2008-03-25 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

Home

Applicant Presentation Gayne Sogi of Whittle Signs introduced himself. He stated that the design came from the corporate headquarters, and that their logo including its colors is nationally registered and cannot be changed by law. He said that he did research work for them to make sure that every other aspect of the sign meets the Sign Code. Public Testimony There was no one from the public wishing to testify on this agenda item. Commission Discussion In response to the Commissioners’ inquiry, Ms. Newlon said that there are no provisions in the Sign Code that restrict the number of business names on one sign. Commissioner Harris-Glade noted that having two separate signs would allow for more numbers of colors and fonts. Commissioner Ross asked Mr. Sogi whether he informed his client that no more than 3 colors on one sign are allowed; and Mr. Sogi said that he can’t recall exactly, but if that is in the Sign Code, he believes he did. Ms. Newlon reminded the Commission that those limitations are in the guidelines, but not in the Sign Code. She added that the applicant is occupying two bays of the commercial complex. In response to the Commissioners’ inquiry about the two businesses under one sign, Mr. Sogi said that the order came from Rent-A-Center, and that his understanding is that Cash AdvantEdge is a fairly new part of the Rent-A-Center operations. Commissioner Harris- Glade noted that there is a separate door to each business, and they are not connected on the inside. Commissioners discussed the possibility of splitting the sign into two, so that the applicant would be able to use up to 3 colors for each sign. Mr. Mark reminded the Commission that while the provisions of the Sign Code must be adhered to, the guidelines are in essence a set of recommendations, which allows the Commission to use its discretion. In response to the Commissioner Coats’s inquiry about the proposed sign material in relation to what is recommended, Mr. Sogi stated that he studied the area, and chose what seemed compatible. Commissioner Ogin mentioned that the appropriateness of sign size depends on the speed and quality of the nearby traffic, and that the size of the proposed sign seems appropriate. He added that the property owner is supportive of this sign. In response to Commissioner Coats’s question, he said that to his knowledge this won’t be the only illuminated sign in the building. Commissioners discussed the applicability of the guidelines to the Old Industrial Area, and Mr. Mark talked about the regulation differences between the Kailua Village Core and the Kailua Industrial Subdivision; for example, much larger signs are allowed in the Kailua Industrial Subdivision. Commissioner Ross mentioned that even though the size of the proposed sign does not exceed the maximum limit, his concern is the appearance, which is the subject of the Commission’s stewardship. 3