2023-04-25 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

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Ms. Newlon gave a PowerPoint presentation on the application. She noted that the project will be the new location for Lex Brodies Car Wash and Lube Station. Ms. Newlon pointed out the archeological easement on-site and how the applicant has adjusted their project to accommodate compliance. Ms. Newlon pointed out the requirements from the zoning code for the General Commercial (CG) zoning district to operate a car wash. The project will also be required to apply for a plan approval before they are able to get a building permit. Commissioner Young requested clarification from staff of the location of the parcel. Ms. Newlon pointed out the location of the parcel – the corner of Alahou Street and Henry Street, across from the new Safeway Store in the Niumalu Commercial Center. Commissioner Young also asked to see the proposed landscaping plan again and Ms. Newlon pointed out that the applicant is utilizing the recommendations from the Master Plan in the proposed landscape plan. Chair Roth requested confirmation that the landscape plan would need buffer landscaping between the CG district and Residential zoned parcels and Ms. Newlon confirmed that requirement. Commissioner Young requested clarification of the entry access to the parcel. Ms. Newlon pointed out the access points from easement roadways that extends to Henry Street and Alahou Street, there is no direct access of this parcel onto Henry Street. Commissioner Young also requested clarification of connection to the sewer line but was directed to follow that up with the applicant. William McCowatt introduced himself as well as the owner, Mark Leong and the architect Loch Soderquist. Mr. McCowatt reiterated the entry and exists of the project and how the project has tried to comply with the requirements of the archeological easements on the property as well position the buildings and entry/exit points of the car wash to mitigate the noise. Commissioner Young requested the hours of operation. Mr. Leong stated that the hours would be from seven to five, Monday to Saturday and eight to five on Sundays. Mr. Leong also discussed the challenges that has been faced to comply with the shared access easements, the design of the traffic signal, trash at the archeological easement and the homeless. Chair Roth requested clarification on the landscape plan regarding an area that the Architect Mr. Soderquist identified as the buffer area, that will be a hedge and rock wall of varying heights along the property line (this is between the parcel and residential zoning). Mr. Soderquist did acknowledge that there needs to be trees along this buffer but that they are trying to identify trees that will meet the requirements but still allow the residential views toward the ocean to be impacted minimally. Before the application is submitted for Plan Approval it will be decided. Mr. McCowatt and Mr. Soderquist also confirmed the building placement, construction and entry/exit points have been made to mitigate the noise and site of the business activity to the surrounding residents. Mr. Soderquist also discussed the innovation of the car wash system and the differences between this system and the one that the existing Lex Brodies operates. Commissioner Lussiaa requested clarification of what will be built above this proposed project. Mr. Leong pointed out that that would be the proposed hotel. 5 Kailua Village Design Commission April 25, 2023, Meeting Minutes