2009-12-08 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

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The Commissioners agreed that considering the size of the building, the traffic in the area and the Borders sign right below, the sign would look extremely small if the applicant were to comply with the Sign Code requirements. The Commissioners raised a concern, however, about future signs for the same building, and said that the ideal approach would be that the property manager establishes a signage program for all tenants to conform to. It was moved by Commissioner Kern, and seconded by Commissioner Herbert, to recommend to the Public Works Director the approval of the proposed sign as submitted, with the understanding that it will require a variance. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried with five ayes (Kern, Herbert, Au Hoy, Bleck and Ogin) and two absent and excused (Harris-Glade and Saito). Commissioner Ross abstain by the Chair. 2.Design review of a proposed outdoor seating area at the Big Island Grill Restaurant. Applicant: Jennifer Torcato and Hon Ming Wong of the Big Island Grill Restaurant. Land Owners: K Taniguchi, LTD, Miller, Verna LT, S3T, Inc. TMK: 7-5-007:050. Located at 75-5702 Kuakini Highway, Kailua-Kona, HawaiÒi, at the intersection of Hanama Place and Kuakini Highway. Ms. Newlon oriented the Commissioners regarding the subject and surrounding properties on the location map, and described the proposed project. She noted that the project will add to their parking requirements, which can be achieved by re-striping the parking stalls. She discussed her review of the project against the guidelines of the Master Plan for Kailua-Kona, and said that some additional landscaping would improve the visual quality of the proposed outdoor seating area. The Commissioners expressed their concerns about negative effects on the sight from Kuakini Highway, as well as the dinersÓ view to the highway, and suggested that the landscaping be upgraded strategically to mitigate the visual imp The applicant, Hon Ming Wong, was present, and mentioned that the area is already landscaped and somewhat hidden from the highway due to the elevation drop. He also said that this project came about because of requests from customers but was never meant to be permanent; they just wanted to provide some shaded area for diners. 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. Commissioner Bleck made a suggestion that the following recommen Upgrade the chairs used for the proposed outdoor seating area; place potted plants on both sides of the white fences and along the street frontage. Commissioner Ross amended his motion accordingly and Commissioner Herbert seconded. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried with four ayes (Ross, Herbert, Bleck and Ogin), two noes (Au Hoy and Kern) and two absent and excused (Harris-Glade and Saito). 2