2021-05-25 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

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The applicant, Scott Ast, introduced himself as co-founder of Impact Wealth of Hawaii LLC, and also introduced Michael Petrosian who was also present. He confirmed that the notice to the surrounding businesses had been mailed out, and that they had not received any response. He also confirmed that they had submitted an electric permit application for the proposed illumination. He stated that their proposal was a side-lit channel, which would not be as bold as the front-lit effect. Commissioner Werchick asked why the applicant needed an illuminated sign while their business was assumed to be operated during the normal business hours. Mr. Ast responded that it was for marketing reasons, as well as for the fact that they often work late hours and have meetings with clients. Chairman Roth opened the floor for discussion and summarized what had taken place with the Planet Fitness signs on the same building in 2019. He recalled that the major points raised during the Commission review were that Planet Fitness had not followed the proper process and installed their oversized signs without the required review or permit, and that the variance approved for the previous tenant did not warrant an automatic approval of the same for the next tenant, which in Chairman Roth's opinion was still valid. He noted that in this case the applicant was following the proper procedure, using a professional sign company. He also said that considering the size of the building and the location being the very edge of the Kailua Village Special District where the adjacent building could have larger signs, the proposed sign size seemed reasonable. He added that he was inclined to support the application. Chairman Roth also commented that he wished that buildings like this would create a master signage plan, as a couple of other projects within the special district had done, which would allow much better and more streamlined sign permit review process as opposed to separate applications from each tenant. Commissioner Werchick commented that he did not have a problem with the proposed size. He reiterated his opinion on illuminated signs that Planet Fitness wanting an illuminated sign was understandable, as they are a 24-hour operation; however, this applicant was a regular-hour business, and while he appreciated their desire to advertise, he was not sure that it was appropriate to add more light and nighttime signage. Commissioner Smith asked if the applicant would consider manually turning the illumination on and off so that it would be on while they were in operation. Mr. Ast responded with his willingness to comply with the Commission's recommendations. However, Commission Werchick questioned how such a promise could be enforced. Mr. Petrosian, introducing himself as co-founder, said that they agreed that signs that shine out would not be desirable in Kona and therefore had thought through it when they chose the backlit design. He said that the backlit design was meant to be subdued and tasteful and to make the sign still legible at night but only from the close proximity. Chairman Roth was of the same opinion that the illumination would be subtle especially in the proposed deep blue colors. Commissioner Ikeuchi agreed with Commissioner Werchick's concern. She recalled how bright and jarring the original Planet Fitness sign had been, and said that the current sign though still illuminated was acceptable because it was quite small. She said that while she recognized the proposed letter height being only about 13 inches, she still had hesitation with supporting the illumination. She asked if the applicant would consider having light pointed at the sign as 3 Kailua Village Design Commission May 25,2021,Meeting Minutes