2009-02-24 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

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went over the modifications they made in an effort to meet the guidelines, adding that the green color incorporated into the building is part of their brand color. In response to Chair Marone’s question, Mr. Adams confirmed that the proposed gas station is in addition to an existing Aloha gas station on Kuakini Highway. Mr. Mark at this time made a comment that the Kona Community Development Plan designates this area for Transit-Oriented Development, and there is an area set aside within this project, which could be a bus stop in the future. Commissioner Harris-Glade queried about the orientation of the gas pumps in relation to the storefront parking lot and traffic flow. The applicants said that the proposed configuration works best out of all options they looked at for this limited area. He also inquired about their future car wash within the same project, expressing his concern if potential approval for the convenience store and gas pumps would make their plan for the car wash firm despite the neighbors’ concerns expressed at a previous Commission meeting. Mr. Adams responded that the car wash is under consideration, but they are not ready to proceed at this time. In response to Commissioner Bleck’s inquiry, Mr. Lyman said that they are not planning to make the building LEED certified. Chair Marone suggested that the blue in their logo, in place of the proposed green, be considered for the trim, as it looks more consistent with the color palette recommended for the Kailua Village Special District. Mr. Adams responded that they can consider the change. In response to the Commissioners’ inquiries about the proposed murals, Mr. Adams said that the murals are one of the options that they explored in order to provide a break in the flat-surface walls, and that although they still have to work out the details, for example, whether it is going to be tiles or artistic paintings, they are asking the Commission to approve the mural concept. Public Testimony Wilda James, a resident of Kalanikai Condominiums, testified that her main concern is additional noise and traffic that would be generated by the proposed project; she elaborated on her experience with an existing car wash on Kuakini Highway about which it took the Department of Health over a year to respond to the nearby residents’ complaints. She also questioned as to why so many gas stations are needed in this particular neighborhood, as there already exist four. Louis Padavan, the president of the Kalanikai apartment owners’ association, reiterated Ms. James’ concern about noise that the proposed gas station and increased traffic would bring to the neighborhood, noting that Kalanikai is right across from the subject property and that there are many elderly residents in the complex. In response to Mr. Padavan’s inquiry, Mr. Adams said that they are considering a 24-hour operation for the gas station. Mr. Padavan testified that although the operating hours have finally been reduced, the existing car wash on Kuakini Highway used to be open 24 hours a day and the noise was 3