2009-06-23 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

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The applicant didnÓt see a need to put in a fence nicer than a chain-link type to enclose the area because there is already an existing chain-link fence surrounding the entire property; however, that can be changed at the CommissionÓs request. There is no room for landscaping or real palm trees without taking away the already insufficient church parking. Although the applicantÓs preference is to go on the rooftop, that is very costly since the equipment has to be brought up by a helicopter. In addition the roof of the Huallai Medical Center is not strong enough for that purpose, so the entire roof would have to be torn down according to a structural engineer hired by the applicant. Public Testimony Marni Herkes, a Kona resident, stated that there is a way to put cell towers on buildings, which is the only way to reduce the number of freestanding towers, and that there should be willing building owners since they can collect rent. She said that a cell tower grove is not a possibility since they cannot all be in the same place. She concluded her testimony by saying that she would encourage the Commission and the Planning Department to consider different questions to ask because this is too big of an industry to be ignored and there will be more applications in the future. Discussion Commissioner Ross commented that in anticipation of more of similar applications the Commission/Planning Department should work with carriers sooner than later to figure out how to achieve both goals Î maximize the coverage and minimize the visual impact. Commissioner Bleck inquired of the other Commissioners whether they have noticed the existing monopalm, since he didnÓt know it was there. Chair Coats who was one of the Commissioners who had noticed the monopalm, commented that the fake palm is ironically more obvious since it stands by itself, and shared her sighting in California where a monopalm was well camouflaged with real palms. Commissioner Harris-Glade at this time made a motion to send an unfavorable recommendation to the Planning Director based on the finding that the proposed project does not appear to be consistent with the aesthetics of the Village; he further directed the applicant to seek a more appropriate site. The motion failed with no second. Commissioners agreed that the Planning Department needs to consider an overall plan in the area of telecommunication towers and antennas. Commissioner Ross suggested that the Planning Director send a letter to the main carriers, asking for their input for this effort. Ms. Mettler offered a suggestion, saying that the Planning Department could get developers to incorporate the telecommunication facilities into their plans when they come in for a new subdivision or development, just as they have to address utility services such as water, electricity and telephone. Commissioner Harris-Glade mentioned that the Kailua Village Business Improvement District has a plan to put in gateway structures that are relatively tall and square at major intersections in the Kailua Village, in which antennas could be hidden. Ms. Mettler added that there is a Fiberglas-like material 4