2008-05-27 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

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UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS 1.Revised application for design review of a proposed sign for Rent-A-Center, Inc. Applicant: Gayne Sogi of Whittle Signs. Land Owner: Liliuokalani Trust Estate, and Christopher and Jerry Frankel. TMK: 7-4-015:017. Located at 74-5467 Kaiwi Street, Kailua-Kona, HI, near the intersection of Luhia Street Staff Presentation Ms. Newlon gave a brief overview, noting that the applicant previously came before the Commission on March 25, 2008, and the Commission voted to recommend denial on the basis that the proposed sign was inconsistent with the Master Plan guidelines. Ms. Newlon described the changes the applicant has made to the sign in order to correct the inconsistencies: 1) The background color has been changed to white, which makes the sign blend better with the building, 2) the sign has been reduced in size from the maximum allowable 75 square feet (3’ x 25’) to 51 square feet (3’ x 17’), 3) the number of fonts has been reduced from four to three, 4) the material has been changed from Plexiglas to Pan-a-flex, which is a reinforced flexible vinyl with a low sheen surface, 5) the number of colors has been reduced by eliminating the blue background as well as the yellow letters for the RAC logo, and 6) the product advertising statements for Cash AdvantEdge were removed to comply with the Sign Code. Applicant Presentation Darrell Kadooka, a store manager for Rent-A-Center, Inc. was present and available for questions. Public Testimony There was no one from the public wishing to testify on this agenda item. Commission Discussion In response to the Commissioners’ inquiries about the checklist attached to the application and her assessment of it, Ms. Newlon said that it was filled out by the applicant, and that she doesn’t agree that the red letters on white background is subtle in that so much illuminated light will show through the white background, making it very bright; whereas the original design with blue background will absorb more of the illuminated light, making it less bright. There was a discussion on signage master plans for commercial complexes in the Kailua Village Special District. The advantage of having a master plan and good signage that the Commissioners mentioned included clear guidelines for tenants, streamlined review process by the Commission and overall attractiveness for better business. In response to 2