2023-05-23 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

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Location: 75-5683 Ali‘i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Ms. Bugado gave a PowerPoint presentation on the proposed project. She noted that the project is to renovate the existing second floor and add a third floor. She stated that there are no changes proposed to the existing landscaping, existing walls and parking but it will be reviewed during plan approval for compliance. But she did note that the use of the second and third floors as dwelling usage will adjust the parking requirements. There are three proposed units on the second floor and three proposed units on the new third floor. The proposed elevation of the structure is staggered as the structure goes up which is the design element supported by the KVDC Master Plan and the Kona Community Development Plan. Commissioner Lussiaa requested information on the type of rental units this would be. Ms. Bugado stated that there was no information regarding that in the application and that the applicant may be able to answer. Ms. Bugado noted for record that the applicant was not present. Chair Roth noted for record previous submission of Fish Hopper regarding the addition of a third floor – that the original proposal would have been for the expansion of the restaurant seating to all floors. He further noted that this new proposed plan seems to be more reasonable. The addition of six residential units in the core of Kailua would be a good thing. He also pointed out that while there are many issues regarding use of residential units for short or long term rentals, it would not be this commissions roll to comment on. The use of the staggering of the levels also fits in with the village concept. He does note that he prefers the color scheme that is presently utilized, which is green on the top and brown on the bottom rather than the all brown depicted in their color rendering. The two-toned with the lighter color on top gives the impression of a less massive building and it fits with the sort of eclectic nature of the area. Commissioner Greenwell requested clarification of the amounts of units being proposed. Ms. Bugado confirmed the proposal of three units on the second floor and three units on the third floor. Further clarification was requested regarding the parking needs. Ms. Bugado pointed out that the existing plan approval has a mixture of uses on the second floor that will be adjusted with the change to all dwelling usage on the second and third floors. Both Commissioners Greenwell and Kilkuskie disclosed that they have worked with the applicant in the past and have current projects with him as well however they are not involved in this project and have no personal knowledge of the project. Commissioner Ka‘ōpua indicated that he is in favor of this project and feels that this project and the design provides an important link into Kailua and how the community has developed. Commissioner Young questioned the height of the proposed third floor for this zone. Ms. Bugado confirmed that the height requirement for parcels in the resort zoned district (V) is forty-five feet. She also indicated that the height is determined by the design of the structure and because the structure appears to be built on a slope that will also be taken into consideration during plan approval review. Chair Roth also pointed out that the roof of the structure is of a gabled design which also meets the look of the area. Commissioner Lussiaa also indicated that she is in favor of any renovation of these existing structures to bring these buildings back to life. 2 Kailua Village Design Commission May 23, 2023, Meeting Minutes