2008-07-08 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

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pointed out that no traffic signalization was planned for that pending intersection. Turning and crossing movements at this new Alahou/Henry Streets intersection would be restricted by the County Department of Public Works for traffic safety reasons. In response to commissioner’s questions regarding consistency with the landscaping theme being applied along both sides of Henry Street between Queen Kaahumanu Highway and Kuakini Highway, staff said that a wide range of planting themes are being developed along both sides of Henry Street by other landowners; these variations were influenced by the varying natures of those developments, including archeological reserves which allowed for little frontage landscaping with trees other than narrow profile palms. Staff explained that all developments were using plants provided on the KVDC’s recommended plant list, and that the requirement for canopy trees was being consistently applied by the County along the entire frontage of Henry Street. Ms. Newlon pointed out that the applicant was requesting that in lieu of one required canopy tree, a cluster of loulu palms be allowed where ocean views from the building is very important to the applicant. Commissioners discussed the use of oleander as one of the proposed hedge plantings, and whether it should be removed from the approved plant list because of the toxicity of the plant’s sap. Commissioners indicated an interest to remove this plant from their approved plant list as part of a future KVDC action. Applicant Presentation Terry K. Dunlap was introduced by staff, and he, in turn, introduced Jim Roachelle and Sean Asmus of Prime A Investments, LLC, owners and developers of the subject property. Mr. Dunlap elaborated on the basic design features presented by staff and noted the proposed size of the logo features for the JIB and Panda Express buildings exceeded the recommended nine inch height but were felt by the applicant to be necessary in this street front location. [Note: signs for this development were not being considered by KVDC at this meeting.] Commissioners and Mr. Dunlap discussed the proposed colors of the Panda Express building. Commissioners expressed dissatisfaction with the number of colors (five versus the recommended limit of three), the intensity (bright red), hue (lavender), and sharp, harsh contrasting effects (black and white checkering) created for trim. Cmmr. Harris- Glade was concerned that perhaps the proposed building itself, by means of its overall color incongruities, was acting as a giant sign. Commissioners indicated that the proposed colors, including that of the outdoor umbrellas, should be simplified and muted to conform to the approved color palette. Mr. Dunlap explained that the lavender color was an essential one to Panda Express, but that all the other colors, including that of the umbrellas, would be modified to conform to the recommended color palette. He also affirmed that all signage, which would be proposed in a later design review application, would conform to the KVDC guidelines. 3