2008-03-25 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

Home

Commissioner Ross opined that the appearance of the signs might not be a big problem, if they are two separate signs; but as proposed, the two sections don’t flow together. He queried if that was to save the cost. Mr. Sogi said that if he were to design the sign, he would have gone with two separate signs, and explained that the current design doesn’t match the light bulbs that are readily available, which causes a technical problem as well as a higher cost. Commissioner Harris-Glade mentioned that a 25-foot long sign broken only by a line, with no three dimensional character to it, seems too long and flat. In response to Commissioner Harris-Glade’s query, Mr. Sogi said that 25-foot long Plexiglas is available in the mainland; however, he added that the proposed design calls for 2 pieces put together at the point where the black divider line is. In response to Commissioner Harris-Glade’s inquiry, Commissioner Ogin said that there is no overall signage program for the property. He added that to his knowledge there aren’t too many buildings in Kailua Village that have a significant sign program, and that the practice has been that the tenant does what the landlord agrees to on a case-by-case basis. Mr. Sogi noted that there is already a wide range of signs on the subject building. For new Commissioners’ information, Commissioner Ross talked about their past meeting where the Commission was successful in getting a property manager to agree to put a signage program in place. Mr. Sogi informed the Commission of the sign master plan in the Waikiki area. Commissioners had a brief discussion about the adoptability of such sign programs in the Kailua Village. There was a discussion about the options the Commission had in regard to its action on this application. In response to Commissioner Ross’s request, Ms. Newlon repeated the applicable Sign Code requirements and guidelines. Commissioner Harris-Glade noted that the Commission’s action on this application might set a precedent for the entire complex. Commissioner Coats mentioned that another illuminated sign on the same building is much smaller with only 2 colors, and expressed her concern about the large size of the proposed sign. Mr. Sogi noted that since the Sign Code allows up to 75 square feet, they could have two 75-square foot signs, if the proposed one were to be separated. Ms. Newlon pointed out that if it is one business with two functions, only one sign is allowed. In response to Commissioner Harris-Glade’s question, both Ms. Newlon and Mr. Sogi confirmed that the graphics on the storefront, which are shown on the specifications sheet, are not part of this application. For the Commission’s consideration, Mr. Mark recited the signage guidelines for the Kailua Village Special District. Commissioner Ogin reiterated that the area they are considering is not the Village Core, and that the proposed sign is similar to the existing ones in the area. Commissioner Herbert pointed out that there are no existing signs that are as large as the proposed sign, and that the large size would not satisfy the guideline that says, “The overall size and number of signs shall minimally dominate the property or the building it identifies.” Mr. Sogi contended that their sign does not exceed the maximum size allowed under the Sign Code, and that the applicant occupies the largest 4