2008-01-08 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

Home

antennas were hidden by palm fronds, he told her that has to be done in the initial design phase; the cell tower cannot be retrofitted to have fronds attached to it and be able to sustain high winds. Applicant Presentation Kevin Turner who is the site development consultant for Mobi PCS introduced himself. He stated that because the applicant understands the location is such that it is important to lessen visual impacts, they are willing to flush-mount their antennas, which would look like the existing antennas above at the 95-foot level, even though that would reduce the capacity to handle calls. Mr. Turner also stated that the subject site has all three factors they look for for their cell facility: 1) co-location on an existing structure, 2) industrial zone, and 3) the landlord who is willing to rent space. Public Testimony There was no one from the public wishing to testify on this agenda item. Commission Discussion Commissioner Herbert pointed out that painting the existing pole might be problematic since paint doesn’t stay on galvanized surface very well. Ms. Newlon noted that the result might not be noticeable color-wise anyway. Mr. Turner agreed with Commissioner Herbert; he mentioned that the existing galvanized surface is non-reflective, and that none of the four towers in the vicinity are painted In response to Commissioner Andreae’s query about the adequacy of space for the additional ground equipment, Ms. Newlon clarified the proposed location on the site plan, and added that the proposed units are fairly small in size. In response to Commissioner Ross’s inquiry, Mr. Turner clarified that Coral Wireless doing business as Mobi PCS is subleasing space from Crown Castle who leases the property from Luhia Partners. He said that Verizon and Nextel are currently transmitting off the monopole, using the higher antennas and the lower antennas respectively, and Mobi PCS will be the third and most likely the last carrier on the facility. He added, referring to Commissioner Andreae’s earlier query, that there is enough ground space to accommodate their small equipment, which is also state-of-the-art from a safety standpoint as well. Commissioner Andreae asked whether Mobi PCS has a plan to build more towers in Kona. Mr. Turner stated that they haven’t built any towers on Oahu, nor have any plans to build any new towers on the neighbor islands at this time; they have strictly co-located on existing structures. He added, however, that they are currently negotiating with Royal Kona Resort to replace the existing facility on property, which would be another important site to tie in their network. In response to Commissioner Ross’s question as to whether the transmitters require a line of sight, Mr. Turner said that a lot of it depends on the topography, and that although it does provide strong signal, there doesn’t have to be a line of sight to have quality 2