2009-05-26 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

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Staff Presentation Ms. Newlon oriented the Commissioners regarding the subject and surrounding properties on the location map and site plan, and gave them some background information. She noted that the Commission reviewed the proposed renovations on December 11, 2007, and sent a favorable recommendation to the Planning Director, with a couple of recommendations with respect to their choice of landscaping plants. Applicant Presentation The applicant, Gregory Mooers, and the general manager for the King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, Jak Hu, were present. Mr. Mooers gave some additional background information, saying that the submittal they made in December 2007 was not for any specific permits, and that it was to get feedback on their conceptual plan so that they could go forward with the design; they are now requesting a Special Management Area Use Permit. He said that if the permit is granted, the final drawings would then have to go through the plan approval process where any final design issues or changes will be scrutinized and addressed. He also mentioned that the Planning Department issued a Finding of No Significant Impact on the applicant’s environmental assessment on May 8, 2009, and they are waiting for the 30-day challenge period to expire, at which time the environmental assessment will be deemed adequate. With respect to design elements, he said the most significant change since the Commission’s last review is that the porte-cochere will now remain where it is rather than relocating to the back of the hotel. He said that the demolition of the middle area to create a continuous breeze way and the relocation of the swimming pool are basic design elements of the exterior renovation work, and added that the Planning Department has issued an SMA exemption for the interior renovation work. Discussion Commissioner Harris-Glade said that because the subject property is such a significant structure in the Kailua Village, he would like some dialogue to happen between the applicant and the Commission other than just reviewing the final drawings, although he understands the applicant is not ready to do so. Mr. Mooers responded that at appropriate time they will come back to apprise the Commission of their design updates and progress. Commissioner Coats added that she thinks the community appreciates the significance of the King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel as the landmark of the Kailua Village, which adds to the responsibility of the Commission and makes the Commission want to be involved as much as possible. Commissioner Harris-Glade mentioned to Mr. Mooers that since their previous submittal in December 2007 there has been some development with respect to the Kailua Village 3