2008-01-08 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

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coverage; however, he said having too many trees around to hide the structure would interfere with the transmission. Commissioner Andreae noted that the photos in their submittal indicate the existing palm trees somewhat distract from the towers, and mentioned she would like to encourage the whole region be landscaped. In response to Commissioner Ross’s question as to who is responsible to improve the landscape easement along Queen Kaahumanu Highway, Mr. Mark said that it is generally the property owners’ responsibility. Commissioner Andreae mentioned that it would be in keeping with what the Commission has done in the past to approve with a recommendation that those poles be screened with additional palm trees. Commissioner Ross suggested that a letter be sent to the property owner to request improvement of the landscape easement strip in conjunction with the Highway widening work; and thereby the Commission would create a reference point for any future applications that may come before the Commission, involving the subject property. Commissioner Andreae asked Mr. Turner whether the applicant would consider purchasing a palm tree or two and plant them at their expense with the owner’s consent; Mr. Turner responded positively. Commissioner Ross pointed out that planting the trees would be better, easier and less expensive than maintaining the paint on the pole. Mr. Turner noted that there isn’t space for the trees by the equipment; so they would have to be planted along the Highway and the planting would have to be coordinated with the Highway work. Commissioner Ross mentioned that the widening wouldn’t extend beyond the existing retaining wall. In response to Commissioner Au Hoy’s suggestion to approve the proposed additions with a request to the landlord to enhance the landscaping on the site to help in reducing visual impacts, Mr. Turner said that would be a reasonable condition, and that it wouldn’t be the first time they had to put in some landscaping. He mentioned, however, they are dealing with Crown Castle, and not the landlord. There was a discussion as to how the recommendation can be best addressed in the letter to the applicant. It was confirmed that the Commission doesn’t require the applicant to paint the monopole. Commissioner Andreae raised a question about the flush-mount antennas Mr. Turner mentioned earlier. Commissioner Ross said that once the additional palm trees are in, it wouldn’t matter whether the antennas are extended or flush-mounted; he would rather have the palm trees planted than impose the change. In response to Commissioner Andreae’s inquiry, Mr. Turner said that the problem with a flush-mount system is the capacity to handle rush hour because the capacity is reduced by having fewer antennas. Commissioner Herbert said that the applicant shouldn’t have to make the sacrifice of reducing the performance, since the pole is already unsightly and whether or not the antennas are flush-mounted wouldn’t make much difference. He also pointed out that although the palm trees would definitely help, the pole is still much higher than even fully-grown palm trees; he added that you don’t get the same perspective as seen in the photos submitted by the applicant when you are driving down the Highway. Commissioner Ross raised a question whether it is important to have a landscape plan for the easement strip developed by the property owner, so that the Commission can make recommendations on future applications based on that plan.Commissioner Au Hoy 3