2022-12-13 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

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and expand the building footprint by approximately 3,000 square feet to 12,325 square feet. She described the design of the new tower and said that the angel statue would be similar to the existing one, and that the element below the statue would have decorative glass to be backlit. She said that this whole tower section of the building would be part of the new variance that is required for this project. She noted that the new monument sign shown on the illustration would require a sign permit application to be reviewed at a later date. Commissioner Greenwell asked if the proposal was to replace the existing statue with another one that was going to be several feet higher. Ms. Newlon responded that her understanding from the application was that the section with decorative glass below the statue is the new addition that would increase the overall height by about 16 feet. There being no further questions of staff from the Commissioners, Chairman Roth called upon the applicant. Mr. Corey Daniels from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints introduced himself and explained the height increase; he said that as part of this major renovation project, they are replacing all the mechanical and electrical systems, and that the additional space in the base of the spire is to house an air handling unit so that it will not be sitting on the rooftop. He further said that they are also trying to keep the height in proportion with the increased square footage of the building. The applicant, Kevin Wilde, concurred with Mr. Daniels' explanation and said he did not have any other items to present. Chairman Roth asked where the existing statue would be on the proposed elevation drawings. Mr. Wilde said in clarification that the existing tower would be demolished completely and not be reused. He then said in response that the new angel statue would start at 79 feet as shown on the elevations; therefore, the existing height of 71 feet, including the statue, would occur within the cupola element below the new statue. Chairman Roth also asked about height change of the main building. Mr. Wilde responded that there would be a slight increase from 20 feet 4 inches to 21 feet. Chairman Roth then asked for an explanation as to why the spire needs to be so much taller while the building itself is not going to be taller. Mr. Wilde responded with three reasons: that some mechanical is added to the base of the spire; that the building is expanded in length, so they try to maintain the proportion of the length versus the height; and that the tower element is modeled after the Honolulu Tabernacle, a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meeting building. In response to Chairman Roth's further question about the backlit element, Mr. Wilde said that it would be like a beacon or a lighthouse,which would fit in the area in their opinion and also fit some of the religious aspects and ideals of the temple. He added that the light would be a gentle backlit technique and would not be emanating from the spire. There being no other questions, Chairman Roth opened the floor for comments and said that he was fine with the proposed expansion of the building to the makai direction, which would not be noticeable from the highway and seems more balanced, and that he was also fine with the monument sign as illustrated, although sign was not part of the Commission review at this time. He said, however, that the added height and the backlit elements gave him pause, and that he was not sure about having the light inside of the spire as opposed to the existing indirect light that just makes the spire glow. Commissioner Werchick shared Chairman Roth's opinion that the horizontal expansion was not troublesome and would be unnoticeable from any distance; however, he would take strong exception to the increased elevation particularly if it was to be 5 Kailua Village Design Commission December 13,2022,Meeting Minutes