The Applicant believes that there are unique circumstances that would justify the granting of the requested variances, such as the existing physical condition of the property. For example, the finish grade of the Property is approximately 32 feet below the finish grade at Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, and the rooflines of all buildings will be about 8 feet below the finish grade at Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway. With the exception of the Building 4 (Safeway) tower, the visibility of the project appears to be severely limited due to the finished topography. The Applicant believes that larger and additional signage would better identify the Niumalu Marketplace project to the general public. The Applicant also believes that the granting of the requested variances will not adversely affect the rights of the adjacent property owners or tenants, because the Applicant is proposing extensive landscaping to buffer views from the adjoining properties. The Applicant indicated that the project landscaping will include numerous large canopy trees located along the Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway and Henry Street frontages (as required and recommended for approval by KVDC) to minimize the visual impacts of the Niumalu Marketplace on its neighbors and their businesses. The Applicant also believes that the requested variances will not unreasonably violate the interest, safety, convenience or general welfare of the public, as the Applicant indicated that they paid great care to develop signs that would be minimally intrusive and compliment the surrounding area. The Applicant also informed that they carefully evaluated the proposed sign locations to help to minimize impacts upon those driving through the area. The Applicant believes that the strict application of Chapter 3 of the Hawaii County Sign Code would create an unnecessary hardship, as it would deprive them of the ability to effectively market the Niumalu Marketplace due to the existing site constraints. According to the Applicant, the strict application of the Chapter 3 could also create potential traffic and public safety situations, as drivers could get distracted due to the limited visibility of smaller signs as required by the Sign Code. The Applicant believes that additional and larger signs will allow drivers to view signs from a greater distance to initiate lane change and turns in a safe manner. APPR VED David Yamamoto Harry Kim Director of Public Works Mayor cc: BLD Public Works and Mass Transit Committee Chair (w/attach) County of Ha\waii is an Equal Opportunit.v Provider and Employer.