2009-11-24 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

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Ms. Newlon described the proposed project on the site plans, noting that it is for the same property as the previously reviewed sign permit application. She said that the project appears to meet the guidelines of the Master Plan for Kailua-Kona, but added that the applicant needs to submit a Special Management Area use permit assessment application. Peter Piper, the applicant, and Jeffrey Foster, the restaurant manager, were in attendance. Clint Sloan, a Kailua-Kona art gallery owner, spoke in favor of the proposed project, saying it will be a great addition to the Ali‘i Drive neighborhood. It was moved by Commissioner Ross, and seconded by Commissioner Herbert, to recommend to the Planning Director the approval of the proposed project as submitted. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried with five ayes (Ross, Herbert, Harris- Glade, Kern and Saito) and two absent and excused (Au Hoy and Bleck). Commissioner Ogin abstained due to a conflict of interest. 4.Possible changes to the Sign Code within the Kailua Village Special District. Presentation and Discussion with the Department of Public Works, Building Division. Chris Domino from the Public Works Building Division made a presentation on possible changes, including establishing three districts within the Kailua Village Special District with different sets of requirements based on the characteristics of the area, as well as modifying the application review process. Debbie Baker, a board member of the Kailua Village Business Improvement District, spoke about their own signage review project within their district, adding her personal note that the Sign Code should be written plainly to be readily understood. Terry Dunlap, an architect in Captain Cook, with some handouts demonstrated how the current size requirements do not allow signs that are suitable for the buildings in some cases, and thus create needs for variances; he said there would not be so many variances necessary, if performance standards – to determine a letter size or character height, using factors such as the distance from the street and the traveling speed of traffic – were implemented. Larry Adams from Aloha Petroleum stated that existing competitors are doing what the Sign Code doesn’t allow his company to do, mentioning as an example that their planned gas station in the corner of Henry Street and Alahou Street is not allowed to have a monument sign for gas prices unless a variance is obtained. The Commission discussed and outlined their possible recommendations to the Building Division, which included the following: In general simplify the Sign Code to make it understandable; define the term “logo”; re-examine the allowable letter height and overall size of signage based on different regional needs; amend the variance section so as to eliminate the involvement of the County Council for sign variance approval, and transfer the authority to approve sign variances to the Public Works Director. Commissioners Harris-Glade and Ogin volunteered to meet with stakeholders in the community to solicit their input. Mr. Domino and the Commissioners agreed that this 3