2023-03-07 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

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that considering the fact that the application lacks necessary information, as DPWBD's comments point out, and the fact that there is no sign variance application while the proposal clearly requires a variance, he did not think that the Commission could recommend this request to go through; it is a matter of deferral or disapproval in his opinion. Ms. Luga requested that it be deferred. She said that they had been instructed to process this application prior to filing a variance application, which they did, but now that they have specific comments from DPWBD, they will process the variance application. Upon being asked by Ms. Luga, Ms. Bugado confirmed that sign variances are approved or denied by the Director of Public Works, not by the Commission. Chairman Roth commented that while the Commissioners understand that branding is important, they for example did not accept Safeway's sign to go over 36 inches where the brand was also very important and the building was big and far from the roadway; the applicant in this case should take that into consideration when they reassess their signage, and the variance application should be clearly articulated as to the reasons why the variance is necessary. Commissioner Werchick commented that considering the size of the building, he was fine with having a sign by the sixth floor, which in his opinion looks better. He suggested that the applicant consider a variance from the Sign Code limitation of 9-foot above grade in their application. Commissioner Greenwell, agreeing that the size of a sign needs to be proportional to the building size, said that he did not have an issue with the locations or the sizes of the signs, but that he was not fond of the design, which does not feel like Kona to him. He suggested that the applicant reconsider the font or otherwise make it more artistic. Commissioner Werchick commented that the applicant's disadvantage and challenge is with the building, which itself does not look like Kona and is very different from everything else in the village. Commissioner Greenwell, while agreeing on that perspective, suggested some artwork or a mural rather than just the Arial font. It was moved by Commissioner Werchick and seconded by Commissioner Crusat that the Commission defer the application until the applicant can prepare a sign variance application and provide more detailed information. There being no discussion on the motion, a roll call vote was taken, and the motion carried with five ayes (Werchick, Crusat, Greenwell, Kilkuskie, and Roth), and one absent and excused (Kern). ANNOUNCEMENTS Next meeting is tentatively scheduled for March 21, 2023. At 3:22 p.m. Chairman Roth asked if there were any administrative matters. Ms. Bugado informed the Commission that there are four individuals being nominated to the Commission by Mayor Roth: One in the Historic/Cultural Resources Expert category and three in the Business/Property Owners Representative category, two of which would succeed Commissioners Crusat and Werchick, if confirmed. She added that Commissioner Greenwell's reappointment for a full three-year term, who has served less than a year of resigned member's remainder, is also being submitted to the County Council for confirmation. Ms. Bugado also confirmed that the next scheduled meeting date is March 21, 2023. 5 Kailua Village Design Commission March 7,2023,Meeting Minutes