2008-02-12 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

Home

illegal signs. He also stated that the Department began to confiscate illegal signs on public property, which seems more effective than fines because some businesses would rather pay fines than remove their signs. In response to the Commissioners’ inquiries, Mr. Domino said that the Code for the core area is different from the industrial areas; for example, signs that are suitable for the pedestrian-oriented core area are not appropriate for the industrial areas. In discussing the enforcement issue that recently came to the County Council’s attention, Mr. Domino mentioned that West Hawaii has more of an issue with illegal signs, but the Department cannot enforce it only in one geographical area; it has to be conducted island-wide. The Commissioners asked Mr. Domino to elaborate on his earlier statement that the Code is being revisited; Mr. Domino said that his understanding is that the County Council is looking into some sections of the Code, and the Department is asked for comments as to the nature of complaints the Department receives and what would be most effective. He mentioned that realtor signs, sandwich board signs and temporary banners are the main problems in the Kailua Village area; he noted that businesses tend to keep their temporary banners longer than permitted, partly because they can be larger than the maximum size allowed for regular signs. In response to Mr. Mark’s inquiry, Mr. Domino commented that the Commission’s recommendations are always appreciated, and that the Commission has a major role in keeping things somewhat in order in the Kailua Village community; he suggested that the Commission make recommendations that are legal for everybody to follow. Mr. Domino reiterated that the Council Resolution that was passed last December directs the Department to only enforce signs on public property, which impede public traffic. The Commissioners expressed their concerns about illegal signs on private property. Ideas were exchanged, including the following : 1) involve property managers in enforcing the Code, 2) ask the Chamber of Commerce for their cooperation in getting their members to comply with the Code, 3) recognize or reward businesses that are in compliance, possibly publicly; and for the opposite effect, publicize violators who are fined for illegal signs, 4) remind businesses how it would ultimately affect them to destroy the charm of the Kailua Village by allowing illegal signs, and 5) look into examples of other sign codes that are successful. ANNOUNCEMENT th Mr. Mark announced that the meeting scheduled for February 26 has been cancelled, since the Department received no review applications as of the due date. Mr. Mark also announced that Deputy Corporation Counsel, Amy Self, is available to present thth Sunshine Law training on either March 11 or March 25, since one of the new Commissioners th is not available on February 26. It was agreed by all Commissioners in attendance that the th training be scheduled for March 11, following the Commission’s regular meeting. 4